The Freelancers' Show

Sponsors Sentry– use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planPaymo | Opt for monthly & get 30% discount on paid plans for 6 monthsCacheFly Panel Eric DietrichReuven Lerner Summary The panel discusses different billing models and their experiences with each. They start by sharing their current billing model, upfront payment. Net +30 and Net +60 are discussed; the panel advises freelancers to get used to waiting for payment. The upsides and downsides of hourly billing, fixed rates, value pricing, and retainers are considered. The panel explains how to choose a billing model, how to evolve to other models and how to raise your rates. Picks Eric Dietrich: Million Dollar Consultinghttps://www.hitsubscribe.com/apply-to-be-an-author/ Reuven Lerner: Alexander Hamilton

Sponsors Sentry– use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small plan Paymo | Opt for monthly & get 30% discount on paid plans for 6 monthsTry GanttPRO FREE for 14 days | Software Development project template Use coupon code “devchat” to get $50 for using GanttPROCacheFly Panel Eric Dietrich Jeremy Green Reuven Lerner Summary The panel discusses working across borders, sharing examples and advice. They discuss the best ways to receive payment. Currency exchange rates are considered. The panel discusses paying taxes and the different types of taxes in different countries. They share how they communicate with clients and how they manage contracts. They advise getting the correct work visas and professional insurance. Links https://stripe.com/ Picks Jeremy Green: Chernobyl Miniseries on HBO Eric Dietrich: transferwise.comzoom.us Reuven Lerner: A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax Systemhttps://www.azlo.com/

Sponsors Sentry– use the code “devchat” for two months free on Sentry small planPaymo| Opt for monthly & get 30% discount on paid plans for 6 monthsTry GanttPRO FREE for 14 days| Software Development project template Use coupon code “devchat” to get $50 for using GanttPROCacheFly Panel Jeremy GreenErik DietrichReuven Lerner Episode Summary The panel discusses the advantages of having a booth at a conference. Having a booth at a conference is a great way to learn about how conference advertising and finance works. It is also a great way to network and collect leads. Reuven talks about his experience at getting a booth at Pycon 2019. He shares tips on what to give out at the booths such as flyers and t-shirts and how many to order and in what sizes. He talks about the best way to work out the logistics for the materials for the booth and tips on attracting visitors to the booth. One takeaway Reuven had for his next booth was to have more Medium sized t-shirts made! Listen to the show to learn about mor

Sponsors Sentry– use the code “devchat” for two months free on Sentry small planPaymo | Opt for monthly & get 30% discount on paid plans for 6 monthsTry GanttPRO FREE for 14 days | Software Development project template Use coupon code “devchat” to get $50 for using GanttPROCacheFly Panel Jeremy GreenErik Dietrich Summary The panel goes into detail on the most common reasons to give a discount, sharing experiences and whether or not it's a good idea to give these types of discounts. They generally agree that a "friends and family discount" is never a good idea and discuss the long term problems it can cause both in relationships and your business. The panel discusses offering a discount to get your foot in the door and to better your portfolio. Supporting non-profits and making sure you receive the proper credit for your work is discussed. Offering discounts as part of your business model is considered, discounts such as paying upfront or high volume discounts, are weighed. Jeremy Green shares an exp

Sponsors: Sentryuse the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small plan.TECH – tech/Freelancer and use the coupon code “FREELANCER.TECH” and get a 1 year .TECH Domain at $9.99 and 5 Year Domain at $49.99. Hurry!Try GanttPRO FREE for 14 days| Software Development project template Use coupon code “devchat” to get $50 for using GanttPROCacheFly Panel: Jeremy GreenErik DietrichReuven LernerJonathan Stark Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about advantages of using a CRM software in their freelance business. They share their own experiences of how their business improved when they started using it and why they needed one in the first place. Picks: Jeremy Green: Sanebox Erik Dietrich: The Hiring PostGiftly Jonathan Stark: The Trusted AdvisorInterview with Charles Green, author of the Trust Advisors Reuven Lerner: The Trusted AdvisorDisrupted Amazing sandwich suggestion: peanut butter + pickles + hot sauce  

