The Biggest Freelancing Mistake I Ever Made | Freelance Tips and Advice

[@hessmontana5020]

This video probably will only make sense when you had this happen to you. This man is really spittin fire 🔥 To all the goodhearted people out there starting a buisness. First of there’s nothing wrong with declining a client if the client doesnt want to pay your price. And second of all these clients with their smart talk are cheap clients if you keep working with these people you’ll be stuck around these people that only think for themselves and you’ll never grow your buissnes

[@andrewdejuan4914]

Our clients just simply don't know or have no appreciation to the quality of work that goes in to a good design.

[@zak2684]

As a new freelancer, I have tried putting my rate at a « reasonable » rate and did not get any single client for very long. I decided to change a bit and asked a client to work for free and let him think on the quality of my work. He was very impressed of the work I did and decide to pay me high, and leave an outstanding review. This might be a particular case but I think your advice works more for people who are already settled. No body is going to pay high if they have no idea on how many projects you worked on, what people think about your work.

[@DaVinci-uh4tr]

Absolutely agree. ALWAYS be all that you can be!

[@michellezhu1559]

You have no idea how relatable this video is Brett. I am literally in the middle of a cheap project (while I am also over-delivering) so in your terms I am doing free work! On top of that, I have under so much stress because the client has left me impression that he doesn't know much about UX/UI design(which is my service) yet he wouldn't let me add my value to this product but instead tries so hard at holding my hand and "guiding me without the expertise". I am nodding to everything you said in the video.

[@KerryNeeds]

Completely agree. You also have to make sure that you don’t put too much on your plate so your quality of work goes down.

[@Odank]

Do shit work to learn the basics, like after graduating. The worst is stagnation.

[@brett_dev]

Correct.

[@747800pro]

Brett, love this video and actually all of your videos which I just found a couple of days ago. I am currently in Chiang Mai and just by chance found your KZbin channel. :) I work as an independent travel consultant which also allows me to work from anywhere and while it is somewhat different from the usual freelance work, the same rules apply when it comes to choosing your clients. I just had this experience of wanting to turn away a client but feeling somewhat guilty doing so, watching your video, feels empowering and confirms what my gut feeling has been telling me. I have been coming to Chiang Mai for the last 15 years and I also plan to spend extended amount of times here from next year on. Your videos are very helpful, thanks for keeping it real and down to earth.

[@brett_dev]

Thanks for the comment Ales, your get that un-sure gut feeling for a reason, always listen to it.

[@MattSaundersCoach]

Great video. The problem is a sense of self worth. When I started out, I knew all of this intuitively, but I didn't know how to get passed that sense that I was only worth low budget projects. It took a lot of practice and improvement before I realised I was "above" working on shitty projects that I didn't care about. As you say, it starts by saying no.

[@valdisstrautins2635]

Totally agree! I have experience when I do shit work and clients ask all the time for consultation, time goes in consultation more than work and for work don't want to pay either. Sometimes they just don't understand the value of time. Good Video!

[@dariuszdawidowski2640]

Great video. This is very important topic. One of the best freelancer's tip.

[@CameronChardukian]

Excellent video. In freelance writing we call this getting away from the content mills. Working with clients that want to pay $1 for 100 words or even $0.70 for 100 words forces you to work so quickly that you develop no portfolio, no network of good clients, plus you may even form bad writing habits.

[@brett_dev]

Jesus, you'd have to be out of your mind to work for that.

[@procodeparham1524]

I've always wanted to be a writer.. but Lord have mercy I'd have to earn aleast 3/100

[@bhuwaneshfreelancer3098]

I'm going to begin as a freelancer and I just saw this video. Found that your experience and advise is very genuine, so lots of thanks Bratt. 'm subscribing your channel for more of such advises.

[@zsombornagy3935]

Great video man. The second greatest thing to having the ability with today's technology of freelancing to have clients at your fingertips, is to get amazing free content advice from well calibrated people like you in specific fields.

[@brett_dev]

Thanks for the comment much appreciated.

