Freelancer F*ck UpsDon’t Make My Mistakes!
Matt SchiffmanUX Designer / Developer / Technologist
#sxmistakeshttp://is.gd/freelancemistakes
@darrownetdarrownet.com
Freelancer F*ck UpsDon’t Make My Mistakes!
Matt SchiffmanUX Designer / Developer / Technologist
#sxmistakeshttp://is.gd/freelancemistakes
@darrownetdarrownet.com
as a freelancer I...
as a freelancer I...
• pay higher taxes :|
as a freelancer I...
• pay higher taxes :|
• 7.5% FICA/Medicare
as a freelancer I...
• pay higher taxes :|
• 7.5% FICA/Medicare
• 0.35% NYC MCTMT WTF?!
as a freelancer I...
• pay higher taxes :|
• 7.5% FICA/Medicare
• 0.35% NYC MCTMT WTF?!
• don’t enjoy stability as compared to my full time counterparts
as a freelancer I...
• pay higher taxes :|
• 7.5% FICA/Medicare
• 0.35% NYC MCTMT WTF?!
• don’t enjoy stability as compared to my full time counterparts
• rarely enjoy common workplace benefits
as a freelancer I...
• can write off work related expenses (tax breaks!)
as a freelancer I...
• can write off work related expenses (tax breaks!)
• enjoy professional latitude YES!
as a freelancer I...
• can write off work related expenses (tax breaks!)
• enjoy professional latitude YES!
• can deal with the morning commute on my own terms
You’re not a lawyer(unless you’re a lawyer)
My mistakes...
You’re not a lawyer(unless you’re a lawyer)
My mistakes...
• wrote my own SOWs (Statements of Work)
You’re not a lawyer(unless you’re a lawyer)
My mistakes...
• wrote my own SOWs (Statements of Work)
• attached my signature without consulting an attorney
You’re not a lawyer(unless you’re a lawyer)
My mistakes...
• Keep an attorney on retainer
You’re not a lawyer(unless you’re a lawyer)
My mistakes...
• Keep an attorney on retainer
• Keep them in the loop when you initiate new business and execute contracts
You know better thanyour clients. Really. You do.
My mistakes...
You know better thanyour clients. Really. You do.
My mistakes...
• vision channeling – letting affirmation define project concepts and their execution
You know better thanyour clients. Really. You do.
My mistakes...
• vision channeling – letting affirmation define project concepts and their execution
• stitching – let third party contractors define my efficacy and execution
My mistakes...
yes sir may I have another bad idea please
Don’t be a yes manyour client will roll over you
You know better thanyour clients. Really. You do.
My mistakes...
• define yourself as the expert
You know better thanyour clients. Really. You do.
My mistakes...
• define yourself as the expert
• show and tell – manage outside vendors with examples and prototypes
One trick ponies end up in serious trouble. Seriously.
My mistakes...
One trick ponies end up in serious trouble. Seriously.
My mistakes...
• consolidated most of my professional attention on one client and business sector
One trick ponies end up in serious trouble. Seriously.
My mistakes...
• consolidated most of my professional attention on one client and business sector
• focused my skills on one platform/specialty
One trick ponies end up in serious trouble. Seriously.
My mistakes...
• Try to bill at least two clients within the same billing cycle
One trick ponies end up in serious trouble. Seriously.
My mistakes...
• Try to bill at least two clients within the same billing cycle
• Keep learning and stay on top of the latest technology and trends
Some good resources...
My mistakes...
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
• perceived irrational client demands as a standard practice
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
• perceived irrational client demands as a standard practice
• became addicted to the prospects of my business and its needs
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
• Lay down the law
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
• Lay down the law
• Don't take on more work than you can handle – sub-contract if necessary
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
Realize when it just becomes too much
My mistakes...
• Lay down the law
• Don't take on more work than you can handle – sub-contract if necessary
• Don't alienate your support system
Freelancer F*ck UpsDon’t Make My
Mistakes!
Matt SchiffmanUX Designer / Developer / Technologist
#sxmistakeshttp://is.gd/freelancemistakes
@darrownetdarrownet.com