Re: FN-FORUM Advice on going it alone

date posted 29th September 2002 23:31

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lindsay Baugh" [EMAIL REMOVED]
To: [EMAIL REMOVED]
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 10:48 PM
Subject: FN-FORUM Advice on going it alone


> Hi Beth
>
> I agree with the comments made by Hutch and Alex. OK, it's hard to get
> going if you have no financial resources, but hey, look around at the
> folk who've made it to the top - many of them didn't have two pennies to
> rub together. An estate agent would say "location, location, location",
> but with regard to starting out on your own, I would say "attitude,
> attitude, attitude" - the more positive, the better.
>

Attitude is the main thing. You have to hang on in when you believe in what
you are doing and be prepared to push yourself and your skills at clients
where necessay.

> We started out less than a year ago, and we are very busy indeed.
>

A year ago the market was much different and I was turning away 80+ukp/hr
contracts. Since then the market has contracted and much of the apparent
work dries up very quickly when the client looks at his cash flow or wets
himself when the FT hiccups.

That said, I believe that there is work to be had from small businesses, but
bear in mind that they are difficult to deal with:

1. being small they have to look after their business first. Getting
material and acceptance from them can be slow and frustrating. Don't expect
to sit down for nice long design and analysis meetings. "Just put something
together and I'll look at it..." has got to be one of the most frustrating
(and insulting - as if you can just throw somethingtogether 'cos its so
easy) phrases that is to be spouted by some of these bods.

2. Their cashflow may be infrequent and getting paid could be difficult.
Witholding the right to use the site you've developed is unlikely to phase
them.

3. They may take convincing that they need the service or believe that it
will make them millionaires overnight. Managing expectations (good or bad)
is a frustrating experience.

4. Have you considered their hosting requirements and are you prepared to
deal with them? What if they change? How about the fun of choosing a domain
name with them...... (hands up those who have had fun with THAT one :) )

In lieu of anything else coming along, I think Beth should look at going
alone, but not commit any financial resources (actual or virtual) into it
until things look more solid.

The links you provided here with should be a great help and yes,
wholeheartedly I agree about spending some time talking to an accountant.
(Does the accountant need a site, btw ?? Don't miss out on that opportunity
:) )

Mark