[@splitpierre]

Wow Brett, I'm into freelancing for over 10 years now, web-dev, and i agree in every inch of your words, very valuable advice. I'm gonna share some topics that i've learned too, maybe you can share some thoughts on this too: - If you are starting as a freelancer, doing cheap work with high quality might be a very efficient strategy to build up reputation on freelancing websites, try to keep your 100% satisfaction rate, by this you are not being underpaid but increasing your competition value. - As a freelancer less IS more, many freelancers are always looking to have great amounts of clients, having less and very good clients is the best way to go in my learning experience, always be looking for better clients, not more clients (being a freelancer is quiet different from being a company). - Communication plays a major role in freelancing, understanding about a wide range of industries even if in a beginner level, really does separate winners from losers, as you said, big clients usually understand what they need (and usually in business terms, not technical), so if you understand quickly and precisely what the client needs, in terms of solution, that's a perfect match right there. Your work is inspiring Brett! Keep it up with the good content! (from Brazil) (also tripping about living some time in Thailand, so lovely)

[@brett_dev]

+Pierre M S Silva great points. Although to touch on your first point. I would recommend new freelancers do small tiny jobs to start with to quickly boost their feedback up.

[@syrialife8145]

Brother, I'm really lost, I don't know how to start.

[@syrialife8145]

I'm 21, my father is dead, and I'm in charge of my family.

[@syrialife8145]

I have a knack for drawing.

[@syrialife8145]

I am using google translate so I made three comments

[@codeyourlife4987]

Great video. I really love the content you share. Back when I started an English school in Japan I made similar mistakes in taking on offers that were, in the end, a waste of time and money. It can be hard to say no (especially when you really want/need the money) but you will end up hating life if you commit to an offer that is even slightly below your bottom line. Anyway, thanks again for the great content and please keep it coming!

[@daliovic24]

You are absolutely right! As a motion designer, I discovered that after 3 years of freelancing without basically any portfolio, except for the things I made either for fun or for a remote job for a local e-learning platform. I made some money from freelancing indeed, I upgraded my gear and my laptop, twice, but still, when I want to show a company my portfolio, I feel somewhat ashamed, this should be a way better portfolio than this for more than 3 years of working with clients. People should really listen to your advice!

[@francesco_delloro]

I have seen this after some years of freelancing. I think you explained the point in a very clear way and I loved the video because you talked about situations which I experienced, very useful for people who are starting or want to work in a better way. Thanks for sharing.

[@OCDTraci]

Give this man more likes! He is absolutely right and as a freelancer at the beginning of her career, I am glad I discovered this early on.

[@kuttfree]

Well said man, thanks for sharing. I've been semi-successfully freelancing for 8 months now (have 15 years experience in web). Feel like I'm a bit stuck, a kind of plateau where the jobs are average pay. This vid is great motivation to be more selective with work/clients.

[@brett_dev]

+kuttfree happy to help. Don't get stuck, always think about growth and what you can do to stand out.

[@kuttfree]

Yeah I'm really taking on the self branding thing, exciting. Awesome videos mate.

[@themorningflightinindonesi3558]

It's nice advice especially for people who have no financial problems while doing this.

[@e49grafix]

Since retiring I have gone freelance and you are so right .

[@evanparcon]

I strongly agree with this. I couldn't say it any better. Thumbs up!

[@sagarchate]

Than you Brett. That is an awesome video. It seriously is an eye opener. Very informative.

[@gregsallin9385]

Another great video/life lesson from Brett Dev. Thanks!

[@benjisea]

Wtf do you do if you're stuck at low rates? $10/hr rates. How do we bring higher value clients and know what they're looking for?

[@slim_mike]

Thank you very much for that!

