Scott Gledhill on Freelancing
Dec 2, 2008 50 Words
Scott says…
I always heard the advice of ‘having 3 months wages’ saved up before you start your freelance business. This is still the most important thing I ever did before quitting.
Have time to get your life sorted, relax and enjoy the lifestyle of freelancing before things get crazy and most importantly, to turn down work that you feel is not right for you.
About Scott
Scott Gledhill is the co-founder of Molt:n Digital and dabbles in development and design. Scott puts his thoughts down on screen as Standardzilla, his alter ego.
About this Post
This post is one of a series, written by various people within the web industry. They are responses to my request for a maximum of 50 words on the topic of tips for freelance success. You can use the 50 words category to see all the answers so far.
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Tags: 50 Words, freelance, freelancer, freelancing, web designer, web developer, web industry
Kay Smoljak on Freelancing
Nov 25, 2008 50 Words
Kay says…
My best advice for a freelancer is: get an accountant. Accountants are not necessarily expensive, and a sole trader or small firm that remembers you between visits is often best. They can help you get on track with your accounts and taxes right from the start.
About Kay
Kay ditched the corporate grind to start small web development agency Clever Starfish with her partner in 2006, and hasn’t looked back. The cats really run the show, however.
About this Post
This post is one of a series, written by various people within the web industry. They are responses to my request for a maximum of 50 words on the topic of tips for freelance success. You can use the 50 words category to see all the answers so far.
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Tags: 50 Words, freelance, freelancer, freelancing, web designer, web developer, web industry
Grant Young on Freelancing
Nov 18, 2008 50 Words
Grant says…
It may seem simple, but it’s so easy to lose sight of: Cashflow. I learnt the hard way that it’s vital to have basic systems (I use a simple spreadsheet) to give me an up-to-date (weekly) picture of my income and expenses. And if you don’t know what cashflow means - make sure you get your accountant to explain so you can make it happen.
About Grant
Grant is a web native providing consulting services to the non-profit and commercial sector on online tactics and social media.
About this Post
This post is one of a series, written by various people within the web industry. They are responses to my request for a maximum of 50 words on the topic of tips for freelance success. You can use the 50 words category to see all the answers so far.
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Tags: 50 Words, freelance, freelancer, freelancing, web designer, web developer, web industry
A few thanks to share
Nov 14, 2008 Book
I’ve been remiss so far in thanking those who took this book from a few scribbled notes to the great work that hits the shelves soon.
Producing a book is indeed a group effort. I’ve heard that before, but until I had written one, I didn’t understand the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, when it leaves the Author. I’m only one of a team on this.
I’ve got a number of people to thank who work in the publishing team at SitePoint…
Simon Mackie and Chris Wyness, Managing Editors, who expertly steered and managed this project. Simon was the one who first approached me about writing it in the first place.
Toby Somerville and Andrew Tetlaw, who were the Technical Editors for the book. Toby left SitePoint towards the end of my writing, and Andrew quickly took the reigns without any fuss. Thanks to both of you for the advice and encouragement!
Hilary Reynolds, English language editor, who caressed my words into something far more eloquent. I love working with people who love language, and don’t get upset when I misuse it.
Then there are others who helped work on the book, outside of SitePoint…
Friend and fellow Perth local, Myles Eftos, who was the Expert Reviewer, provided me with much needed input and sanity checks.
This website and the illustrations you see in the book are the work of Jay Hollywood, one of the design team at Bam Creative. Thanks Jay!
Also, thanks to Derek Featherstone, Mark Boulton, Molly E. Holzschlag and Stephen Collins who all allowed me their time for interviews in the book - it makes more sense with your input.
I hope you’re all as proud of the end product as I am, and I look forward to some of you reading it for the first time soon!
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Tags: freelancer, freelancing, posf, sitepoint, thanks
Russ Weakley on Freelancing
Nov 11, 2008 50 Words
Russ says…
One of the important aspects of freelancing is dealing with clients.
Establishing and maintaining a good relationship with each client is critical - not only for the current project, but because many future referrals happen by word of mouth.
How do you achieve a good relationship? Be calm and confident. Communicate regularly. Listen. Respond promptly.
About Russ
Russ Weakley is a web designer who chairs the Web Standards Group, produces online CSS-based tutorials and has written a book “Teach Yourself CSS in Ten Minutes”.
About this Post
This post is one of a series, written by various people within the web industry. They are responses to my request for a maximum of 50 words on the topic of tips for freelance success. You can use the 50 words category to see all the answers so far.
If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to the RSS feed!
Tags: 50 Words, freelance, freelancer, freelancing, web designer, web developer, web industry
