People often ask me, "How do I break into freelancing?" One way, I tell them is to sign up with www.ifreelance.com and Viola! you are a freelancer!
But, seriously, there are a few things that really must be done to have yourself perceived to be serious about freelancing:
1. Pick a business name other than your own name and register it with your local county or city as a business. You might want to do this at the same time you pick an internet presence, so that you get the name you want.
2. Set up a bank account for the business.
3. Talk to an accountant about what you want to do and get their advice on how to structure the business (i.e., “C” corp, “S” corp, LLC, etc.) Get them to set up your QuickBooks, if you don’t know how to do it. (Business accounting should be kept separate from your personal accounting.)
4. Interview small business attorneys to find someone you are comfortable with. Ultimately you will want this person to develop a standard contract for you. DO NOT USE SOMEONE ELSE’S CONTRACT…get your own and do not give it to others. Your lawyer will write it for you. It will be $600 WELL SPENT. You will also want this attorney to review any contract (i.e., from the client) before you sign.
5. Register your internet name, if you haven’t done it already.
6. Sign up with GoDaddy (or some other hosting company) and build your website. (GoDaddy has templates that make it VERY easy: WebsiteTonight.)
7. Get business cards made (see www.vistaprint.com).
8. Check on networking groups in your area (business leads groups, Chambers of Commerce, etc.). Network like a mad-person! Give others leads and they will reciprocate.
That’s the quick-and-dirty freelancing primer!
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