 Sponsors: Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small plan.TECH - Go.tech/Freelancer and use the coupon code “FREELANCER.TECH” and get a 1 year .TECH Domain at $9.99 and 5 Year Domain at $49.99. Hurry!Try GanttPRO FREE for 14 days| Software Development project template Use coupon code “devchat” to get $50 for using GanttPROCacheFly Panel: Jeremy GreenErik Dietrich Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about how to handle “stump the chump” interviews. These are type of interviews where tech companies ask developers whiteboard questions or algorithm questions. The panel advises that this type of interview is a red flag about the company and how they view freelancers and share tips on what to do and say in such an interview. They then share tips on how to create a better reputation as a freelance developer so that the quality of interviews get better. Links: https://devchat.tv/ Picks: Jeremy Green: Authority by Nathan Barry Erik Dietrich: Hit

Sponsors ​Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small plan.TECH – Go.tech/Elixir and use the coupon code “ELIXIR.TECH” and get a 1 year .TECH Domain at $9.99 and 5 Year Domain at $49.99. Hurry!Try GanttPRO FREE for 14 days | Software Development project template Use coupon code “devchat” to get $50 for using GanttPROCacheFly   Panel Erik Dietrich Reuven Lerner Jeremy Green Summary The panel starts by discussing why career development as a freelancer is important and what skills to work on for career development. They share mistakes and use examples from their own businesses. The panel gives career tips for those just starting out as well as freelancers who are advanced. Networking and masterminds are considered; the panel advises developers on how to choose a mastermind to join. The episode ends with a discussion on improving technical skills. Picks Reuven Lerner: http://store.lerner.co.il/numpyhttps://www.pipedrive.com Erik Dietrich: http://H

Sponsors Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small plan.TECH – Go.tech/Elixir and use the coupon code “ELIXIR.TECH” and get a 1 year .TECH Domain at $9.99 and 5 Year Domain at $49.99. Hurry!CacheFly Panel Erik DietrichReuven Lerner Summary The panel discusses various “things not to do” that they have seen others do. First, they advise not sticking with a single client in a pseudo employment situation. The panel also warns against biting off more than you can chew. Erik brings up not relying on global freelancing platforms like upwork.com, while Rueven cautions against saying yes to all business. The panel considers overworking and hourly rates. They also debate when to get a virtual assistant and communication tools. The panel ends with consideration on what technologies to use and warns against chasing new and shiny technologies. The episode ends with an invitation to the listeners to share their own “things not to do”. Links www.upwork.com Picks Erik Dietrich https://gramblr.

Sponsors: Sentry– use the code “devchat” for $100 credit.TECH – Go.tech/Freelancer and use the coupon code “FREELANCER.TECH” and get a 1 year .TECH Domain at $9.99 and 5 Year Domain at $49.99. Hurry!CacheFly Panel: Jeremy GreenErik DietrichReuven Lerner Special Guest: Steve Pomerantz Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks to Steve Pomerantz, Founder and CEO at Freelance Collection. Steve has worked on projects as a freelancer where he has not been paid and he noticed that there aren't that many resources to help guide freelancers that are in this position. He founded Freelance Collection to help others who are unable to collect payment from their clients. Steve gives guidelines on how to handle such situations and when to hire a professional vs. when to walk away. Steve also reminds that a lot of freelancers have had projects where they have not been paid and the golden rule is to be proactive and take the necessary actions within the first month following the projec

Sponsors: Sentry– use the code “devchat” for $100 credit.TECH - Go.tech/Freelancer and use the coupon code “FREELANCER.TECH” and get a 1 year .TECH Domain at $9.99 and 5 Year Domain at $49.99. Hurry!CacheFly Panelists: Erik DietrichJonathan Stark Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about how to put systems in place to thrive as a freelancer. Especially for recurring tasks, creating a procedure enables quality, consistency and sustainability. The panel advises taking the decision making part out of the process as much as possible so there is as little stress as possible when executing that particular task each time. Having set procedures in place also helps handing these tasks off to other employees easier and cuts down on the learning curve. The panel then discusses how to turn these procedures into intellectual property so that it adds value to the business. Listen to the show to find out the what steps to take to begin putting systems in place in your freelance

