So you’re looking to start contracting and want to know “How do you get contracts?”
It’s a tricky question but here are 5 dos and don’ts that we follow when applying for a new contract.
When you make contact the first up cover all the basics, do some research into their previous projects and then;
Be truthful and professional, the client is looking to hire an expert, not a friend. Some real examples I’ve seen include;
The client is telling you their biggest concerns for the project and how they are going to judge applicants. Don’t imply it, tell them how you will solve their problems.
You never want the client to think “Wall of text!”. You should also be careful about giving out too much information up front as they may take your proposal to the cheapest bid.
The client is looking to hire an expert. If you can see something about their project that is odd, overly complicated, or missing, then bring it up. It shows the client you care about their project and know what you are talking about.
Sometimes the brief will be something that’s just like another project you’ve longed to make. Too bad so sad, they’re the boss this is their project.
How much work do you have on at the moment? Are there public holidays or conferences coming up? Clients prefer pleasant surprises to excuses. Overestimate the time and work involved with each milestone so that you always hit your targets. Happy clients are repeat clients.
Just because they specified an upper limit doesn’t mean you should follow it. Remember you’re the expert so quote what it will cost to do it right and in a reasonable time frame. If you don’t get the gig, then so what? The pay was wrong anyway. This also applies to contracts you find that are below your minimum job size.
There are so many places to find work. We decided to divide them between us so we don’t spend too long looking. We use Seek, Tsumea, Elance, the Unity Forum, Facebook groups, Twitter, DLF emails, word of mouth, unity3dwork.com and Odesk.
You won’t get em all. You probably won’t even get most of them. We still don’t, but we never give up. This includes times where you already have projects on. It can take up to several weeks to sort out NDAs, contracts and get assets. You should look for next month’s work today. Put your name into every hat, your finger into every pie and you’ll be getting work in no time.
Do you think we’ve missed anything? Do you know a great place to look for work? Want more info on any of those points? We’d love to hear from you via comments, twitter or on facebook.
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