[@jjhatnm]

good advice with the charities

[@jessicathompson8869]

so glad I found this video. I have a client who approached me and basically wants me to give all my ideas and skills for little money. I will definitely bare this in mind for future. Would you be able to provide a video on how to write proposals to get the work. I am finding it hard at the moment to find freelance work as a new web developer. Thanks

[@D.Bunker]

*I had one guy contact me via my professional KZbin page that wanted me to do the "first job" really cheap, and then every job after that he would pay my full rate. I told him to take a hike !!! If you can afford to pay my full rate for every other "future" job, then you can pay my full rate for this one. It is merely a gimmick to sucker you in - there are no "future" jobs with such clients !!!*

[@brett_dev]

+Wide Awake! Productions lol

[@covfefe6511]

Great video. While I am doing shit work it means that I am not doing something else that is productive during that same time period. A very important message that I need to hear at least weekly.

[@NoizyCloset]

He hit the nail on the head! It took me years to understand this.

[@MVS_DJGillyGill]

Thank you for this! Trying to get into freelancing

[@caryhuff8924]

Spot on Brett.

[@TheMindControlCopywriter]

Great video Brett!. Don't you think you need to start small and buiild up your profile in the begining to prove your self as a good worker before you can start charging more? Currently i have no experiencing with freelance and I am wondering how much i should charge for service. My experience is only in the field of customer service. Thanks in advance and keep up the good videos.

[@musadabra521]

thanks brett, I'm about to start freelance web development and i have never work for a client before,no experience, should i start with fiverr, if no,which freelance website should i start with and how

[@mimicc123123]

Great advice! Tnx

[@treycwong]

I totally agree with you.

[@ismailsarenkapic485]

Great Video Brett!I've been leaning a Django Framework for a while, so I was wondering when it is right time for me to start with Upwork, how should I know that I'm ready??

[@brett_dev]

Only you know that. Remember, if you get stuck you can always hire someone to help you. You'll never know until you try. Make sure you don't have ridiculous deadlines and that there is enough money in the job for you to hire someone if you get really stuck. Nice one learning Django by the way, I love Python.

[@SpencerJFox]

Good video.. I used to own a catering business. and the cheapo people started taking advantage of me.. I dropped them after a while and stuck to my price.. the ones that paid what I needed to do a good party I really enjoyed.. samething with freelancing.. I won't deal with cheapos... only people with a good understanding of business.

[@WebContrive]

what do you think for starter freelancers?? how to get projects?

[@leonelmateus]

so true.. and a lot of sharks on upwork now.. people that dont value quality at their core and they're just doing crap results on volume work.. tons of no value add middleman..

[@ujjalshill6442]

i feel bad for these type of client becuase they dont understand that cheap work and dead line is going to harm their own business

[@seanfoley6838]

hi brett ,I'm planning on coming over to chiang mai this summer ,I'm coming from the uk ,what currency is best to bring ,great vids

[@brett_dev]

You can draw cash out from any Bangkok back with your passport and debit card.

[@KenanConvey]

Great point. You never put the $200 video on your website. The higher paying the client the more professional and the more professional your buiss is as a result. You don’t get to the top by working for the bottom.

[@untildawn5714]

Hey Brett, Are you still living in Thailand? I actually prepare my life to move to Chiang Mai this year. I am working as freelance graphic designer and I 100% agree with your thoughts. I experienced almost same things after 3 years when I jumped into my self business. Regards Mate, István

[@xMoTionzxx]

Selling is first and foremost a disqualification process! -Perry

[@dangermandave67]

The biggest reason not to do shit work is that third parties will see it but not know the back-story about why you did the shit work (i.e. they won't know that you were working under budget constraints). They will only see the shit work and assume that this is what you are capable of. It is damaging to your reputation.

[@Jonas_Fox]

What great insights. How does this apply when getting started on freelancer.com and the like? Should I be keeping value based pricing in the back of my mind and slowly work up to higher pricing or do you just have to walk away from freelance websites eventually? Thanks again for the great content. Looking forward to staying tuned.

[@brett_dev]

I will never stop using these sites, they're a gold mine for leads.

[@Jonas_Fox]

Great. I appreciate that insight. I'll remember that for getting started.

