Date: 3 Feb 2010 Comments: 1
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For couple of years work as a freelancer, I decided to share some tips when you negotiate about a freelance work:

1. Always be Kind

I know it’s hard, especially after all day debugging some sh*t. But you should always be kind with your client, that will make the negotiation easier. If you are a professional, you should never show your negative emotions.

2. Know how to present your skills

If you want to get the job, you should impress your client with your skills, experience, etc. So, when you’re asked about your skills and last project, instead on thinking about links to your last project, you can just post your portfolio’s url. If you still don’t have a portfolio, you’d better create a website that will present your skills in best way.

3. Ask questions, too

When you negotiate about the freelance job, usually the client asks you many questions about you. If he/she don’t give you enough details, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

4. Be honest

You can only lose if you lie about something. Ex. if you say, you are guru in some technology, but your skills are poor. It’s very possible for you not to be able to finish the project in time. You’ll lose the money, client will lose time.

5. Learn about your client

It may saves a lot of troubles. You can search some info about your client, ex. if the client uses email john@somecompany.com, you can at least visit somecompany.com and see some information. You can compare the info that he says about his company and the details from the company website. You can search info about the company in forums and social networks, too.

6. Be a Realist

The truth is that your freelance job won’t make you a millionaire. You’re just paid for your work. So, when you’re asked how much you expect, your claims should be realistic.

7. Know Your Price

Let’s say the truth: when you make a conversation, you sell your time and skills for money. My advice is to know your price. If you are a good coder and you have a lot of experience, don’t be fraid to say how much money you’ll want to finish the job.

8. Time is Everything

Don’t forget about the time. If you have a daily job too, but the project requires full day work, you’d better cancel it or you can find some friend to helps you.

9. Learn to Say NO

If there’s some reason that you don’t want to work (little money, too much time, etc.) don’t be fraid to cancel the project. Life continues :)

10. Some humor won’t hurt

You are not a coding machine. I think it’s a good idea to add something not related with the project in the end of the conversation, ex. to ask some about his/her country, but never forget that you negotiate about job :)

I hope you’ve found something useful in the advices above. I don’t pretend to be a guru in the freelance work. I was working just 2 – 3 years as a freelancer.