Thread by @dtanzer

After tweeting that my DMs are open for discussions / questions / ... (thanks @sehurlburt for the nodge to do that), I received a few questions about freelancing.

So here's a thread. [1/9]

I do not think freelancing is necessary more risky than a permanent position. Just risky in a different way. As an employee, you basically bet your near future on a single client. As a freelancer, you *can* spread that risk over multiple clients (don't have to). [2/9]

For me, it is definitely more work (accounting, sales, marketing, generating leads, networking, going to conferences) than perm job. Roughly same pay (long-term average) for me right now (I took some time off). But *way* more Freedom. [3/9]

Freedom's important to me. I can just say "no" to clients, can take vacation or go to conferences without asking anyone (just informing my clients with enough notice), don't have to get a certificate from the doctor every time I get sick, take more paternity leave, ... [4/9]

If you want to get started, get an accountant. Seriously. Taxes are hard.
Get someone who knows the laws regarding setting up a company. Laws are hard, and you don't want to deal with them too much. In my country, the chamber of commerce will consult you for free. [5/9]

Start to do networking, sales and marketing *deliberately*. You will do those things anyway, even if you *don't* do them consciously, so why not read a book or blog post?
stripe.com/atlas/guides/n…
amazon.com/New-Strategic-…
[6/9]

Blog. Speak at user groups, meetups and conferences. Use social media. Stay in touch with people.

Those efforts might take a long time until you can really profit from them financially (sometimes years), so start doing them *now* [7/9]

Getting your first clients can be hard. Start with your network. Ask people you know.
Small consulting / outsourcing companies might open doors for you in bigger comps. Recruiters or freelancing sites work too, but are a race to the bottom: They only compete on price. [8/9]

Raise your prices. Read things about high-value consulting and value based pricing - Especially from @brennandunn and @patio11:

doubleyourfreelancing.com
kalzumeus.com

And that's it for now. If you have questions, DMs still open. [9/9]