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Definitely document your time - very well, I like web-based apps like Freshbooks to handle my time tracking and invoicing. Also, make sure your communication/p

by walesmd 18y ago

Definitely document your time - very well, I like web-based apps like Freshbooks to handle my time tracking and invoicing. Also, make sure your communication/planning between yourself and the client is fully documented. Often times what the client says, and what they actually want, are two entirely different things. You may need to fall back on your previous communication quite often - or at least have a place where you can outline "here is what is going to be done." I find the combination of Freshbooks, Beanstalk, Basecamp and Highrise to be unstoppable.

3pt14159 18y ago
I work for FreshBooks, and I second this motion. :) But in all seriousness: 1. Expect to lose money on your first couple projects. 2. Treat your first 10 clients as if they had a 1 in 2 chance of becoming a major deity. I'm not exaggerating at all here. Your first clients will know that they are your first clients (or should know) and they will spread the word if you are good. Be good. Be extra good. Be extra super cost saving, awesome customer service, really nice guy, ran the extra 3 miles, good. Also, stay organized. Make notes about every expense, every 15 minute block billed to client. This was my huge burn when I first started doing my own thing. I figure I have wasted about 4 or 5 grand not being organized. Change orders that didn't get billed because I was "too busy" to keep records tax refunds lost because I could have written off that business meeting lunch. McDonalds has a saying "if you have time to lean, you have time to clean," well apply that to your personal business: "If you have time to breath, you have time to get organized. Actually, just make sure you get organized, even if you don't have time to breath." I would also, personally, find a really good accountant. I know some good ones around Toronto, but if you have a good enough network you should be ok. Accountants pay for themselves, seriously. As for lawyers - in my experience you shouldn't need them. But I'm not you, so ask your accountant.

by walesmd 18y ago

3pt14159 18y ago

I work for FreshBooks, and I second this motion. :) But in all seriousness: 1. Expect to lose money on your first couple projects. 2. Treat your first 10 clients as if they had a 1 in 2 chance of becoming a major deity. I'm not exaggerating at all here. Your first clients will know that they are your first clients (or should know) and they will spread the word if you are good. Be good. Be extra good. Be extra super cost saving, awesome customer service, really nice guy, ran the extra 3 miles, good. Also, stay organized. Make notes about every expense, every 15 minute block billed to client. This was my huge burn when I first started doing my own thing. I figure I have wasted about 4 or 5 grand not being organized. Change orders that didn't get billed because I was "too busy" to keep records tax refunds lost because I could have written off that business meeting lunch. McDonalds has a saying "if you have time to lean, you have time to clean," well apply that to your personal business: "If you have time to breath, you have time to get organized. Actually, just make sure you get organized, even if you don't have time to breath." I would also, personally, find a really good accountant. I know some good ones around Toronto, but if you have a good enough network you should be ok. Accountants pay for themselves, seriously. As for lawyers - in my experience you shouldn't need them. But I'm not you, so ask your accountant.