7 habits of highly effective freelance programmers (Feature)

UKFF Mod · 07-07-2009, 09:13 AM

I have developed these based on my freelancing experience. Though I have discontinued freelancing, but would like to share my practices with you.

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If you have any comments to make about this article feel free to start the debate below!

Pistachio · 07-07-2009, 09:45 AM

Oooh, a new forum...

Azeey · 07-07-2009, 10:56 AM

Whilst I'm not a programmer, I read that article with interest. Despite doing a different role entirely, I agree with keeping the client up to date on developments, but not so sure on testimonials. I also feel they sound too cheesy.

I understand the idea of a prospective client talking to a previous one to gauge how happy they were, but think "I worked with Azeey and I couldn't fault his professionalism" whacked on a website just looks fake.

The SMG · 07-07-2009, 01:12 PM

nice post, I particularly like "Get yourself a professional identity" section. In my opinion, your brand counts for a lot, particularly if you want to run a true business and not give the impression that you're a one man band. Having a professional looking corporate logo / brand could attract new business and may also help with your IR35 defence strategy.

G

Malvolio · 07-07-2009, 01:53 PM

No it won't.

I have all the business trappings up to and including my own logo, domain and a web site with some fairly impressive case studies on it. All I ever get asked by the pimps is "Have you got a Prince2 qualification"...

Azeey · 07-07-2009, 02:23 PM

Not even any of the work you find for yourself Malvolio?

Just a question, I don't think a website means much.

Malvolio · 07-07-2009, 02:45 PM

I agree, it's all vanity really. I use the website mainly as a quick reference store for some of the historical pieces of work that don't really fit on a CV, and to expand on my LinkedIn profile.

The work I find for myself usually comes from the network, who know each others abilties anyway. Though it all falls apart when we're all out of work or the permies' companies are looking at emnpty order books, doesn't it...

Bel · 07-07-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The SMG

nice post, I particularly like "Get yourself a professional identity" section. In my opinion, your brand counts for a lot, particularly if you want to run a true business and not give the impression that you're a one man band. Having a professional looking corporate logo / brand could attract new business and may also help with your IR35 defence strategy.

G

I agree with you SMG. Some contractors see a 'branding' as superficialities - logo, letterhead a website etc. That's not a brand, it's just a way of identifying the brand.