[@petersendesignstudios6754]

You mentioned in the comments that upWork can be a great source of leads: my question: how aggressively should you pursue someone/a business outside of upwork? Wouldn't you be giving off the impression that you are "cherry picking" the site? have to stay professional ! thanks nice video

[@brett_dev]

Petersen Design Studios I wouldn't pursue them aggressively outside of Upwork. You'll get your account banned.

[@petersendesignstudios6754]

ok, gotcha, so what's a good approach? how can you generate the leads? especially if you are having trouble getting hired on upwork?

[@md.shafayatulhaque6273]

You are 100% right.

[@hudsonsances8240]

I'm months into a project producing for someone for whom the phrase "doesn't get it," couldn't apply more. Nearly everything I send is not good enough or doesn't match their vision which is pulling away from something I would be willing to produce. Also notes are vague, nay saying and communication is like talking to a cinder block. Recently out of college I'm looking to establish a portfolio but now in the closing stages of a full length production, there's resistance with paying me, no idea what to request as per price, and ever less of a willingness to do more work for this client I knew from the university. How deeply invested in a project have you been when walking away from it?

[@aaaces01]

Hey Hudson, Without being mean, you are learning what not to do. The upside is that you can get your mistakes out of the way early. You need to price x$ for xpages/features. Include number of colour revisions, layout revisions included in price then charge per hour - have the customer sign your pricing schedule before work starts.. Demand all photography/copy before work starts if the customer is supplying. Build in a testing environment that you own and then transfer when all monies are paid. Ask for at least 50% up front and more partial payments eg, 50%,20%,20% and 10% You are in a terrible situation now - avoid this at all costs in the future. Cheers

[@nome.archvis]

What freelance platform would you recommend?

[@nathanielkidd6707]

Great video. How does someone break into becoming a Freelancer?

[@brett_dev]

Just start offering your services.

[@stanislavdimitrov1643]

It is easier said than done because, if we take Upwork, there are so many who undercut prices and are working for low wages. They have accepted hundreds of new freelancers on their platform who do exactly this for the most part. Apart from this, there is the feedback. It is absurd that your feedback goes down if you don't work on projects. So, what most persons do to bolster it is to enter into jobs which are exactly such as you are talking about. But, of course, this whole scheme was preconceived by Upwork in order that the clients be satisfied and receive their work for low price. I, for myself, don't rely on Upwork for a living, and am just giving it a try there without indulging and preoccupying myself too much.

[@sheverleyclacken3676]

Great solid information. Some clients will make thousands of pounds out of work you do for them whilst paying you peanuts.

[@octaviogomes_]

You are talking about choosing clients, my question is how long it takes for you to be able to chose your clients? Because i suppose that in the beginning you need to take anything you can take. Am i wrong?

[@JamalStead]

KNOW YOUR WORTH...........ONLY SO MANY MINUTES ON THIS EARTH Jamal Stead lol

[@NadaTHafez]

I started recently working on freelancer but some of the clients ask me to buy a workstation so they could receive work on. I just wanna know if it’s a spam or what?

[@kylestankovich2199]

I would say it may be okay when you are FIRST getting started. However, you should stop as SOON as possible. These kinds of clients suck terribly bad...

[@DorinMocan]

are those pears in your right ?

[@demetrikrotchlikmiov1564]

how long have you been freelancing copy?

[@omkarayushbisht]

It again inspired me

[@akbets]

I've been banned off upwork!!! @BrettDev what should do??? Can I get around this issue and start over some how???

[@brett_dev]

Create a new account???

[@kuntilanakmerah5214]

Hi bret..can you come to indonesia to see me?

[@Gusando]

You nailed it on the head thanks

[@benline2963]

Fix your SSL Brett 😏

[@bolloxfc1326]

The man is right. I took a shit gig from a shit cheap wanker. The dispute cost me my upwork account and ALL of the money in it. Not to mention my clients.

[@brett_dev]

Fuck that sucks bro. Learn to get clients outside of Upwork as well. My free course has some good info in it about this.

[@god5535]

No shit. Gee thanks Captain Obv for another of these self-flagellating vid... as if the problem solely must lie with us. How about making a video about scummy client? Or is that not too "positive" for you?