24 More Freelancing Tips
Only because we posted a list of 22 tips and habits from successful freelancers a few days ago, we’ve got 24 more for you.
Always get at least 25% in advance
Clients almost never know what they need. For example most people want to have a website for all the wrong reasons. Because their competitor made a website, because they read on a magazine that they should have a website and a million of other wrong reasons. The same goes for other industries such as publishing, graphic design and marketing.As a result they may decide at any time that they want something completely different, or even that they are not interested in your product at all. By having them pay some money they “can’t” cancel the project or ask you for major changes.
In conclusion: Don’t spend a single second on a project you haven’t received money for (of course that excludes demos and previews). If a client refuses to pay at least 25% in advance don’t even bother considering him a client. I take 30% in advance and most people I know take 35% so 25% should be the minimum for every professional that respects himself.
Again, I’d like to ask how all you freelancers are coping. What are some pitfalls that you’ve fallen into?
24 Freelancing tips (or the alphabet of a freelancer) – [MainFrame]
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Comments
Cassavera says on July 12th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Great article. Even though I am not a freelancer there are good tips and applications for anyone (and in a way, everyone is a free lancer in their personal lives – people, and yourself are always giving you projects and demanding your time)
I especially liked the last tip, advising people to stop reading and start experimenting and doing. I love reading these lifehack/productivity articles but only recently have started implementing what I read with conscious effot and discipline. It has made a big difference in the way I view and think about what I have read.
The tip about claiming and protecting your personal time, even if it means muting the phone on your client, was also golden.
William Profet :: OneJobTwoSalaries.com says on July 14th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
I am a freelancer and an entrepreneur myself and I have felt each one of the described situations. The tips are practical and useful. I like them and I am going to use them. :)
Boston SEO Freelancer says on September 20th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Well said. Thank you for this post. You know what’s so sad really? All these things that we’ve been doing for years is now “new” by all the people who weren’t involved the first time around. As I write about, there’s nothing really new here. And then you try and tell them it’s not new (or useful for that matter) and all they do is flame back at you.
Professional Freelancer says on November 7th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Check another interesting article:
http://cg-india.com/guide-tips-freelancers.html