Ask the first client if they know of anyone who could utilize your skills.
As an IC, you are more than just a coder; you are the marketing,
sales, finance, and programming departments. Look online, post
your resume, apply for jobs. In your application cover letter,
state that you are fully qualified for the position (if you are) and
let them know that you're available for contract work if that is
acceptable to them. Go ahead and apply for the "full time"
or "permanent" positions. Sometimes just getting your name out
there and recognized can be invaluable.
Not recommended for everyone, but it's worked for me a fair bit -
develop a "hook." Something that sticks, something different,
something.....memorable. I started early, and "szii" was an intentionally
hard name to type to pkill on a MUD (unless you type correctly, which
many didn't.) *laugh* There's too many "Mike Oxford" types running
around, and "Szii" seems to stick pretty well...so I use it. *shrug*
-Szii/Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: stankusn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 10:56 AM
Subject: Re: [PHP] Pricing for PHP programming???
> Ok.....I want to start doing outside (extra) contract
work...independantly.
> I have had only
> one client....they loved the work.....and I am having problems finding
> more...I think I am just not looking in the right spot....where would be a
> good spot to drum up bussiness....doesn't have to be a place online....but
> how did everyone get so many customers? Where do you get them?
>
> nick
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Nick.Stankus
> Software Engineer
> Logicon/Sterling Federal
> 402-232-7870
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> "There are two things that are infinite; Human stupidity and the
> universe. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "Wade D" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 12:51 PM
> Subject: Re: [PHP] Pricing for PHP programming???
>
>
> | When in doubt, go low - esp when you're just starting out. If you're a
> good
> | coder, start at USD$20. You may go from there once you're more
> comfortable
> | with the process, have a small list of clientele, and have refined your
> | working environment (it's a little different than working for a
company.)
> | If you start too high, you risk prematurely damaging your reputation, as
> well
> | as having difficulty finding clients. Some places, like here in
> | California, you
> | need to stay within the "going rate" which is all over the place for a
> coder.
> | You'll have to evaluate it on a job-by-job basis. If you're starting
out,
> | I wouldn't
> | go above $60/hr, but it's entirely up to you. If you don't contract on
a
> | per project
> | basis, and stick to an hourly rate you have the option of raising that
> rate
> | at a
> | later time. If you do it on a per project basis, you can simply raise
the
> | rate
> | between projects. If you're too high, and have to come down it looks
bad.
> | Tactfully done, it can give the subtle illusion that they're getting a
> | "good deal"
> | on you. It's all about image at the negotiating table, and -percieved-
> value.
> | After that it's up to you to make it happen.
> |
> | Above all, watch them taxes. Independent Contractors get hit (in the
US)
> | with a business tax as well as the expected income tax. 1099-MISC
> | income (ie, independent contract work) can really be a nasty shock if
> | you don't account for the extra tax. When I was first starting out, my
> first
> | year, I didn't know about it and ended up approx $10k in debt, as well
as
> | being penalized for not making quarterly tax payments. Not a big debt,
> | but it was definately an unwelcome shock come April 15th.
> |
> | In this field your reputation is EVERYTHING. The customer is always
> right,
> | and you should do everything you can to make them FEEL good. Even if
> | thing's aren't going okay, as soon as they start doubting your skill,
your
> | decisions, they may doubt using you. If they like you they'll return,
> | and often times will refer you to other companies. It's all about great
> code
> | and a "warm fuzzy" for the client.
> |
> | 'Luck
> |
> | -Szii
> |
> | At 11:23 AM 2/2/2001 -0600, you wrote:
> | >So how do you know what to charge when youre independent and just
> starting?
> | >
> | >
> | >_________________________________________________________
> | >Do You Yahoo!?
> | >Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
> | >
> | >
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