FX Freelance Bootcamp 2022

When setting your rates, it has to be what’s right for you, your business, industry and discipline. Do you charge by the hour, by the project, by the day, by retainer, etc.? And how much? Are you charging enough or too little? How do you bill? Do you ask for a deposit up front? Do you bill at the end of every month, when the project is complete, etc.? When is your invoice due? What are your payment terms? Join this virtual session, led by active member (and future FX board member!) Jeremy Lips, to figure all this out for your very own freelance business.

Getting things in writing is so important. Having a contract in place helps protect both parties, ensures everyone’s on the same page, and prevents any misunderstandings down the road. Though, putting together a contract—or even sending one to a client—can be intimidating. What needs to be in it? Money, timeframe, intellectual property, etc.? Who signs it? What do you do if your client won’t sign it? Register for this session, led by FX Communications Director Kelly Ziegler, to discuss these questions and more.

We all know that getting clients and client work is the lifeblood of staying in business. But HOW do you go about doing so? Does the word “sales” send shivers down your spine? It doesn’t have to … if you shift your mindset in how you approach new-business development. Join us for this interactive session, led by past FX board member George Weyrauch, on prospecting to help you get out of your comfort zone, find new business (or new work from existing clients!), and set yourself up for freelance success.

No one ever said running your own business was easy. Add that to the inevitable difficult client, disagreement, or misunderstanding you’ll come across, and you’ve gotten yourself an interesting situation that you—and only you as a freelancer can get yourself out of. What strategies can you take to salvage the relationship and find a win-win solution? Or, at what point do you walk away? Join us for this virtual round table discussion, led by FX Social Director (and future VP!) Michelle Schneider to share ideas and learn best practices.

All freelancers and creative solopreneurs need an identity and marketing strategy. How else will prospective clients find you? As hard as it may be, you need to put yourself out there. Why? Because people like to work with those whom they know, like and trust. And a great way to become that person is by creating (and maintaining!) a solid brand and promotional strategy. Join us for this inspirational session, led by FX Founder & President Julie Cortés, to share ideas (and discover new ones!) as to best branding and self-promotion strategies for freelancers.

Being organized and having processes and systems in place is essential for freelance success. Set yourself with a good and productive workflow to get your business running like a well-oiled machine, to avoid costly mistakes, and to prevent yourself from disappointing your clients. Sign up for this session, led by FX Programs Director (and future Secretary!) Amber Monaco, to learn what others are doing, how to treat your clients to the best vendor relationship, get some great tips and tricks, and modify them to fit your very own freelance business.