Tools - Starting Out

How to pluck up the courage? How to get going quickly? What are the basics you need in place? Any pitfalls to avoid? What are the obstacles and how do you get past them?

We need your input, please see below some thoughts from previous years, please add your comments and thoughts to help eachother.

DaveChaplin 2010-09-28 17:07
1. Your CV has 10 seconds to convince the reader you're superhuman. No life stories. Target it, and have mutiple versions.

2. Clients aren't interested in helping you develop your career. It's all about them, and how you can help them.

3. Develop some sales and negotiation techniques. Take courses if need be. There's nothing clever about being the smartest contractor out of work, or on the lowest rate. 

4. Learn the basics of contract law, so you know what to do if things go wrong.

5. Don't burn bridges.

Always keep in mind that your client is neither your employer nor your mother and therefore don't get too comfortable.

Use a simple customer satisfaction form every 3/6 months to get feedback about your performance from the client. This is a great way to get testimonials that you can use in your CV and other sales material. It also helps direct your own personal development and training plans.

There are four reasons why you don't get the job

1. You don't have enough proven experience to do the work
2. You don't have enough industry certification
3. You don't have enough academic qualification
4. Your face doesn't fit.

Getting contracts is about removing each of those obstacles, focus on your worst point and make it better!

Frank G 2010-09-02 17:14
I think it depends very much on what field you intend to freelance in, but it is easy to delay and make excuses about not being sufficiently prepared. Also, if you are working as a sole trader as opposed to a limited company it is even easier to get started. I'd say if you have a clear idea of what you want to be doing, the skills to do it, and you have a financial buffer in place, just jump in and give it a go. I honestly think one of the biggest hurdles to starting out is worrying too much about being prepared. It can't hurt to read a few guides and talk to people, but when it comes down to it if you're suited to freelancing, you'll soon find out. If not then you can always just find yourself a regular job - nothing wrong with that. Long story short, just get out there do it.