Article
Interview With An Experienced Freelancer
Life as a Freelancer
Are you happy that you decided to work for yourself instead of finding another job or changing careers? Is there more or less stress?
I’m very happy with my decision. I don’t know if there’s more or less stress. Maybe there’s another kind of stress, since I’m now responsible for everything. On the other hand, if things go well, the reward is so much bigger than what I’d see as an employee.
How do you manage the pressure of meeting all your deadlines and, at the same time, worrying about the business that might not be coming in?
Even if you are under pressure of tight deadlines, you need to keep thinking of your acquisition strategy. I like to visualise this in 5 phases:
- There are potential new clients you have to contact (keep a list).
- There are proposals (more than one) sent out to (potential) clients that need a follow up.
- There are deals about to be signed.
- There are jobs that you are currently working on.
- There are jobs that are about to be finished.
As long as there’s something going on in each phase, you’re ok. If not, you know exactly what you have to do.
Do you have a social life? How do you go about managing the demands of life, work and play?
I usually work 4 out of 5 business days so that I can spend every Tuesday with my daughter. I sometimes do bits and pieces at night and during weekends, but I don’t see that as a burden. Financial stuff and following up on emails can be easily done at night, as can reading tutorials and Web design-related books.
I normally spend weekends with my family and friends.
I don’t feel that I have to “manage the demands” of life, work and play. It comes pretty naturally, as long as I have some ‘me time’ in which I can study jazz guitar, play in a band, and browse Ebay for vintage Ibanez guitars.
What’s the best thing about running your own freelancing business? And what’s the worst?
Fun is the best thing about running your own business. What could be more fun than doing what you like to do and getting paid for it?
I can imagine that not getting any work for a long period of time is pretty stressful. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced that as yet.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about going out on their own and being a freelance designer for a living?
Take enough time to prepare for the actual start of your freelancing career. I once attended a sales training where the trainer said that a good preparation is 90% of the success.
Write a business plan. Even if you don’t need it to convince banks or investors to give you a loan, it really forces you to think about all aspects of your business. When it comes to the financial part, be realistic about predicted earnings, margins and profit.
Also, talk to others who took the step. They don’t have to be in the same line of business -- you can learn from every entrepreneur!
SitePoint thanks John for taking part in the interview. We wish him all the best for the future! Visit John at http://www.muijen.nl.