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Usually, the problem for freelancers isn't the actual development part of the job; it's personal/job/client management. You need to be very disciplined: 1.) Kn

Usually, the problem for freelancers isn't the actual development part of the job; it's personal/job/client management. You need to be very disciplined: 1.) Know how to create/hit your goals & estimates 2.) Know when/how to say NO 3.) How to cover-your-ass, etc. If you can do that, and you're half-decent at the development (and finding development talent you lack), you'll be better than the majority of people out there.

gry 16y ago
2) Upvoted. I started three years after my first full-time gig (I was 25 at the time). I got into more trouble because I didn't say no and then had to manage the client management.
wallflower 16y ago
Do you have any personal systems/software/client management philosophies you recommend? Basecamp works wonders for me, even though it is simple.
- nickpinkston 16y ago
  Honestly, I'm not freelancer, but I know a lot of them. However, my startup has a lot of the same elements. I use pretty primitive tools: gCal, gTasks, gDoc for a "ghetto-CRM" & other customer/leads lists, etc. I don't think it's really a tools issue; it's really a personal discipline one. It's very difficult to keep it all straight, but a lot of it is really just being anal and working habits into your lifestyle. I'm still trying to perfect my habits, but a big part is discipline - even though it's not as easy as a just changing "tools". However, I'd have to say that having a smartphone changed my life for better this way. I can use my impulsiveness to check my tasks/calendar/docs from anywhere so it's at the front of my mind.
mcknz 16y ago
One way to set these expectations up front is to think of possible scope changes before the client does -- list those items as "excluded" in your contract or estimate. If the client then decides to add any excluded items, you can raise the price or extend the deadline accordingly.

gry 16y ago

2) Upvoted. I started three years after my first full-time gig (I was 25 at the time). I got into more trouble because I didn't say no and then had to manage the client management.

wallflower 16y ago

Do you have any personal systems/software/client management philosophies you recommend? Basecamp works wonders for me, even though it is simple.

nickpinkston 16y ago
Honestly, I'm not freelancer, but I know a lot of them. However, my startup has a lot of the same elements. I use pretty primitive tools: gCal, gTasks, gDoc for a "ghetto-CRM" & other customer/leads lists, etc. I don't think it's really a tools issue; it's really a personal discipline one. It's very difficult to keep it all straight, but a lot of it is really just being anal and working habits into your lifestyle. I'm still trying to perfect my habits, but a big part is discipline - even though it's not as easy as a just changing "tools". However, I'd have to say that having a smartphone changed my life for better this way. I can use my impulsiveness to check my tasks/calendar/docs from anywhere so it's at the front of my mind.

mcknz 16y ago

One way to set these expectations up front is to think of possible scope changes before the client does -- list those items as "excluded" in your contract or estimate. If the client then decides to add any excluded items, you can raise the price or extend the deadline accordingly.