WordCamp Atlanta 2013 Talk - "Making The Plunge Into Freelancing"

1. Making the Plunge
Into Freelancing

2. Who the Heck is This Guy?
 David Laietta - @davidlaietta
 WordPress Theme Developer
 Technical Support & Education
 Six Years WordPress Design/Development
 Three Years *Officially* Freelancing
 Four Profitable Freelance Only Months
 Intermediate Perspective

3. Things to Take Into Consideration
 IsThis Right For Me?
 Dealing With Clients
 I’m The Boss!
 Work Habits – Staying Focused
 When Do I Need Help?
 Useful Tools
 Staying Connected

4. Is This Right For Me?
 Irregular Income
 Work/Home Life Balance
 Client Relations
 Do Your Research
 Business Costs and Living Expenses
 Available Market
 Filling a Niche
 Time Constraints

5. Working With Clients: Who’s the Boss?
 “The Customer is Always Right”
 Know When to Say No
 Set Working Hours & Stick to Them
 User Intermediary Services if Needed
 Maintain Honesty and Accountability
 Keep Clients Happy Within Reason
 Garner Repeat Business and
Testimonials/Word of Mouth Marketing

6. Staying Focused
 Remove Distractions
 Maintain a Working Environment
 Iterate on Productivity
 Separate Office from Home
 Differentiate Between On & Off Time
 Stickto a Routine
 Find Your Motivation
 Set Regular Goals – Daily/Weekly/Etc.

8. Can’t Do It All
 Build Your Support Team
 Build Mentor Relationships
 Establish Network Fees/Barters
 Know Your Weaknesses
 Fill Gaps in Knowledge/Skill
 Delegate to Maximize Your Impact
 Don’t Overextend Promises
 Learn on the Job

9. Tools of the Trade
 Track Your Time – Internal and External
 Harvest
 Time Doctor
 Keep Detailed Finances
 Freshbooks
 Intuit
 Manage Projects Intelligently
 Basecamp
 Podio

10. Stay Connected
 Attend Conferences, (Good) Networking
Events, Meetups
 Keep Tabs on Industry Leaders
 Make Time for Constant Learning
 Make Time to Enjoy Yourself!