| 9 years ago, I decided I would rather | | | | doesn't get me paid right now. Nope, never. I |
| struggle and starve than find a normal 9-5 hr | | | | did this mistake to "build my portfolio". And |
| (is there such thing as 9-5? I wonder) JOB. I | | | | trust me not many people trust your skills if |
| was just a greenhorn right out of high school | | | | you are working for free. |
| at ripe age of 17. I had my shares of ups and | | | | |
| downs. And boy, do I have few horror stories | | | | If you like doing charity work, then I can |
| to share? | | | | show you tons of guys who'll squeeze every |
| | | | drop of blood out of you before you say "Hi". |
| Today after putting together a successful | | | | |
| business, I often wonder if I'd do things | | | | # 3. Give discounts or Free for promise of |
| differently if I have to start again. Of | | | | more work: Now my first client was like "If |
| course there are tons of things but I am | | | | you work for me, I'll get you this guy, that |
| going to highlight most important ones here. | | | | guy and that guy's account and more over you |
| I know these are going to help you a lot. | | | | guys aren't even experienced, nobody will pay |
| | | | you a single dime". |
| I don't know why you are starting out? may be | | | | |
| you don't like your boss or may be you think | | | | If that happens to you. Find a better client. |
| it's better to work yourself and make all the | | | | Trust me... This client was big headache. I |
| money. Regardless of your reasons, you'll | | | | had a bad hunch, but my partner told me to go |
| find this list helpful. Don't forget you can | | | | ahead. Now this client would change his |
| use these techniques on internet too. | | | | requirements of this project every day and |
| | | | then later cut down the deadline from 90 days |
| # 1. Have More confidence in Your Skill : No | | | | to 50 days. |
| matter who you meet, be it an expert | | | | |
| businessman or an authority figure in your | | | | If you have been in programming, then you |
| niche. Have more confidence. I cannot stress | | | | know it's not easy at all. From coding, to |
| this enough. If you have worked hard to learn | | | | testing and debugging. We worked like |
| a skill then I can bet, there are only a few | | | | maniacs... and what we got? Nothing, Nada, |
| people better than you. | | | | zippo. |
| | | | |
| I was a programmer and I understood this | | | | No more price cutting or competing on price. |
| unknowingly to the extent I was arrogant | | | | You'll always end up on losing side. |
| about it. I have met many highly paid | | | | |
| programmers and knew their skills weren't at | | | | Well the only good thing we got out of this |
| my level. If I start again, I'd not mind | | | | client was understanding how to deal with |
| crossing the arrogance line once again. | | | | people like him. That's it. Never got paid |
| | | | for this project. My finger tips still hurt |
| Why? If you are confident in your skill, | | | | after working for him day in day out. I might |
| that'll come across in your communication and | | | | talk more about dealing with guys like him in |
| will help you land a client or two regardless | | | | another post. |
| of your experience. I had more than few HR | | | | |
| managers of big firms looking to hire me. | | | | You'll read 4 more tips in my next part of |
| | | | this series. |
| # 2. No More Free Work : I'd do no work which | | | | |