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    <title><![CDATA[Discussion on 10 things you shouldn't believe about freelancing ]]></title>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[NIce]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3529505]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Awesome indeed...]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3529505]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[gileado@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:35 -0800</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[It woke&amp;Acirc;&amp;acute;m up!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3494164]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[It woke up my client to the fact that I took my work serious and that I was not interested solely in taking his money. He has since then been more gracious, realizing that I would walk if it was not a win win.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3494164]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[dustale08]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:12:50 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Thanks  Tony]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490930]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I love Access, but I'm not using near as much these days.  In fact, I just had a discussion with a group of database developers and almost all are experiencing a downtrend in the use of Access. Too bad. ]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490930]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:44:26 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Opportunities]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490913]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I think you're right on this point -- freelancers probably do have more opportunities to learn new skills. Traditional employers have specific needs and you fill them -- they don't really care about your personal druthers. ]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490913]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:43:24 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Choices]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490923]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I often work less than 40 hours a week, but it's a choice. I use to work tons of hours freelancing. My kids are grown and we've downsized 3 times since 2004 -- on purpose. Our financial needs are different -- on purpose. I don't have the same responsibilities, that's all. I can cut back, so I have.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490923]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:41:20 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[It's going to be different for everybody]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490920]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I have more freedom than a traditional employee. I volunteer every week and I have grandchildren in and out as needed (and wanted). But, I also have deadlines to meet and clients to respond to. So, while I can take an unexpected day off -- just as traditional employees sometimes call in sick -- I still have people who depend on me to be available. That's really all I meant by that. No one ties me to my chair, but if I'm not available when needed, the clients will find someone who is. It's not all that different from any other job.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490920]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:32:10 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Myths]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490907]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I think some freelancers enjoy some of these benefits. A few might enjoy them all. It's a mix and folks will gravitate toward projects that provide what they really need -- and it isn't always these benefits that freelancers want!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490907]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:29:40 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Economy]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490910]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I lost 100 of my clients in the dot must in the late 90s. Lost about 70% after 911. That's why constantly renewing clients is so important.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490910]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:28:04 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Always looking for new clients]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490899]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Finding new clients is always in the back of mind -- I find opportunities everywhere.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490899]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:22:10 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Freelancing or not?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490431]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I've done more contracting than regular employment in my career.  I like both for different reasons.  And definitely there's a down side to freelancing (no training, no benefits, less socializing at work, long spells between jobs, payment issues, being away from home, lack of stability, etc.).  But then it has a lot of benefits as well.  You are more objective and therefore can be more effective at work.  Fewer political battles to fight.  Your job is usually very well defined (no elastic job description).  The per hour fee is usually higher.  You are sometimes regarded as the outside expert, giving you more credibility and a better ability to succeed.  On high profile jobs, you will have clear support from stakeholders.  You can start a job and finish it - when you are an employee some jobs never end.  A sense of independence.  A sense of adventure - starting a new contract in a new company and new locale.  As said before, it depends on your personal preference.  One could easily write &quot;10 things you should not believe about employment&quot; that lists all the myths about FT employment.  E.g. myth #1 &quot;Security&quot;.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3490431]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[CLageweg@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:16:35 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Good advice]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3489934]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3489934]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:29:24 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[My final thoughts...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3489526]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[There are some here that read Susan's article and take it as a negative portrayal of freelancing. I don't.. It is merely pointing out that freelancing is not necessarily working in your pajamas and having money pour in.I've been an independent consultant since 1995 and would not have done it this long if it wasn't appealing. For me it would be much more difficult to have a job where I coded the same project for 12, 24, 36, forever months.Someone asked me about getting started as a consultant... I'll offer a couple of things..1) I started part-time.I worked for a large company and took on some database and network consulting for small companies.. 2-10 people. They understood I was available only after work and on weekends.2) A simple black and white business card is enoughName, address, phone, email, and the words, &quot;technology consultant&quot; or &quot;computer consultant&quot;I had created a simple tri-fold - plain paper, black and white. I printed it at home as needed. When I started, I was speaking to some co-workers. I told them we should all start consulting together. He looked at my tri-fold and said, &quot;I would never hire you off of this.&quot;I responded, &quot;Then I guess I wouldn't be working for you. I only work for the people who do hire me.