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Which in turn reminds me that project managers working with freelancers are often far, far better at negotiation than are the freelancers.
by biesnecker 14y ago
Which in turn reminds me that project managers working with freelancers are often far, far better at negotiation than are the freelancers.
- sopooneo 14y agoTo your point, early in my career I made way more money working through a middleman than I did freelancing directly for clients. It was also much less stressful.
- biesnecker 14y agoInteresting. When I was doing more client work I wanted to do something like that, but was never able to suss out exactly how to find such a middleman. I was a lot younger and (I'd like to think) less savvy then, though.
- scarecrowbob 14y agoI do most of my work through agencies in Austin, TX... It took about a year to build up a good hourly rate reliably... this was done mostly just by being fast, available, and good and always keeping an eye on the next project. At this point, I know several people who are able to make money off me, and that has always been my goal as a freelancer, more than anything. The agencies I freelance with all recognize that I'm as reliable as an employee but far cheaper as far as total cost, so they have a better margin on work they do with me. And even though I'm charging quite a bit, since they are charging a markup on my time... well, it's just a lot nicer for everyone. If I raise my rates, they make more money (within reason, of course).
- at-fates-hands 14y agoThis makes sense considering most PM's I know used to be in sales. Funny thing, after spending many years in sales before becoming a developer, I can see these techniques coming a mile away. Sometimes I employ "power negotiating" skills and have some fun just to stay sharp. Here are some of those techniques: http://www.negotiatingguide.com/negotiation/powerarticle.htm http://www.negotiatingguide.com/negotiation/powerarticle.htm