Re: UKNM: Going Freelance

[Steve Johnston]

Lois' elegant list of advice is something I wish I'd had the benefit of

prior to the two stints of freelance I have 'enjoyed'. Her point about

lifestyle though is absolutely critical to the question of 'to freelance or

not to freelance'.


There are fundamental flaws in the freelance life which you need to embrace

if you are to make a success of it.


1. Be prepared to accrue absolutely no value.

It is a hand to mouth existence, you have nothing to sell at the end of it

and nothing to own. Along with Lois's prudent sequestering of VAT and Tax,

tuck away those healthy pension contributions. If you plan to be a

freelancer for the foreseeable future then bear in mind it is a lifestyle

business (one that clearly suits Lois) but you ain't ever going to get rich.


2. Be prepared to be forgotten.

I have found it impossible not to immerse myself in a business in order to

establish how best to help it - this is primarily on strategic work - and

with that immersion comes a sense of emotional belonging (call me a softie).

When the project is over and they stop paying your fees they will never

volunteer contact again. They always resented paying you anyway, and the

politics of business will ensure someone else will seek to own the credit

for your good work. The separation and lack of information on progress is a

bereavement.


Freelance life is a great way to fill a gap or to allow you time to plot

your evil empire - as I am - but as a career move take care. It can be

lonely and it does require you to be that all round business person as well

as that practitioner of your skills; some people find this very difficult.


Good luck,


Steve.

----------------------------------------

stevejohnston [dot] co [dot] uk

t: +44 (0) 7050 6050 33

f: +44 (0) 8707 3455 33

----------------------------------------


----- Original Message -----

From: Lois Grayson <

loisgdialstart [dot] net

>

To: <

uk-netmarketingchinwag [dot] com

>

Sent: Monday, October 02, 2000 9:22 PM

Subject: UKNM: Going Freelance



> All very sound advice - I made the leap 6 years ago and it's been worth

it.

> My additional advice is:

> 1. Keep hard copy/print out samples and keep your portfolio up to date

> (sites can go down as well as up)

> 2. If you do a great job immediately ask for a testimonial - this once won

a

> court case for me


[Sam says: msg chopped]



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