Freelancers -- where do you find most of your work?

Sporadically jumping in and out of this convo, although I am reading every post entry. Good stuff!

As probably the newest member of the full-time freelance community, I can't agree more with Bruce and Holly. Building elearning courses/modules is the easy part - just learned skills. The more you practice, the better you get. The "perishable" skill and one that's the hardest to learn effectively is relationship building and client management.

Once you "sell" your services you immediately have to put on two hats: 1) Designer/Developer hat, and 2) Partnership hat. AND you have to continue to prove and earn those throughout the project. Completing milestones, meeting deadlines, staying at or under budget, etc., etc. is all project management stuff and goes without saying you need to be on top of your game. Overcoming obstacles, conflict resolution, influencing direction or perceptions, etc., etc. is...well, let's just say those situations will test your intestinal fortitude.

As for a contract template, I'll echo Bruce here that most clients either have an NDA or a template of their own. What I do is write a proposal document that outlines the scope, requirements, deliverables, fees, and any technical considerations. We volley that back and forth until we both agree. Then usually, that becomes the SOW (Statement of Work) that's tacked onto their org's standard contract.

One thing I've done recently is hire a contract lawyer. 1) To review any documents, NDA's I get that I'm not perfectly clear on before signing, 2) drafting RFP bids for larger clients, and 3) general legal biz documents I need created and/or reviewed. Like Bruce, I do a LOT of communicating via email, but that's mostly in regard to project decisions. I don't trust email when it comes to forming an agreement - that's going in writing and signed with a real ink pen. :)

Also, this is a real handy resource site - Freelanceswitch.com

Hi all,

Thank you for having a look at this demo.

@Kevin, this skin is a free download skin made by eCreators that I asked to translate into Spanish; that's why the whole course is in Spanish.

@Daniel, yes, since you first mentioned it, I'm working hard to translate all my profiles, resumé, etc. into English, and courses and websites aswell, but remember that I have a day job and I go the quickest I can...

So @Bruce, I try to think big, but in the while, I stop and breathe. Of course someone else can go faster, but I think there's a place for all of us when we're passionate about what we do...

@Holly, I actually collaborate with a translator so she checks my English, or when I don't have enough time, to translate directly. 

@All Thank you for sharing so much food of the mind for Heroes and aspirant-to-Heroes.

I promise to have this demo in (perfect) English very soon. And when I find the time to include voice over... you'll thrill!

Happy Friday!

Belén

Karyn: Congratulations on making the leap. If you can stomach the lean times early on, you'll do well.

Bruce's idea of a hub is a good one. It could be this forum for the time being. But perhaps even more important than that, though, is working toward a focus. What aspect of elearning do you enjoy most? That's usually a good place to start. For me, it's the voice over and graphic design aspects. It's so easy to become overwhelmed by the skills you "should" have as an elearning developer. Welcome to this lively thread and look forward to hearing from you. --Daniel

I'll chime in on your question, Daniel. I'm sure Bruce will have more to add.

Although I'm most comfortable with the overall design and instructional flow as it pertains to development, what really gets my juices going is being presented with a client's vision that's challenging. When a client as an "idea" that may or may not be instructionally sound, I take that as a challenge to 1) see their vision through from an instructional stand point, and 2) work with them collaboratively to come up with a solution. Typically, that leads to a new inspirational approach that I've not done in the past and it then becomes a personal challenge to develop. That's what keeps me going to wee hours of the night!

Glad you're enjoying the book Bruce

There should be a sense of play in your instructional design work -- a willingness to do more than is necessary.

Happy Monday all

@ Bruce, I would say personal mission is also your differentiator or your brand messaging. Can I ask how long it took you to realize your slogan and how has it evolved through the life of your freelancing career? I've changed over the years as my clients have given me implicit (and explicit) feedback, wondering if your experience is the same.

@Daniel - if sense of play is something that you feel strongly about, then you should build on that as your differentiator. Just remember to link it to your prospective customers and define why they would care about that. Sense of play may be important to you, but if it alienates your client base, then you will be a lonely and poor instructional designer indeed! You've got to make it a win-win. 

@Ant - I am checking out the book now. Thanks for that tip! 

Holly

Daniel,

I've been focusing on relationships I have with HR directors (who may need to outsource Training from time to time) and Training Consultants, who do not do e-learning.  

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for starting this post Daniel.  I have been getting myself prepared to freelance.  I would like to have my first client by October of this year.  I have filed my corporation paper, set up my website, designed my business cards and brochures, and I'm trying to find new clients like you.  I believe we have some great ideas started here but I would like to know from Kevin, How did you get your first client?  and congradulations on the 90 days.  May you have many more 90 days.