The document is a presentation by Ine Dehandschutter about lessons learned as a freelancer. It contains advice for freelancers on having a clear plan and dream, defining an appropriate wage, finding real clients, charging promptly, networking, and being flexible. The presentation encourages freelancers to avoid working for free, learn when to say no, and save money for the future rather than spending to reduce taxes.

1. Things I Learned The
Hard Way
The business adventures
of a freelancer
Ine Dehandschutter
@matuvu
www.matuvu.nu
Bizcamp.be 2012
Monday 4 June 12

2. @matuvu
Hi,
I’m Ine,
a (web)designer & photographer,
currently based in Ghent, Belgium.
(I’m also lead designer of Emphas.is)
I have been a freelancer since 2000.
And I made loooooads of mistakes during the years.
You don’t have to!
Enjoy this presentation.
If you do, don’t hesitate to like
& share it,
Monday 4 June 12

3. @matuvu
Have A Dream To Die For
because you will. suffer.
cry. blood. tears. die.
over and over again.
Monday 4 June 12

4. @matuvu
Outline Your Plan
use S.M.A.R.T principle:
specific.measurable.achievable.relevant.time framed.
Monday 4 June 12

5. @matuvu
Define Your Wage
because if you don’t earn, you have no bread on your table.
(define what you need by calculating all your costs)
not earning enough? reconsider your business plan!
Monday 4 June 12

6. @matuvu
Get A Good Accountant
a good accountant can save you a lot of money,
but most of all a good accountant thinks along with you!
Monday 4 June 12

7. @matuvu
Don’t Sell Cheap
never. ever. work for free.
unless it is for your mom.
Monday 4 June 12

8. @matuvu
Find Real Clients
when you can, ditch the friends, family and fools.
they’re perfect for starters,
but bad for pro’s.
Monday 4 June 12

9. @matuvu
Teach Those Clients
learn from the 20% 80% rule:
20% stand for 80% of your trouble.
keep the good clients, ditch the others.
Monday 4 June 12

10. @matuvu
Charge Fast
and follow up your cash flow.
don’t play bank to your clients.
no money on the bank = no bread on the table.
Monday 4 June 12

11. @matuvu
Network
it is the best way to find exiting new clients.
or to find new partners.
or to do fun stuff.
Monday 4 June 12

12. @matuvu
Surround Yourself
the best way to loose your uncertainties is to talk to colleagues.
unite with others.
(consider co-working, join certain business groups, ...)
Monday 4 June 12

13. @matuvu
Measure, Evaluate
measure everything you do.
your time, your projects. your profits.
learn from your mistakes. and do it better.
Monday 4 June 12

14. @matuvu
NO
Learn To Say NO
try it: nononono.
it will earn you more.
if not in money, in quality.
Monday 4 June 12

15. @matuvu
Save For Later
don’t spend to ‘save taxes’.
if you pay taxes you keep 50%.
if you spend you keep nothing.
Monday 4 June 12

16. @matuvu
Live The Now
make time for your personal life
‘later’ = ‘now’
it is gone before you know.
Monday 4 June 12

17. @matuvu
Most Of All Be Flexible
be prepared to fail, to change, to adapt.
sometimes stuff works, sometimes not.
Monday 4 June 12

18. @matuvu
It Is A Bumpy
But Adventurous Ride
Monday 4 June 12

19. Thank You
Ine Dehandschutter
(web)designer & photographer & talker
www.matuvu.nu
@matuvu
www.linkedin.com/in/matuvu
www.slideshare.com/matuvu
Monday 4 June 12