| The Principles Of Successful Freelancing |  | Author: Miles Burke
Publisher: SITEPOINT
Category: Book
List Price: £27.49
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Seller: paperbackshop1
Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 23,386
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Pages: 200
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6.9 x 0.6
ISBN: 0980455243
Dewey Decimal Number: 650
EAN: 9780980455243
ASIN: 0980455243
Publication Date: December 8, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Awesome - Well written with quality substantive content January 30, 2009
AndyK (Wales UK)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
You really couldn't do better than this book if what you are looking for is a guiding hand into the unknown world of freelancing. Even if you're considering it as an option, this book will tell you everything you should know or think about first, and help you plan for that time in the future.
Although it is written from the perspective of web developers/designers, the book talks through the subject of freelancing/contractor work in a way that the information can easily applied to other professions too.
The author himself has years of on-and-off experience in freelancing and that experience is evident in the book as it works through the 'problem' of freelancing in a logical and methodical way. You'll also learn about how the author failed in his first few attempts to go fully freelance, and what hard lessons he learned from those crushing experiences.
You can buy this book with confidence knowing you'll come away with a lot to think about, even if you currently are a freelancer you can up your game with this book.
An Informed Choice... April 9, 2009
D. Nelson (Scotland)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
At the start of 2008 I set the goal of establishing myself as a freelance web designer. In that time I have carried out a great deal of research while completing projects and developing my technical skills.
This book has proved to be the tipping point in my freelance journey. It has helped me confirm that I have the right mix of skills, experience and abilities to succeed. It also gave me some great advice and guidance especially on the business aspects of freelance life.
The writer's honest style made it a very easy book to read, almost enjoyable. In all the key areas he pointed out the good, the bad and the ugly sides of freelancing. From his personal experience he offers examples of where he has failed in the past and what he has learned from these failures.
For me the best chapters were the ones that taught me how to develop key business skills such as setting my rates, selling my services and managing money. Depending on where you are in your freelance journey other chapters will either help you make the jump or appreciate what you've got where you are.
As the saying goes, the best choice is an informed choice. This book will help you make that informed choice.
Well presented, enthusiastic, and easy to read May 15, 2009
Dr. R. Spooner (UK)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This great book grows on you as you read through it. It pinpoints each the concerns I had, such as sales, networking, quality and invoicing, and answers them in a concise and friendly style. It's well presented, enthusiastic, and easy to read.
There are recurring themes of the impact of your work on the community, and also of the skills you need to be a successful freelancer. If you don't have technical, business, organisational and interpersonal skills, then you'll find it hard going. But you also need to have ambition, courage, maturity, a work ethic, communication skills and other personality traits. Since it is concerned mainly with freelance web designers or developers, the Internet and a few specific technical issues are mentioned in the book.
It's important to focus on being productive (and billing a client) for most of your day. Playing games, reading irrelevant mailing lists, or babysitting your own children, are not ideal. You should have an efficient workspace where you can be quiet and focused, and should ensure that your computer is similarly tidy. But if you expect business visitors to your home, you'll probably need your office fairly near the front door.
Marketing your skills is split into two parts; establishing your reputation, and pitching for specific projects. There are ideas on both topics, for example public speaking, writing a blog, and sponsoring charity events where you may meet prospective clients. The strengths of a new freelancer are highlighted, so that when writing a proposal, you can make being a "single point of contact" into a benefit, unlike a faceless agency. Mr Burke encourages us to overcome our fear of selling, and outlines some of the key steps common to most successful sales processes. He has read lots of books on selling, and finds that they all disagree beyond these basic points.
I've already run a small business as well as holding down a full time job, but I am interested in freelancing where I'd get small contracts and live from project to project. In these dark days of 2009, being able to pick up work without demanding a full-time commitment from an employer seems attractive. A book like this is a really helpful overview of exactly that difference.
Some of the more technical sections, such as accounting and writing a business plan for yourself, are a bit vague. Although there are quite a lot of words, I wasn't comfortable with the accounting basics, and can imagine quite a few more topics that should go into a business plan, even for personal use.
The consideration given to the environment, your local community, and your own health, surprised me. I know that these are all important in the long term, but I was impressed to find them so prominently in such a book.
There are lots of really good links to web sites that can help with various processes or provide further information. I also found the lists of fairly basic reminders still helpful, for example how to deal with an argument with a client, or ways you can work on your reputation without spending a lot.
In summary, this book serves very well as an overview of the areas you'll need to consider as a freelancer, and makes very clear the personal skills and traits you should check for, before launching into a career. The positive tone, natural flow and broad scope of the book are really encouraging, with plenty of pointers to where to go when you need more detail.
a must-read for anyone considering freelance work April 23, 2009
D. Graham (Wakefield, UK)
Excellent book on what to consider when moving into freelance work. Clear and concise, offering tons of useful advice, aimed squarely at either those new to freelancing or those considering a move.
It asks the reader to consider if they are ready to make the move into freelance work, as well as all the preparation necessary to do it successfully. Some of the advice is aimed more towards the US market, but the core principles apply, and the information is presented in such a way that it's easy to follow. Sections on managing finances (determining costs/charge rates), setting up your business, winning work and managing work/life balance are interlinked with a case study following two typical freelancers.
The book is packed with excellent references to resources on the web, and I spent a fair bit of time flitting between the two.
As Justin said in another review, this book could do with a follow-up volume for those having made the move, at a deeper level.
Highly recommended for those making the switch though.
 Useful book January 3, 2010
A. Seewald (Manchester, UK)
This book is very useful - in many respects, it teaches you how to find and handle your clients, and keep some semblance of work-life balance. I wish the book dealt a bit more in detail with things such as the process of invoice / getting paid and maybe more online resources.
It is a well written and clear book, and in moments of doubt will probably will occasionally pick it up from the shelf asking myself "What would Miles Burke do?"
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