Making the Plunge Into Freelancing

Who the Heck is This Guy?David Laietta - @davidlaiettaWordPress Theme DeveloperTechnical Support & EducationSix Years WordPress Design/DevelopmentThree Years *Officially* FreelancingFour Profitable Freelance Only Months Intermediate Perspective

Things to Take Into Consideration Is This Right For Me?Dealing With Clients I’m The Boss!Work Habits – Staying FocusedWhen Do I Need Help? Useful ToolsStaying Connected

Is This Right For Me? Irregular IncomeWork/Home Life BalanceClient RelationsDo Your Research

Business Costs and Living ExpensesAvailable MarketFilling a NicheTime Constraints

Working With Clients: Who’s the Boss?“The Customer is Always Right”Know When to Say NoSet Working Hours & Stick to ThemUser Intermediary Services if NeededMaintain Honesty and AccountabilityKeep Clients Happy Within ReasonGarner Repeat Business and

Testimonials/Word of Mouth Marketing

Staying FocusedRemove Distractions

Maintain a Working EnvironmentIterate on ProductivitySeparate Office from HomeDifferentiate Between On & Off Time

Stick to a RoutineFind Your MotivationSet Regular Goals – Daily/Weekly/Etc.

Can’t Do It AllBuild Your Support TeamBuild Mentor RelationshipsEstablish Network Fees/BartersKnow Your WeaknessesFill Gaps in Knowledge/SkillDelegate to Maximize Your ImpactDon’t Overextend PromisesLearn on the Job

Tools of the TradeTrack Your Time – Internal and External

HarvestTime Doctor

Keep Detailed FinancesFreshbooksIntuit

Manage Projects IntelligentlyBasecampPodio

Stay ConnectedAttend Conferences, (Good) Networking

Events, MeetupsKeep Tabs on Industry LeadersMake Time for Constant LearningMake Time to Enjoy Yourself!