Great article and right on time. I've already gone through step #1 (7+ years FT dev experience in various companies/startups) and plan to break into freelancing

Great article and right on time. I've already gone through step #1 (7+ years FT dev experience in various companies/startups) and plan to break into freelancing/consulting in 2013. I especially appreciated the last part - specialisation - as I'd like to set up shop on one or more niche areas I have most experience with. On the other hand I am less keen on steps #2 and #4; the thought of reconnecting with (the few) old contacts I haven't exchanged a word for years and didn't have much rapport in the first place feels a bit daunting at best, out of question at worst. Linkedin/Meetup groups sound a bit better in theory, though based on past experience I'm not so optimistic.