Why 99% Of Freelancers Suck
And how not to be one of them
Rene G. / @rene_the_hacker / www.rene.is
Becoming
Being
a freelancer...
takes discipline & patience
PS: same applies to entrepreneurs
the ultimate responsibility
is not for everyone
The path to success
Understand The Other Side
What do clients look for in a freelancer?
First of all: It's not always a good fit...
My personal red flags:
- "looking for a job" - mentality
- trying to make the client "happy"
- telling me what and why xyz can't be done
Instead I look for:
- looking to solve a problem
- understand the client's goal and help him get there
- tell me how xyz can be overcome
How do I convince a client to hire me?
What's your (potential) client's
#1 pain?
Thought Experiment:
What's the most annoying thing that can happen after a client hires a freelancer?
Maybe that helps:
That you are not able to deliver!
The truth is: Your client wants you to succeed!
And guess what! They are happy to pay you if...
...if you are:
-
able to deliver (on time of course)
-
clear and precise in communication
-
fully aware of client's pains/problems
Migate your client's risk
Bad:
Overpromise
and underdeliver
Good:
Underpromise
and
overdeliver
Even better:
Shut up,
pre-deliver
+ overdeliver
Shut up = precise and efficient communication
You have to be on the same page as your client.
Remove any friction or room for misunderstanding...
... even when it comes from the client!
Pro Tip: Pre-deliver
(aka stand out of the croud)
You will be ahead of 99% of all your competitors.
Always remember: your work results are your best resume!
Once hired, overdeliver
Even small things matter:
- documentation
- comments in code
- quick how-to video
- changelog
- internal annotations
Questions?
Slides can be found here:
http://rene.is/not-a-freelancer/
freelancers
By rene_gar
freelancers
Why 99% of freelancers suck...and how to become one of them
