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15 Tips for Freelancers Starting their own Business

“So you’re a skilled developer or design freelancer who has established a handful of customers who pay your bills and provide you with an income. That’s great. You may wish to keep things just the way they are or you might want to build on this and build up your own small business. If you’re opting for the later then here are a few tips to help you ride the bumpy road from freelancer to fully-fledged small business.”

From Think Vitamin. Point #7, about maintaining connections, is key for my business. When I get a check from a client, for example, I try to make the time to email the client, let them know the check came in, thank them for the work, and offer my help should anything else come up. It’s an easy excuse to make contact.

The only weak point I see is on the sales side of this article. My experience is that, like most freelancers, referrals are the main source of business. But referrals can come not only from clients but also peers. I’ve gotten a bit of work installing content management systems, for example, even though I run an online CMS service, Red Wrangler. The hassle of installing software and configuring content happens to be an area where people like to refer work out to people like me who know everything CMS. There likely are other areas, too, that you need to consider that could yield a steady stream of work.

Finally, the only difference between a small consulting business and a freelancer is a sales channel. It is important to always think 3-6 months ahead about where business (and income) will come from so that you have a steady stream of work. A freelancer simply works job to job. A small consulting business thinks 3-6 months out and tries to book business well ahead of time.

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