Making the leap to self-employment in the development industry

[DanSoftBridge]

I currently work full-time as a web applications developer.

I have no plan to leave this any time earlier than finances would allow me to. This implies I have to get my own business off the ground on the side first.

I understand it's a full-time job alone trying to make a business work but without the luxury of time I can only give it part-time hours. However, I've seen this work in the past in the dev industry as projects can be developed out of work hours and annual leave taken etc, and I'm determined it will work.

My question is - what is the best way to land projects without first being established?

My USP at this very very early stage would be that I would offer prices as low as possible for full bespoke solutions just in aid of building up a portfolio - and I believe this would appeal to small-medium sized businesses but it's a case of letting them know about it.

Any tips or advice?

To throw a big spanner in the works, I'd also like to talk mostly with clients abroad, Spain or France for example, as it's an ambition of mine to move there next year.

As inexperienced as I seem with this topic, it's safe to assume I have the technical experience and skills in a client-facing context to make this work.

 

[superdooper500]

IS this something you can do via people per hour, or another internet based 'work generation' tool? It may not be your ideal scenario long term, but I'm sure you can find some project work to fill your portfolio, get paid, and be accessible to people all round the world.

 

[DanSoftBridge]

IS this something you can do via people per hour, or another internet based 'work generation' tool? It may not be your ideal scenario long term, but I'm sure you can find some project work to fill your portfolio, get paid, and be accessible to people all round the world.

Very valid point/brilliant suggestion. I've registered on a freelancer site already and I'm currently looking down this avenue. Thanks a lot for your reply. As you say, work is work, if I can somehow land jobs until I'm established enough (by any means) then I'm getting to where I want to be.

 

[superdooper500]

It may not be the long term solution, but it may help you test the water I guess. I guess another more straight forward way to get work might be to align yourself with local marketing agencies etc who will no doubt may have clients who require apps, but don't necessarily have the in-house resources to build them.

Just my 2p worth. Best of luck.

 

[DanSoftBridge]

It may not be the long term solution, but it may help you test the water I guess. I guess another more straight forward way to get work might be to align yourself with local marketing agencies etc who will no doubt may have clients who require apps, but don't necessarily have the in-house resources to build them.

Just my 2p worth. Best of luck.

Thanks again mate, very much appreciated! I have taken it on board and it sounds like spot on advice.

 

[Clicky Leap]

Maybe trying networking? There are plenty of networking events that you can do around your full time work. Even this forum is a type of networking.

Get on Elance and do a few projects on the cheap to build trust, respect and a decent portfolio. Hope it goes well for you.

 

[garyk]

As inexperienced as I seem with this topic, it's safe to assume I have the technical experience and skills in a client-facing context to make this work.

I would say you lack one key thing. Estimation and costing. I only say this as I speak from bitter experience and its a common trap for all developers.

Just because you can *do* development doesn't mean you can make a living from it. In a job you are shielded from the commercial aspects of estimation, costing, billing and collection. You simply code.

On your own you have to take all of this on and many many devs over the years do not realise it. I made some pretty horrendous mistakes commercially back in 93 when I first wen on my own.

Not trying to put you off just a heads up, o and good luck!

Gary

 

[DanSoftBridge]

I would say you lack one key thing. Estimation and costing. I only say this as I speak from bitter experience and its a common trap for all developers.

Just because you can *do* development doesn't mean you can make a living from it. In a job you are shielded from the commercial aspects of estimation, costing, billing and collection. You simply code.

On your own you have to take all of this on and many many devs over the years do not realise it. I made some pretty horrendous mistakes commercially back in 93 when I first wen on my own.

Not trying to put you off just a heads up, o and good luck!

Gary

Thanks a lot Gary, appreciate your response.

To be honest, I have a lot of commercial awareness. I'm often the one to draw up technical specifications along with estimates and then I am responsible for answering to any discrepancies between the estimates and the time actually taken.

