Some basic guidelines for beginner freelancers. Briefly covers starting freelancing, getting projects, working with projects and clients etc. Presented at a seminar on "Building Tech Career" at DUET, Gazipur, Dhaka. Arranged by http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/phpexperts/

1. Freelancing; an alternate career

2. We'll Discuss on ­
 Definition  How to start
 History  Getting Projects
 Why freelancing  Working with Projects
 Why it's not  Dealing with Clients
 Wise Advices  Impact On regular job

3. We'll Discuss on ­
 Definition  How to start
 History  Getting Projects
 Why freelancing  Working with Projects
 Why it's not  Dealing with Clients
 Wise Advices  Impact On regular job

4. How to start?
Just decide that you want to start

5. Prepare Yourself
 Build your skill
 Your Blog/Website
 Comfortable Workplace
 Proper Equipment

6. Where to go?
 http://www.elance.com
 http://www.getafreelancer.com/
 http://www.scriptlance.com/
 http://www.getacoder.com/
 http://www.rentacoder.com/
 http://www.odesk.com/

7. Build a good profile
 Area of expertise
 Short bio/resume
 Previous works
 avoid broken/bad links
 Testimonials/Ratings

8. Getting Projects
Clients are looking for you, really!

9. Search projects
 Area of your confidence
 Don't go beyond capacity
 Do take chances (carefully!)

10. Place Bids
 Read the description carefully
 Follow the instruction
 Be the early bidders
 Estimate timeline realistically
 Quote a reasonable price
 Attach similar work sample

11. Working with Projects
Difficult than winning a bid

12. Milestones
 Points which mark completion of some aspect of a project
 Will usually have deliverables
 Keen attention in meeting milestones

13. Communication
 Planning the project
 Providing updates on the project
 Discussing their feedback
 Presenting the deliverables

14. Keeping Record
Document meetings and phone calls
Store emails safely
Use a project management application
Basecamp (http://www.basecamphq.com/)
ProjectPier (http://www.projectpier.org/)
PivotalTracker (http://www.pivotaltracker.com/)

15. Dealing with Clients
 Let him know
 Be warm and friendly
 Be honest
 Know yourself

16. Dealing with Clients (cont.)
 Stay calm
 Be timely
 Be available and reachable
 Giving attention

17. Impact on regular job
 Before having a regular job
 After having it

18. Anis uddin Ahmad
Sr. Software Engineer, Wneeds.
http://ajaxray.com | anisniit@gmail.com

19. Questions?