Freelancing for Freelancers

@ricksconcepts

Who is this guy?

@ricksconcepts

  • My name is Rick Shaw
  • Web Designer for Francis Tuttle Technology Center
  • Owner of Ricks Concepts (freelancing gig)

Why is this guy talking to us?

@ricksconcepts

Freelancing is a fun but stressful gig.

Knowing how to handle clients & the administrative side can help ease the mind

Key tips to remember for freelancing

@ricksconcepts

  • Make a Contract
  • Set boundaries with clients
  • Have a plan
  •  Be official 

Contracts Schmontracts

@ricksconcepts

@ricksconcepts

Gives a solid foundation on what to expect from both parties involved

Details a payment schedule

Signed by both parties making it legally binding

Shows the client that you're serious on what you plan on delivering

@ricksconcepts

If you can, have a lawyer (doesn't matter what kind)

look at your finished contract.

Sites that have good starter templates

Personalize the contract, make it your own, but don't get crazy because it still needs to make sense.

Web Design Law

Smashing Magazine

Draw a line in the sand

@ricksconcepts

@ricksconcepts

Not sure what I mean?

24 hours in a day

24 - 23.94 = .06
2423.94=.0624 - 23.94 = .06

23.94 hours the client wants of your time

.06 hours left for your own sanity

@ricksconcepts

Pro Tips for Boundries

Set specific communication times for:

  • Support
  • phone calls
  • project progress

Don't give out your personal email

Remember that this is business and not personal. Don't be afraid to be upfront, clients will/should appreciate the honesty.

@ricksconcepts

Quick Personal Story

Roadmap to Success

@ricksconcepts

@ricksconcepts

Know where you're going

@ricksconcepts

Tools to use to keep on track

Asana

a project management platform

Lucidchart

diagrams and other tools

@ricksconcepts

Communication

It's a funny thing but people like it when you talk to them........

Talk to your client(s), give them status updates, let them know how the project the paid for is going

Look the part that you want to be

@ricksconcepts

@ricksconcepts

Pro Tips for being Legit

Be registered with the state and feds as a business

Have professionally styled invoices via PayPal or Quickbooks

Quality Business Cards with your name, phone number, email address, and website

@ricksconcepts

Important Sites

Quickbooks

OK Secretary of State

Paypal

IRS

Fin

@ricksconcepts

Freelancing for Freelancers

By Rick Shaw

Freelancing for Freelancers

Refresh OKC talk about Freelancing on 26Oct16

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