What I am unfamiliar with is the dependency upon these two tying in together. I'm protected from any potential loss or underestimate because I'm paid a salary regardless.

Thanks again.

 

[Amanda Dawson]

May be social networking will help you out in it!!

 

[threenine]

My USP at this very very early stage would be that I would offer prices as low as possible for full bespoke solutions just in aid of building up a portfolio - and I believe this would appeal to small-medium sized businesses but it's a case of letting them know about it.

My first bit of advice to you is that you should look for another USP, as this model has been tried and worn out and FAILED the world over! If you think this is your guide to success, then you're in serious trouble!

There is a reason why companies charge the amounts they, and you're going to learn!

Price is an obvious consideration for most businesses, but primarily it's not the sole motivation. You have also totally alluded to the major drawback of your plan, and that is in the "letting them know about it" part. This primarily is the "Sales & Marketing" of your business. This is what costs money, and this is where you're going to need finances, and the costs are recouped from the revenue you generate! The big nasty wheel of business! The "cost of sales".

Your laptop, computer, time , administration, bank accounts etc. All Cost money, money which needs to be recouped.

If you think building a portfolio is key, then you need to think again! What matters is reputation, and if you become known as "Mr Cheap" then you'll never shake that title, and you'll forever be struggling to increase prices, to covert costs!

You have also chosen, probably one of the most competitive market spaces in the UK, I know because I am in that space, and have been at it for 7 years! You face stiff competition from "cheap" outsourcing, that if you choose to try and compete with them you might as well phone your local companies and tell them you'll pay them £100 to do a job for free! Most of the "Cheap" outsourcing companies are actually guys implementing the same model as you, working for them man while trying to do cheap freelance work on the side. They however, can do it "cheaper" than you!

You've named markets in the Spain or France etc., they already have local freelancers. I have a mates that have moved abroad, but they still only work for UK clients! There barriers to gaining new clients in France etc, is primarily language and networks! obviously aspects they are addressing, but it stiill takes inordinate amount of time, resources and money!

There are a number of things to consider, before you think you have a USP! and most importantly a sustainable business plan.

Sure being a good software developer counts, but you have to be a better business man.

 

[DanSoftBridge]

May be social networking will help you out in it!!

My first bit of advice to you is that you should look for another USP, as this model has been tried and worn out and FAILED the world over! If you think this is your guide to success, then you're in serious trouble!

There is a reason why companies charge the amounts they, and you're going to learn!

Price is an obvious consideration for most businesses, but primarily it's not the sole motivation. You have also totally alluded to the major drawback of your plan, and that is in the "letting them know about it" part. This primarily is the "Sales & Marketing" of your business. This is what costs money, and this is where you're going to need finances, and the costs are recouped from the revenue you generate! The big nasty wheel of business! The "cost of sales".

Your laptop, computer, time , administration, bank accounts etc. All Cost money, money which needs to be recouped.

If you think building a portfolio is key, then you need to think again! What matters is reputation, and if you become known as "Mr Cheap" then you'll never shake that title, and you'll forever be struggling to increase prices, to covert costs!

You have also chosen, probably one of the most competitive market spaces in the UK, I know because I am in that space, and have been at it for 7 years! You face stiff competition from "cheap" outsourcing, that if you choose to try and compete with them you might as well phone your local companies and tell them you'll pay them £100 to do a job for free! Most of the "Cheap" outsourcing companies are actually guys implementing the same model as you, working for them man while trying to do cheap freelance work on the side. They however, can do it "cheaper" than you!

You've named markets in the Spain or France etc., they already have local freelancers. I have a mates that have moved abroad, but they still only work for UK clients! There barriers to gaining new clients in France etc, is primarily language and networks! obviously aspects they are addressing, but it stiill takes inordinate amount of time, resources and money!

There are a number of things to consider, before you think you have a USP! and most importantly a sustainable business plan.

Sure being a good software developer counts, but you have to be a better business man.

Noted.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply, appreciate it.