Comments on: The World’s Top Freelancers Share their Secrets

By: Peggy Bechko

Peggy Bechko — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:46:34 +0000

Never give up, never stop, never be discouraged and don’t let the naysayers get you down.

By: Katia

Katia — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:30:14 +0000

Business: I always ask for a signature and a deposit. It will NEVER annoy a clean client. And as they already have paid something, they won’t let the project aside and be more reactive when you need them.

Creation: always keep updated, never think you know it all, there is always something to improve, more books to read, more websites to experience, more blogs for tips etc…

At the end of a project, take a whole day to work on something else. When you’ll open the project again the next day, the changes to make or not will be all clear.

By: Ram mane

Ram mane — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:36:18 +0000

hi sir,
I like your blog. it was nice. Ram Mane. working in a firm as a web designer. i am working from last 3 years. I know html, css, javascript, joomla, wordpress, php.
now i am thinking to start carrier in freelancing. will u guid me how to go ahead?

By: 100 Must Read Freelance Intelligence Tips & Tricks | Inspired Magazine

100 Must Read Freelance Intelligence Tips & Tricks | Inspired Magazine — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:16:16 +0000

[...] The World’s Top Freelancers Share Their Secrets [...]

By: Jay Philips

Jay Philips — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:03:33 +0000

1. Don’t overbid/underbid the project
2. Go after projects that you can actually do
3. Get everything in writing
4. Don’t go out and buy all the fanciest equipments. Get what you need to help you get your job done
5. Set aside time every day to network, via LinkedIn, Twitter, FaceBook, etc.
6. Research companies around you, including your competition.

Happy Freelancing!

By: Nick Cron

Nick Cron — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:20:53 +0000

Make sure to get agreement from the client on items they will be responsible for. Small businesses often have big plans but little follow through when it comes to getting tasks completed.

Make sure you have an agreement (contract/SOW) that clearly defines when the project is completed and payment is due.

Also, get at least 30% up front.

By: Karl Foxley

Karl Foxley — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:55:51 +0000

I’m in total agreement with TheAdamJanes who says “it is best to get half the amount before and half after!”.

This seems to work best for the people I have worked with and who are working as freelancers.

By: TheAdamJanes

TheAdamJanes — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:09:02 +0000

From my experience, when charging a client, it is best to get half the amount before and half after. This helps us as freelancers keep our income rolling; plus, this way you know he won’t back out after you spend time on doing a good project.

By: Brian Artka

Brian Artka — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:00:20 +0000

It seems mixing hours and your total estimate for clients is NOT a good mix. I’m not sure how others are doing estimates, but once a client correlates hours to the estimate, it always seems to go south.

Lesson learned here: Get the expected budget for the project as soon as you can.

If a client is thinking $1000 for something… and you estimate $2500; you probably wasted your time preparing the proposal and estimate.

This is an extremely tricky subject, and I am sure it could be debated endlessly, by the freelancer and the client.

The Bottom Line: You know what your time, effort and expertise are worth. Don’t kid yourself.

By: Nathan Sarlow

Nathan Sarlow — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:35:26 +0000

1. You are the professional, so make your answers seem that way. Own the project or the client will own you.

2. Give yourself set hours and generally stick to them (as you would an office job). Its easy to fall into the trap of working a 90 hour week, but it doesn’t do you any good.

2b. If you work from home, get up and get dressed to go to work in the other room. It starts the day off more professionally & productively.

3. Always reply to inquiries ASAP.

4. Build up a good network of colleagues who can take on overflow work. You never want to turn a job away – you never know what they will need in the future.

5. Keep track of your quotes. That way, you can see what you quoted their friend 12 months ago.

6. ALWAYS get a 30%+ deposit. Once clients are invested in the project they won’t want to screw you around (as much)

6b. Never, ever, ever send through any vector or final art, or send a job off to print until the fees have been received.