Very, very, good
Having done independent consulting for years ( since 1986),I have to agree with the 5 points for success you listed. I would add one more point - Keep paper records of all communications, changes, meetings, etc. I once worked on a program for a clinical psychologist. Had a deposit, and a contract, but did not have a solid definition of the deliverables. He was one of those "I'll know it when I see it." clients. I finally had enough, returned his deposit, deleted all the files, and walked out. I then sued him for breach of contract and won a modest settlement because I kept a paper trail of every conversation, meeting, change, postponement, etc.
