It’s always good to have such high-quality articles at hand and be able to learn from others. Keep up the good work!

After a couple of weeks, I asked the client if we could explore another way of pricing. After a couple of back ‘n forths… we agreed on a a higher rate. So it’s possible to work through things with a client if the first quote doesn’t go over well.

Freelancing is largely about building relationships — my favorite part. I like getting to know my clients and care about their successes. I’ll do little things like point them to an article or let them know about publicity opportunities.

@ Jim – Time management is key. It’s even more important for the freelancer than someone in a cubicle, I think.

As far as the freelance entrepreneur thing, I think part of the key (and I talk about this later in the series) is to sufficiently plan your business. If you can get enough gigs to outsource from the beginning, that’s great. If not, though, you probably need to start out with at least some of the work in-house.

@ Robert – That’s awesome. It sounds like the Network Administration industry in the mid 90’s. I could switch jobs every 6 months for a 30% pay raise. In 4 years, I tripled my income. Like any other market, though, your market can become over-saturated in a matter of a couple short years. That one did for me, and present performance is no guarantee of future success.

@ Lucas – You’re absolutely right. Now, there are lean times when most freelancers will have to live a bit hand to mouth. If they’re always in that spot, though, they might consider another career.

@ Andrew – I disagree. I don’t think that model will produce six figures in one year. The idea sounds great, and you’ll snag a couple dozen unsuspecting folks, but most people aren’t going to shell out two grand, unless you’ve got a credible reputation. Even if you start with a credible reputation, you aren’t going to maintain it after a handful of folks buy the product.

For example, one site I found out about (but not from experience I hasten to add) gave the following instruction: Set up a website telling people how to earn six figures a year and charge customers $5,000, which you reduce to $1,999 for a “limited period”, to teach them the “secret.” The “secret” of course was to set up a website telling people how to earn six figures a year whilst charging them $5,000 which you reduce to $1,999 for a “limited period.”

That would only require a couple of hours a day, but lets be real, it wouldn’t last long.

Freelancing, setting up and maintaining a successful home business, takes dedication and 12 hour + days. In the early months it could even be more and involve 7 day weeks with no company pension, no holiday funds, no medical cover, nothing.

Hmmm sound attractive now? In saying that, I love it!