Going Out On Your Own As a Solo Programmer
In 2017 I created a set of videos and posts designed to help solopreneurs launch their business. I've gone through this process 4 times now and each time I've learned something new... and relearned something old (aka "the hard way"). You can learn from my mistakes in this playlist! Good luck.
Lesson 1: Introduction
Let's kick things off by getting our heads in the right place and understanding what we're getting ourselves into. This could be a life-changing moment for you and having a plan is essential! So let's take a minute and wrap our heads around this. You might want to go out on your own but there are some stresses involved. Let's take a second to be sure that this is the thing we want to do.
Lesson 2: Is The Hired Gun Thing Right For You?
Going out on your own is, essentially, turning up the volume on your career. The good parts get better: freedom to choose what you do and when you do it. The bad parts get worse: you will be the worst boss you’ve ever had, and a simple mistake can greatly affect your income.
Premium Getting Organized
We've decided to give it a go, now let's come up with a plan!
Premium Your Business Plan
We can ponder about our business plan all day long - let's not. Let's execute by laying something down right now, and building on it. You've learned what's in a business plan, now let's put something - ANYTHING in writing and commit ourselves to this vision.
Premium Your Marketing Plan
Here's the simple truth: if you're not willing to spend time on marketing, just stop now. I need to be right up front with you on this: you can't make money unless you tell people you can work for that money.
Premium Setting Up Professional Services
Trying to run a business on your own is a sure way to burn yourself out. You have to delegate certain duties to online services and third parties. It might seem like an expensive thing to do, but it’s really not.
Premium Your Finances
In this section we turn our attention to your new company’s finances. It may seem intimidating, but tracking your income and expenses can be quite easy with simple to use online services.
In this video we’ll look at ways to find your most important client: the very first one! We’ll get out and meet other developers, creating a legitimate network of peers. Finally, the best work is repeat work, so we’ll look at things you can do to make sure you are your client’s go to person.
You need to stand out and make your virtual self look sharp and competent. This isn't about physical looks, it's about how you present yourself to others and the care you take in making an impression. These things matter a lot and they don't take a whole lot of effort.
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Thanks so much for watching this production and I sincerely hope it will help you in your future endeavors. I know you've heard me say it so many times (and read it too), but your dedication, discipline and ability to execute will make all the difference.