Lessons Learned by a New Consultant

Slides prepared for DevLearn11 - this session addresses individual readiness for making a transition from a traditional employment arrangement to being a successful freelancer. I discuss tools, resources, and strategies to make your transition - and your new life - easier. I'll also share tips and resources for addressing frequently asked questions such as, “How do I know when the time is right for me to leave my job?” “How do I scope projects?” “How do I get new clients?” "How much do I charge?"

Transcript

1. Presented by Trina Rimmer
2. Presented by Trina Rimmer Session Run-Down  The Whys  The Hows  The Truth  The Goodies Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
3. Presented by Trina Rimmer BIG I am NOT a _____ (insert any of the following: Lawyer, CPA, HR Generalist, Career Coach). Disclaimer These are my lessons learned. The Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
4. Where do you (really) want to go?
5. Presented by Trina Rimmer 3 Signs You Should Stay Put “My boss is a #$@!& and I’m dying to get out of here.” “I’m just going to freelance until something better comes along.” “Freelancing is my ticket to a 3-day workweek!” Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
6. Ever wonder what it’s like to be an out-of-work actor? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. When you’re not working, you’re looking for work. Ever wonder what it’s like to be an out-of-work actor? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
7. Healthy Paranoia is the New Normal Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Paranoid? Paranoid much? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
8. Independent consultants are multi-taskers. Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Good at juggling? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
9. Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. One is the loneliest number. Are you a loner? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
10. How self-motivated/ directed are you? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Freelancing requires commitment, focus, enthusiasm, and determination. Trouble Focusing?
11. Is your life’s goal to be the next Warren Buffet or Bill Gates? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entrepreneurs dream big. Successful independent consultants dream manageable. Longing to be Bill? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
12. Presented by Trina Rimmer What do I need for going solo? 1. Clients 2. Network of personal and professional business contacts 3. Office/workspace 4. An attorney and an accountant 5. Savings – min. 6 months of living expenses 6. Tools of your trade 7. Portfolio of your work 8. Bio, resume, recommendations 9. Website, social media presence 10. Business cards Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
13. Presented by Trina Rimmer How do I get new clients? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
14. Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Social networking is a tool for connecting. Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
15. Presented by Trina Rimmer How do I scope projects? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1. Scale based on the complexity of the project – i.e. simple, moderate, complex. 2. Help clients prioritize by using the “Optometrist Method” to narrow down options/preferences.
16. Presented by Trina Rimmer How much do I charge? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1. How much do you need/want to make? 2. How much do you need/want to set aside for retirement? 3. How much do you need/want to set aside for health insurance and other benefits – i.e. sick time, vacations? 4. What are your travel expenses? 5. What are your business operating expenses – i.e. equipment, communications, accountant, attorney, etc.?
17. Presented by Trina Rimmer What about difficult clients? Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1. Recognize difficult clients as early as possible 2. Use some coping strategies 3. Identify warning signs of a souring relationship 4. D-I-V-O-R-C-E
18. The Puppeteer Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
19. Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Indecider
20. Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Big Tease
21. Presented by Trina Rimmer 5 Warning Signs 1. Phone stops ringing/client communication ceases 2. Client refuses to commit – endless cycle of new SOWs, contracts, change orders, etc. 3. Asking you to reduce your rate 4. Demands are totally unreasonable 5. Expect you to be “on call” Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
22. Presented by Trina Rimmer When to just say “no” Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1. Client wants you to work outside your area of expertise. 2. Client asks you to waive your fee because of the “amazing opportunity”, “free promotion”, or “great portfolio piece” their work will give you. 3. Client asks you to do a free “sample” project to get your foot in the door. 4. Client insists on bargaining with you over your rate or tries to guilt you into reducing your rate (e.g. “We’re an organization that works with non-profits…”)
23. Presented by Trina Rimmer The Hard Truth Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1. Shared calendar? Schedule yourself as “busy” 2. Prevent freelancer burn-out by “going off the grid” 3. Shut the doors on your home office or workspace 4. Get to know your client’s busy seasons and align your downtime accordingly 5. Build a referral network/exhaust valve 6. Under-promise and over-deliver 7. Get outside Freelancing is tough.
24. Presented by Trina Rimmer The Good Truth Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1. You’re the boss (mostly) 2. Life out of the comfort zone is more interesting 3. You’re always learning new things/developing yourself 4. You earn as much or as little as you please 5. Some of the power is back in your hands Freelancing is fabulous.
25. Ready to take the plunge?
26. Presented by Trina Rimmer The Goodies!
27. Presented by Trina Rimmer The Goodies! Copyright 2011. Rimmer Creative Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Access free resources, including this presentation, and the readiness assessment 1. Visit http://rimmercreative.com/devlearn-11-resources/ 2. View and share this preso via Speaker Deck
28. Presented by Trina Rimmer