Question for Freelancers
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- Jugarelly
One of my best friends was just added to the list of hundreds of thousands that have lost their jobs. While going through the frustration of looking for something new with not much out there, she's started entertaining the idea of starting her own thing.
Her background is in account management, and her plan is to start finding clients and then working with designers and developers to offer full-service agency type services.
As a designer/developer, I personally like doing freelance but hate doing all the administrative stuff like writing proposals, creating project plans and schedules, invoicing and keeping on the client to deliver materials. I told her I thought there was probably a decent amount of need by designers and developers for the types of services she can offer.
Does anyone else feel that way, or am I alone? Would you rather just suck it up and do that stuff on your own, or would you prefer to have someone to work with so you can just focus on doing the actual project?
- brandelec0
most likely do that stuff on my own. that type of service would be a lifesaver but bottom line - not much room for expenses
- JSK0
I think thats how most agencies work.
- redant0
I agree. I'm not into paperwork. Writing an invoice is even a pain. I'd love to work with an accountant/manager.
- HomeCreative0
Thats what I did a couple of years back, and as the split was 65/35 to her......it didn't work out.
It soon becomes apparent that the designers (dare i say) do most of the work. If you do it make sure its a equal thing. And I wish you luck :-)
- Wow, sounds like you got screwed. With what she's planning on, it would be more based on an estimate of hours; more like an agency.Jugarelly
- I certainly did there, but glad it happened sooner rather than later!HomeCreative
- Wolfboy0
I personally think that one of the biggest pros of working freelance is not having account managers/handlers involved at all. I love being face to face with the client, having one less person diluting the process.
- ukit0
I would hire an accountant on a yearly basis but to provide management on a single project when I was the only one working...seems overkill to me.
- JSK0
There was a girl, who was recommended by a NTer while back did all the administrative work for freelancers (not getting client but more billing, answering calls, emails etc) but that didnt work out.
- Jugarelly0
It sounds like there are varying opinions on this. I think it also probably depends on what type of freelancer you are. If you just pick up jobs here and there, it might not make sense. However, if you're consistently doing freelance, it could be really helpful to have someone that offers these services and produces clients for you.
- sputnik20
i am HORRIBLE at paperwork, and if it weren't for my better half helping with all the technical, business details i'd probably lose my mind. i don't mind making proposals but the accounting, billing and tax part of it all makes me twitch.
- fate_0
Account managers are not just secretaries. They can (and usually do) influence the outcome of a project.
Be prepared for a lot of creative dead-ends.
"Well, the client really wants..."
- fate_0
If you don't like paperwork, hire an "administrative assistant"
If you need more jobs, get an Agent.
An account manager is really only useful in agency settings where the client expects to have their ego stroked, since they're shelling out $1000 for every billable hour.
- I see your point for small projects, but I think an account manager would come in really handy on larger jobs.Jugarelly
- harlequino0
Sounds like a freelance project manger is what your friend is describing, and there are many. Doesn't sound that different than what already exists, to be honest, other than catering to creatives just as much as one would to agencies or clients.
- JSK0
fate_
Did the girl any work since?
- fate_0
What girl?
- fate_0
Oh, she found a job locally doing that kind of work.
My first impression of your post was that you were saying she got hired by NT'ers, but that it didn't work out. But I see what you were trying to say....no one was overly interested.
- vespa0
i just use an accountant.
- tkmeister0
If she can bring in more clients, increase your profit margin and help the business operation, maybe.
The problem is, how can you really increase your bottom line. There's only so much work one man can do. You can outsource some work but that reduces the profit margin, not to mention you still have to manage and oversee creatively. Would she protect your creative integrity and not just become 'oh, the clients want to change...'. Can you form a boutique agency and start charging higher fee? Would that defeat your clients hiring a freelancer to reduce their bottom line?
I personally feel doing that admin work is relatively easy. Invoice, SOW, and proposal can just follow a standard template I set up. Dealing with clients directly is part of freelancer's role.
- The idea is more within a virtual agency realm. It gives medium size clients the opportunity to work with good people.Jugarelly
- Because there isn't as much overhead without physical space and benefits, the client can get a lower rate with the same services.Jugarelly
- same services. It's also based on a talent pool where the right people are matched up with the right jobs.Jugarelly
- So she gets to decide who she's gonna use as a designer depending on type of work?tkmeister