This document discusses lessons learned from a decade of working independently as a software developer and consultant. It addresses common questions about getting started independently such as how to find clients and set rates. The presenter advises planning but not overplanning when starting out, finding a good accountant and attorney, and charging what the market can bear rather than undervaluing yourself. Both the best parts, like flexibility and control, and worst parts, like keeping work steady, of independent work are covered.

1. Breaking free from the confines of the cubicle farm and going out on your own can be one of the most satisfying things you do for your career. It can also be one of the most terrifying. This session will answer the most common questions I've been asked over the years such. These questions include "How do I get started?", "Where do I find clients?", "How much do I charge?" and many others. Come find out if the grass really is greener on the other side.

2. Going Independent 101Lessons Learned from a Decade of Independence Michael Eaton mjeaton@validussolutions.com @mjeaton on twitter

3. Who is Michael Eaton? Owner / Validus Solutions Custom Software Development / Training / Coaching Speaker C# MVP, MCSD Kalamazoo X Conference lead organizer Ann Arbor Give Camp lead organizer mjeaton@validussolutions.com Blog: http://mjeaton.net/blog Twitter: @mjeaton

4. How did I get started? I had no clue what I was doing I made mistakes I walked out I burned bridges I did EVERYTHING wrong at the beginning

5. How should you get started? Plan But not too much

6. Running a Business Find a good accountant Find a good attorney Reduce friction Software People Processes

7. Finding Clients Networking Headhunters Be wary Be strong Cold calling Never done it, never will

8. Setting Your Rate Things you should NOT do Divide your current salary to get an hourly rate Undervalue yourself Be afraid Things you should do Value yourself Charge what you think the market can bear

9. NEVER Work without a contract Waste your clients’ money Waste your time Lie

10. ALWAYS Be honest Be happy Be looking for what’s next

11. Best and Worst Things Best Home since my oldest was 4 months old Flexible I am in control Good money (when times are good) Worst Feast/famine Keeping the pipeline full Always working

12. Other Stuff Sub-contracting Keeping up

13. Contact Info Email: mjeaton@validussolutions.com Blog: http://mjeaton.net/blog Twitter: @mjeaton