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Contract Worker - Freelancing Experiences

Archive for the ‘Great Advice’ Category

July 29th, 2008

Machiavelli for Freelancers

“Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.” -Niccolò Machiavelli (brainyquote.com)
In other words, adapt to changing times, techniques, styles, and economic realities?

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By Rico -- 0 comments

July 27th, 2008

Freelancers Can Learn from Gordon Ramsay

It’s really true that “the thrill of watching Mr. Ramsay is in witnessing someone so at peace with his own arrogance” (source). But after finally watching an episode of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, I believe that freelancers can learn from the Brit’s pugnacious, in-your-face style.
Now, I’m not asking everyone to be an adversarial asshole (that kind […]

By Rico -- 0 comments

July 18th, 2008

Slumping US Economy = More Freelancers?

More golden nuggets from LinkedIn answers. Kwame asks “Does this slumping economy mean more or less business for freelancers and independent contractors?” Here’s the best answer in my opinion, by Brian:
A slumping economy means less for everyone but, it’s the best time to get your voice to the ear of existing and new potentials. The […]

By Rico -- 0 comments

June 20th, 2008

8 Steps to Freelancing for Trade Magazines

The title of the article I’m featuring, To Freelance for Trade Magazines be a Team Player reminds me a valuable insight by CSJ:
Most of us help each other out, mutually we’ve understood that the every-designer-for-himself mantra does nothing good for the industry.
It may be hard to see a relation between openness among designers and the […]

By Rico -- 0 comments

June 15th, 2008

Get Things Done Away From the Desk

As you may know, I’m currently working out of home. Prateek Dayal has his own methods of being productive while away from homebase, and it’s worth reading what he has to say. We can apply his advice in a more general sense, translating it into a great guide on how to get stuff done while […]

By Rico -- 0 comments

June 12th, 2008

Managing Expectations: 3 Keys to Good Client Relations

It literally pays to keep relations good with clients, since they pay for the bills. And the key to keeping good client relations is to manage expectations. Which involves at least three things:
Honesty. Be truthful when answering questions a client may have about your previous work experience, your capabilities, and your creative style. This will […]

By Rico -- 0 comments

May 30th, 2008

What New Freelance Designers Should Know

Whether you’re new to the freelancing game or just starting out with design, the Graphic Design Blog has got a great round-up for your review. Check out Advice for New Freelance Designers. Here are some of my favorites:
Don’t under value yourself. Many starting designers do this and in the end, do it quite rough!
Jacob Cass
Don’t […]

By Rico -- 1 comment

May 21st, 2008

What Freelancers Can Learn From Kids

Much has been said about the straightforward and wisdom of kids (anyone remember The Emperor’s New Clothes?). Not surprisingly, their simple perspective applies to freelancing to. Kids love to ask questions, and here are some that freelancers can learn from:

Why is it like this? Why? Why? What’s honestly irritating to many parents is what helps […]

By Rico -- 3 comments

May 20th, 2008

It’s All in the Mind Apparently

Here’s another lesson I learned from the corporate world: perception is reality.
On one hand, this truth represents the tendency for people to judge things—including your proficiency as a freelancer—from first impressions.
On a more positive note, the adage also proves that success begins with how you perceive things. Check out Freelance Success Begins With Mindset, which […]

By Rico -- 2 comments

April 30th, 2008

Are You Slouching Your Way to Failure?

I’m not sure if I entirely agree with Freelance Folder’s Is Your Body Language Sabotaging Your Success? I mean, why was I able to secure a $100,000 contract, even if I was slouching while meeting the client?
I’m kidding of course. The article on Freelance Folder is a must read, especially if you meet clients personally […]

By Rico -- 0 comments