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So what about when you're just starting out, OP? When you haven't quite reached the Torvaldian heights of subject expertise in a niche, but you are somewhat com

by ffn 11y ago

So what about when you're just starting out, OP? When you haven't quite reached the Torvaldian heights of subject expertise in a niche, but you are somewhat competent with everything. What's the best strategy for finding / choosing gigs and building your brand then? Also, how long did it take you to reach expertise in your niche area?

pauljarvis 11y ago
1 - great use of "torvaldian" 2 - you can still be picky if you're just starting out and are able to (i.e. rent/food/etc is covered). this helps you define a niche that you want to operate in. niches are important because it's easier to become known or stand out in small group of similar people or companies (instead of trying to stand out for EVERYONE). to find gigs + build an audience, here are few other articles i've written: https://pjrvs.com/a/scratch https://pjrvs.com/a/scratch https://pjrvs.com/a/audience https://pjrvs.com/a/audience i've gone through about 3 niches in the 17 years i've freelanced (pro sports, valley startups, person-as-a-brand online entrepreneurs). each time it's taken about a year to reach critical mass (i.e. many more work offers than i have time for). each time i've been very focused on what i talked abut in original article here. hope that helps!
tomjen3 11y ago
Patio11, back when he still did consulting, charged 30k/wk, primarily by getting close to the value the business provided (e.g optimizing a signup flow on your customers Most Important Website is a lot easier to show will result in $MEANINGFUL_AMOUNT_OF_ADDITONAL_INCOME than building an entire rails app to improve developer productivity, ignoring that the first is easier).
- irrigation 11y ago
  "Patio11, back when he still did consulting, charged 30k/wk" He says, adding heavy draw to an initiative. Absolutely nothing or anyone can validate those incredible claims, though. Every engagement was, to us, like the girlfriend from Canada.
  - minot 11y ago
    If you said you could I increase my bottom line by at least 300k by working on some low hanging fruits that I've missed so far, I wouldn't hesitate to give you $30k... Of course, I'd pay you after I have results though.

by ffn 11y ago

pauljarvis 11y ago

1 - great use of "torvaldian" 2 - you can still be picky if you're just starting out and are able to (i.e. rent/food/etc is covered). this helps you define a niche that you want to operate in. niches are important because it's easier to become known or stand out in small group of similar people or companies (instead of trying to stand out for EVERYONE). to find gigs + build an audience, here are few other articles i've written: https://pjrvs.com/a/scratch https://pjrvs.com/a/scratch https://pjrvs.com/a/audience https://pjrvs.com/a/audience i've gone through about 3 niches in the 17 years i've freelanced (pro sports, valley startups, person-as-a-brand online entrepreneurs). each time it's taken about a year to reach critical mass (i.e. many more work offers than i have time for). each time i've been very focused on what i talked abut in original article here. hope that helps!

tomjen3 11y ago

Patio11, back when he still did consulting, charged 30k/wk, primarily by getting close to the value the business provided (e.g optimizing a signup flow on your customers Most Important Website is a lot easier to show will result in $MEANINGFUL_AMOUNT_OF_ADDITONAL_INCOME than building an entire rails app to improve developer productivity, ignoring that the first is easier).

irrigation 11y ago
"Patio11, back when he still did consulting, charged 30k/wk" He says, adding heavy draw to an initiative. Absolutely nothing or anyone can validate those incredible claims, though. Every engagement was, to us, like the girlfriend from Canada.
- minot 11y ago
  If you said you could I increase my bottom line by at least 300k by working on some low hanging fruits that I've missed so far, I wouldn't hesitate to give you $30k... Of course, I'd pay you after I have results though.