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[Q] How do I get started?
[A] Well that can actually be quite easy or very difficult depending on exactly what you
want to do. Here are some tips:
1. You need drafting software and a decent computer. Some people work from home using company (their full time job) owned software.
This could get you fired. Did you sign a non-compete contract?
Buy real anti-virus software, install and use it.
2. You need samples of your work. Don't use something from work, create your own.
3. You need to send and receive your work product. Dial up internet access will not cut it.
4. A fax line is a good thing to have. Not everyone is able to send you scanned images.
5. Make it easy for potential clients to find you. Setup a webpage.
6. Don't copy my website. I will hound you. See the
Deja Vu
section.
7. Get listed on my
AutoCAD Freelancer Page
.
8. Get some business cards. Some online sites will send you a small order for free.
9. Don't email me asking where to get free business cards online. You want to go into businesss?
Invest a little of your own time. Go Google it.
10. A answering machine is another good thing to have.
11. Setup an Account with PayPal. Don't get the top of the line business type, you are just getting started.
12. Do not contact me asking how to set up your PayPal account. They have instructions on their website. Read Them.
13. Find some work. <~~~ This is the hard part!
14. When you get some work, do it and do it well.
15. I recommend that you start out part time and keep your day job!
[Q] How does Freelancing work?
[A] This varies with the needs of the client and the specific type of service that you are providing.
See (translation: Read) my
How it Works Page
to see how I do it.
Feel free to run your business any way you want.
You find work. You do it. Hopefully you get paid. You are responsible for your own expenses and taxes.
[Q] What about licensing?
[A] This varies depending on the service that you are providing.
Most municipalities do not have licensing requirements to be a 1099 employee.
Look up "business license" in your phone book and ask some questions.
If you are going to be a Designer-Engineer-Architect then you need to familiarize yourself with
your local and state licensing requirements.
[Q] What about insurance?
[A] This varies depending on the service that you are providing.
Most municipalities do not have insurance requirements to be a 1099 employee.
Look up "business license" in your phone book and ask some questions.
If you are going to be a Designer-Engineer-Architect then you need to familiarize yourself with
your local and state insurance requirements.
[Q] How much do I charge?
[A] This too varies depending on the service that you are providing.
A Structural Engineer can bill 4-6 times the amount that a simple drafter can.
A Structural drafter can normally get more per hour than an Architectural drafter can.
Don't think you can win all the work with the lowest billing rate on the web.
I have seen an Architect in India offer $5.00 per hour billing.
Remember you are responsible for paying your own taxes.
A ballpark figure is take your pay rate and double it.
[Q] How do I get customers?
[A] The best way is to know of a business that needs lots of help with their drafting.
After that is to find work one job at a time.
Visit or send a mailer to businesses that might be in need of your skill set.
Attend your local user group meetings and "Network".
Setup a webpage. See #6 & #7 under [Q] How do I get started?
[Q] How do I get paid?
[A] I allow my commercial clients (repeat business) to pay by check.
The others pay by PayPal. With my PayPal debit card I can spend the money immediately, no waiting for a check to clear.
Of course cash is better.
All of your clients will want a copy of your W9 tax form.
[Q] What are the benefits to Freelancing?
[A] If I need (or want) to take the day off, no problem.
No "Office Politics".
Every day is casual dress day.
No boss to deal with.
A greater sense of pride and accomplishment.
All the customers know your name and appreciate your efforts.
[Q] What are the disadvantages to Freelancing?
[A] No guarantee of a paycheck every week.
No paid holidays - you don't work - you don't make money.
You have to do the "collection calls". I REALLY hate that.
All benefits (if any) come out of your pocket.
[Q] Do I need to have AutoCAD to Freelance?
[A] Absolutely not. Use anything you want.
But, if the client wants to send and receive AutoCAD files you might loose the job.
Some clients use Microstaion, Chief Architect, etc. - all depends on what service you want to provide.
[Q] Do I need to have a plotter?
[A] No. Save your money.
Most clients will either plot the files in house or have a specific firm that they send their plotting work out to.
I would recommend having a printer that can handle up to 17x11 for check sets.
[Q] What kind of advertising should I be doing?
[A] All that you can afford.
Get some business cards made.
A listing in the Yellow Pages creates a bill that arrives every month regardless of how much work you do. I would advise against it.
Look for places to leave your business cards like the local printer or building supply.
A web page can be free (these will have advertising banners) to reasonable pricing (without banners). I recommend a pay site without the banners, it looks more professional.
I pay $10.00 per month for my web site. My site is hosted through
www.1and1.com .
Go through your local phone book and send a letter to potential clients. You will need to spend some time creating a letter, and you will need envelopes and some stamps.
If your area has a local user group (AutoCAD) go network and pass out some business cards.
Look for Services Listings online to list your web site like Builders Yellow Pages.
