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The next time you think about using a platform / marketplace for freelance work just repeat this to yourself: "I should spend a large portion of my life to bec

by nickjj 8y ago

The next time you think about using a platform / marketplace for freelance work just repeat this to yourself: "I should spend a large portion of my life to become an expert in my craft, and then I should agree to have my privacy stripped away from me while I race to the bottom and undercut my competition because I will actively place myself into situations where I have the highest competition to ensure I receive the lowest rates. Lastly, I will bust my butt and bend the world to satisfy clients who take advantage of me." Then it starts to make total sense on what you should avoid them like the plague. Really, just put in the leg work and build up your own network[0]. It's so worth it. [0]: https://nickjanetakis.com/blog/how-to-start-a-successful-freelance-business-as-a-software-developer https://nickjanetakis.com/blog/how-to-start-a-successful-fre...

duxup 8y ago
And a good network helps you find the "good customers". Picking good customers / learning how to and etc is such an important thing... for everyone. Individuals and businesses alike, regardless if you're a freelancer or not.
matz1 8y ago
Its not for everyone.
- eropple 8y ago
  It isn't--but if you aren't prepared to do it, the freelancer sites will eat you alive before you get off the ground anyway.
VonGuard 8y ago
Seriously, this guy knows what he is talking about. Building that network is hard and not fun, and if you are introverted, it's really tough. So do it online in IRC, Slack, or on open source projects or forums! 90% of a freelancer's job is finding their clients. The 10% that's the work is actually easy since you usually know what you're doing, and everything that is required. Finding clients is scary and difficult and uncomfortable. But it's 90% of the job, dammit! If you don't like that, likely you should find other ways of working.
ibeckermayer 8y ago
Good article, thanks for sharing

by nickjj 8y ago

duxup 8y ago

And a good network helps you find the "good customers". Picking good customers / learning how to and etc is such an important thing... for everyone. Individuals and businesses alike, regardless if you're a freelancer or not.

matz1 8y ago

Its not for everyone.

eropple 8y ago
It isn't--but if you aren't prepared to do it, the freelancer sites will eat you alive before you get off the ground anyway.

VonGuard 8y ago

Seriously, this guy knows what he is talking about. Building that network is hard and not fun, and if you are introverted, it's really tough. So do it online in IRC, Slack, or on open source projects or forums! 90% of a freelancer's job is finding their clients. The 10% that's the work is actually easy since you usually know what you're doing, and everything that is required. Finding clients is scary and difficult and uncomfortable. But it's 90% of the job, dammit! If you don't like that, likely you should find other ways of working.

ibeckermayer 8y ago

Good article, thanks for sharing