Freelance web developer Carrie Dils lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and hosts the Officehours.fm podcast.
Carrie offers quick business advice for freelancers in our series, “First, Best & Wish You Knew.”
How did you find your first client?
Via a radio ad (this was in 1997 or ’98). The radio station was looking for a freelance graphic designer.
How did you find your best client?
Word of my mouth. My very best clients are referrals from people who know me well.
What do you know now that you wish you knew before you started?
That it’s OK to be picky about who you choose to work with and the projects you choose to work on. That’s something I’ve learned from an accumulation of experiences. Part of that came from setting better boundaries, both professionally and personally. The other part is realizing that I’m not obligated to work with people that bring me down. Career-wise, I’m also in an established place where there is more work available than I could ever possibly take on—saying no to projects I don’t want frees me up to say yes to those I do.
More:
- Visit Carrie’s blog for additional business insights.
- Or check out our interview with Carrie Dils:
“I’m not a blogging mastermind or business guru, but I’ve been amazed at what a consistent online presence has accomplished for my business.” -Carrie Dils