&quot;A year later I sent him my full-color, glossy tri-fold. He didn't hire me off that either - although a year later I started doing work for him based mostly on the automation work I do and his knowledge of that.What I mean is that slick typically is unnecessary. It really comes down to both numbers and referrals. Actively work both.3) Share knowledge and results more than a list of skillsI always tell consultants that &quot;The podium and publishing impart credibility&quot;.I present workshops and seminars to business groups. I write tutorials and create simple tutorial videos. Not loss-leader, here is part of the knowledge, if you pay me $299 in 3 simple payments I'll give you the rest.. Nope, give away the farm.. Here is why. If there are 10 people at your workshops and 5 of them are technical enough to do it themselves, only 2 will have the gumption or time. That means 8 of them are potential clients and potential referrals.4) Website and Mailing listSo I said earlier you only need a card. That is true.. but, if you want to garner additional marketing benefit and build credibility.. a blog based website.. I recommend and use Wordpress - and a mailing list for distributing your GREAT information.. I use mailchimp for this.If you are unfamiliar, Wordpress is a blogging platform - simple to maintain and update content and some great SEO benefits. Here is a video I did for musicians but it applies in general to wordpress.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDNXL8gfl6UI covered consulting in chapter 18 of my book. All of it is available for free from Pearson/InformIT.http://www.mattmoranonline.com/the-it-career-builders-toolkit/Chapter 17 covers working from home - so it might be applicable as well.Note: since I was already asked... I create the videos using a FREE version of Debut - I don't know if it is still available. Sometimes I just use screen shots and powerpoint - save the presentation as images, import into MS Movie Maker and narrate over them. This is a great way to provide rapid documentation on key technologies for clients as well. Just a hint.5) CASE-STUDIES AS SALES TOOLSFor every project you do, write up a simple, neatly formatted, 1 page description with the following headings.a) The Client: a brief description of client, industry, and their customer demographic2) The Challenge: a paragraph or two on what they needed help with3) The Solution: 4-6 paragraphs on how it was solved4) The Results: 1-3 paragraphs on how the solution has improved their business, operation, sales, etc.5) A Call To Action: 1 paragraph inviting comments or questions and your email address.Then, as you build your library of case-studies, any time there is a new potential client,  you can offer them a couple case-studies. Give them one on a similar industry and one on a similar technical challenge.Freelancing is an excellent alternative but, for long term profitability, try to make it less accidental, more intentional and planned.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3489526]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Matthew Moran]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:50:21 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[freelancers myths]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3489445]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I am a software freelancer for over 16 years.I didn't make the big bucks !I don't have less stress !Freedom ? don't even know what it is.But i choose my project, I DO WHAT I LOVE, and i would not change that situation.Freelancing has it's pros and cons.But if you are the right type - and that is something you should consider seriously - freelancing is great]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3489445]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[doron_weiss@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:55:12 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[The &amp;quot;Big companies work this way&amp;quot; argument]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488643]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I've heard that one more than a few times.  I usually laugh, and then alter my rates to reflect the cost to me that it takes to accommodate such a policy.  When questioned about this, I retort &quot;And big companies pay more&quot;.Either people pay willingly, or they don't.  If they don't, they aren't worth being your client.  This is one of the most difficult lessons independents need to learn.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488643]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[JohnMcGrew@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 07:53:36 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Regrets?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488338]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Did you regret doing it or was it a good move on your part?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488338]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sun, 28 Aug 2011 06:10:34 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Get Lost!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488288]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I have said this: Dear Client I want to thank you for your using my services, however you have misunderstood my business/service model. Therefore I am longer able to continue to provide you with my services. Please feel free to look  for assistance with another webmaster!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488288]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[dustale08]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:48:15 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Always looking]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488293]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I can honestly say that I'm always looking. I don't approach potential clients as often as I use to, but I'm always scouting. ]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488293]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ssharkins@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 14:30:52 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Go looking for work?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488257]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Go looking for work is your job, this is something people have forgotten. We have 2 jobs:1.) GO GET WORK - referrals are like candy they should not/never be our only source of new jobs.2.) PROGRAMMER - this is our second job, not the first, as with no client, you have no where to use your programmer skills.I think we become lazy and scared, instead of determined and willing. Like skin we become dry and inflexible, therefore movement becomes painful or requires more effort. Loosing your job and means of living has become a nightmare! as well it should be, but there is a cure, never stop looking for new employment, never stop working to find new work.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488257]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[dustale08]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:47:18 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[I Agree!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488247]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[You make a good point, whenever possible, people and projects must be enjoyable, otherwise you are just wasting time, yours and theirs.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488247]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[dustale08]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:34:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[When it comes to Sales - How to get work!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488261]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[YOUR FOCUS IS YOUR PROBLEM: Sales must at some point become your focus. Most IT people are not accomplished sales people, or at least that has been my experience. While you cannot spend all of your time selling you should 1.) Visit Local Trade Shows, 2.) Visit all local business - leave a Business card &quot;and&quot; a Brochure. 3.) Send out email newsletters 4.) Build &amp; Give away, simple template websites for friends and family. etc...etc....yes these are the little things, but these little things keep you from going broke or even getting close!If you used even 2 hours dedicated solely to this every week, over the period of a year you would be in a better position to pick and choose clients, charge more efficiently, and to stop being so desperate. So back away from your gardening, your desk, and go out and talk to people, this too is a way to clear your mind, to take a breather, to relax. You don??t have to be pushy just talk to people.Really you must become a business person first and programmer second.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-347433-3488261]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[dustale08]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:27:58 -0700</pubDate>
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