Sponsors: Sentry– use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panelists: Jeremy GreenJonathan StarkErik DietrichReuven Lerner Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about being nervous about pricing the services offered when freelancing. They mention that most of the time, freelancers tend to price their services on the low side due to lack of self confidence. The panel also shares possible scenarios of client feedback and the best responses that justify the price. They discuss setting hourly rates versus results oriented pricing and share tips on how to communicate with the client during the proposal stage to figure out how much the service offered is worth to them. They then advise using this information to help set the price. Listen to the show to find out how to price freelance services with a business mindset.   Picks: Jonathan: Learn Your LinesThe Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker Erik: Apply to be an authorAirBNB Experiences Jerem

Sponsors: Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panelists: Jeremy GreenReuven Lerner Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel shares client communication best practices when freelancing. They give tips on how to word binding proposals to help clarify expectations on both sides and how to make and track project schedules. Listen to the show to find out what to do when new road blocks appear in the project that were not foreseen in the proposal stage. The panel then shares their personal experiences of client communication problems and how they dealt with them. Picks: Jeremy Green: How to Fight a Hydra Reuven Lerner: Thunderbird and its e-mail filters

Sponsors: Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panel: Jeremy GreenErik DietrichReuven LernerJonathan Stark Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about starting freelancing later in life. They share their own freelancing/consulting journeys as well as tips for a smooth transition. They give tips on what signs to look for to round out the services offered such as giving talks at conferences or doing case studies with clients. Listen to the show to find out more about how to correctly price freelancing/consulting services, the difference between price and rate and when/how to negotiate. Links: https://devchat.tv/ Picks: Erik Dietrich: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike MichalowiczHit Subscribe Jeremy Green: Don't Call Yourself A Programmer, And Other Career Advicehttps://www.remarq.io/ Kai Davis: 80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshallhttps://www.remarq.io/ Reuven Lerner: Bag Manhttps://slate.com/slow-burnhttps://trainbetter.

Sponsors Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panel: Jeremy GreenErik DietrichReuven LernerKai Davis Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about how/when to raise prices when freelancing. The panel advises reviewing services offered quarterly and adjusting prices accordingly. They give tips on what signs to look for to round out the services offered such as giving talks at conferences or doing case studies with clients. Listen to the show to find out more about how to correctly price freelancing/consulting services and when to negotiate. Picks: Erik Dietrich: https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Plan-Strategy-Remarkable-BusinessHit Subscribe Jeremy Green: https://www.kalzumeus.com/2011/10/28/dont-call-yourself-a-programmer/https://www.remarq.io/ Kai Davis: https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Sales-Marketing-Definitive-ebook/dp/B00CGNRVHE/https://www.remarq.io/ Reuven Lerner: https://www.msnbc.com/bagmanhttps://slate.com/slow-burnht

Sponsors Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panelists: Erik DietrichJeremy GreenReuven LernerKai Davis Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about their plans for 2019. They describe their processes for planning for the new year and reviewing the past year. They reveal what projects they want to do more of in 2019 and what projects they want to transition out of. The panel advises that in freelance work, declining projects that are not a good fit frees up time for projects that are a good fit.They also recommend quantifying measurements in goals set for the new year. Picks: Erik Dietrich: HubSpot Sales Chrome Pluginla Barbecue Jeremy Green: Increase Your Consulting FeesCompany Of One Kai Davis: Kick procrastination's ass: Run a dashTextExpander Reuven Lerner Nine Pints

