Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, S Corporations, Limited Liability Company (LLC) Business License/Taxes Federal, State, Local Accounting Record keeping
as advisor and preparer. (323) 254-6299 "intention to make money " separates a hobby from a side job, self-employed or other income. Keep receipts for all purchases and record your auto mileage often. Seek to educate yourself about taxes: reporting requirements, allowable deductions, accounting for income, sales, inventory. Different businesses have different focus, consulting different than sales, etc.
SBA: Starting a Business https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/ starting-managing-business/starting-business NOLO Books: -The Small Business Start-Up Kit for California By Peri Pakro -Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants by Stephen Fishman
Vision 3. Definition of the Market 4. Description of the Products and Services 5. Organization and Management 6. Marketing and Sales Strategy 7. Financial Management 8. Conclusion
Entrepreneur.Com http://www.entrepreneur.com/ article/247574 Small Business Administration https://www.sba.gov/writing- business-plan Glossary of Terms: http:// www.businessplans.org/glossary.html Book - NOLO: How to write a Business Plan. By Mike McKeeve
required to use the WordPress or WordCamp name or logo as part of any project, product, service, domain or company name.. The abbreviation “WP” is not covered by the WordPress trademarks and you are free to use it in any way you see fit. When in doubt about your use of the WordPress or WordCamp name or logo, please contact the Foundation for clarification. Take from http://wordpressfoundation.org/trademark-policy/
Clients’ Referrals Branding: Business Plan, Logo, Elevator Pitch, Business Card, and WordPressWebsite Article: http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/10/the-art-of-branding-yourself-and-your-freelancing- business/ WordPress Business Coach Blogs: Chris Lema - ChrisLema.com Wes Chyrchel - WesChyrchel.com
Twitter: @webtw “Blog / SEO: I was able to get a lot of clients initially through a well SEO-ed site, and consistent blogging. A blog is not only great for SEO but also 'proof of concept' - showing clients you know what you're talking about. It can be time consuming but I highly recommend it, especially if you are not good at, or don't enjoy, in- person networking.”
when you are Bartering and doing Pro Bono Work. Do not start work till a contract is signed and you have cashed the deposit. Documentation: Follow up each meeting with a email summarize what was discussed. Keep a notepad with you at meetings to take quick notes or to sketch out ideas.
“Learn to say no. Don’t take work that you are not comfortable in doing just because it’s income. Trust me, it’s empowering to pass on work that in your gut you know you shouldn’t do.”
try to care for a baby alone and freelance. Life is too short for that. Find child care. Your baby and your sanity will thank you.” –Mauri Rummel Freelance Developer (and Mom) http://justmauri.com
much as you can via automation. I like using Harvest because it's a simple time and task tracker that can generate your invoices in just a couple mouse clicks, and it emails your client a link to pay you online via PayPal payments (50 cent transaction fee no matter how much the invoice is for). I never had to think about billing and could focus on my work
Don’t undervalue your services.. i.e. if you are building your side biz while you have a ft job, thats great.. but it doesn’t mean you are “cheaper” then others. Value is value. Simple as that. FreshBooks.com creator has a great ebook (free) that talks about value vs hourly pricing. I can send you the link / pdf if you want it. Client Communications are vital. Be clear on when you will get back to people. Also if you are busy say so. i.e. “..I’m currently booked until X date.. if you are willing to wait I would love to discuss your project at that time…” No reason to add stress to your life.
@webtw Don't forget to charge for the hidden costs. Whether you bill hourly, or per project, you're probably under- charging. Don't forget there are a lot of hidden costs - it's not just the work you have to do, but also communicating with the client, which can be an annoying time suck if you don't manage it. So you need to decide how you are going to charge for that and communicate it to the client. -Are are certain number of phone hours included in the project cost? -Will you charge for excessive emailing? -How do you like and expect to be communicated with? -Do you prefer phone or email? What are your 'business hours' during which they can expect a response? -If they have an "emergency" outside of normal business hours, do you have an increased rate to reflect that? These hidden costs will drive you nuts and can eat away at your earnings.
niche market. In a world of too many web developers, it sets you apart. Also, it's easier to sell to a few people than it is to sell to everyone. Don't be afraid to say no to potential clients who are giving you red flags. Your intuition is right. For every no, there are 2 better ones on the way. Become a really good listener. People will buy from the web developer they think understands them the best.
with regards to content - is inputting content part of the scope of your project or entirely the client's responsibility? Usually I will import old content from an existing site and clean it up, but I don't add new content for the client (the idea is to make a site that is really easy for the client to update so that I don't have to). Have a process for handing off a new site to the client - screencasts are a great way to show how to use the site and cover a lot of ground that would otherwise result in heavy support requests
sure next steps are always clear and discussed Have a weekly set meeting so there are no surprises later if you haven't communicated with client in weeks. Get on the phone to save time going back and forth on emails.
hours for client work. I know freelances hate hearing about operating hours but personal tasks have a way of sucking up valuable time. A trip to the grocery store and a Target run can make a eight hour day into five very easily. Your most difficult clients will be the ones you do work for free. They will never respect your time and will keep asking for more. Don’t work for free. Its always okay to say "I don’t know" when asked about something unfamiliar, but you should always follow up with either "I will find out" OR "I will find you someone that knows"
Thank them, and buy them coffee. Network. Know people who do good work and know their rates. Know when to outsource. Be kind to yourself. Life happens. Take Metal Heath days off.
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