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
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