Sponsors Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panelists: Erik DietrichJeremy GreenReuven LernerKai Davis Special Guest: Liston Witherill Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks to  Liston Witherill, sales consultant and founder of Liston Witherill Consulting. Liston specializes in working with AMs, CSMs, and consultants to provide opportunities for client improvement. Liston shares tips on how to approach a sales process and a lists a set of questions that need to be answered about the service offered and its value proposition to the target audience in order for it to be successful. Links: Liston's WebsiteListon's LinkedInListon's Twitterhttps://devchat.tv Picks: Erik Dietrich: Garmin vívoactive 3 Music | Smartwatch with GPSApply to Be an Author - Hit Subscribe Jeremy Green: Taking Time Off Kai Davis: 30-Day Meditation Challenge • Kai Davis Reuven Lerner: Announcing a new course: Intro Python - Reuven LernerWeekly Pyt

Sponsors Sentry use the code “devchat” for 2 months free on Sentry small planCacheFly Panelists: Erik DietrichJeremy GreenKai Davis Episode Summary: In this episode of the Freelancers' Show, the panel talks about good practices and habits to build in freelance business in the year 2019. The panel gives examples of what they focused on while building their own freelance business and share how they approached areas such as self-care, financial planning and client acquisition goals in their business. They discuss what strategies to follow during “feasting” cycle and “famine” cycle of business and share tips on how to save for retirement during each cycle. Listen to the show to find out more on which tools to use for bookkeeping and how to communicate with former clients for repeat business and much more! Links: Company of One by Paul JarvisFree CRM for Small Businesses - HubSpotThe Positioning Manual for Technical Firms by Philip Morganhttps://devchat.tv Picks: Erik Dietrich: Free CRM for Small Busine

Panel: Reuven LernerJeremy GreenErik Dietrich In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show Reuven, Erik, and Jeremy discuss “Dealing with Contracts.” The Freelancers cover a number of important topics that involve contracts, trust agreements, as well as how to read a Master Services Agreement (MSA). This is a great episode to learn more about ways to take control of your contract documents and MASs. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: 0:50 - Reuven opens the show talking about contracts.  Reuven said he did not have contracts when he first started his business. But over time he has gotten screwed over. Reuven prefaced that they are not lawyers, so take this as advice only. 3:00 -  Reuven talks about things to understand are, who owns the rights, payment, insurance, and statement of work, etc. Reuven going into Master Services Agreements. Reuven asks if his peer use contracts. Erik says he uses master services agreements, and rarely contracts. Erik tries to work based on trust, and there is no motivator fo

Panel: Reuven LernerJeremy Green In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show Reuven and Jeremy discuss “Working on Your Business.” The discussion covers several topics on how you as a freelancer can carve out time to work on your business. Both Reuven and Jeremy mention how you can learn to start building and maintenance your business for events like retirement and longevity. This is a great episode on learning how to continually stop and take control of tasks your business needs to grow. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: 0:50 - Reuven opens the show by describing what skill are need to be a freelancer and finding the time to work on your business. Jeremy chimes in on trying to find time to work the business by putting time away for business maintenance work. 3:10 -  Reuven talks about when he tries to find and fit time into working on his business, like on the train. Jeremy talks about how tasks are sometimes overlooked and take the back seat. But getting a team to help might be the answer to working

Panel: Erik Dietrich In this episode of the Freelancer’s Show  Erik, discuss “How to Target Management or the C-Suite as a Freelancer.” The discussion covers how to develop an offer or pitch, and understanding the pain points for leadership roles, and offering value to help them in their business and getting hired. Erik provides several great tactics to warm-up the C-Suite to get a job. In particular, we dive pretty deep on: 1:02 - Erik talks about targeting the manager or C-suite for freelancing. Erik talks about speaking to your peers but not the C-suite, or selling your peers in salary positions. 3:00 -  Erik talks about falling into his practice of selling your skill to peers. Erik reminds us that your buyers are not your peers, but the people who have the money to buy app development. Management or the C Suite. 5:00 -  Erik breaks down the buying system for tech or application development. Eric continues with vetting. Erik talks about the role of Line Management and their power to spend money on s