Teccelerator

One of the folks in my coaching community shared a common frustration the other day:

“It’s difficult to find a thing to do as a consulting offering that involves writing code and also getting paid for it.”

As I often tell folks, coding is one of the least valuable things an experienced developer can offer to a client.

This usually ticks developers off.

If you pride yourself on being a good developer, it feels wrong, unfair, or both. Writing code is something you’ve been doing for a long time. It’s something that you pour your heart and soul into. It’s an activity from which you derive a genuine sense of mastery.

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t owe you a high paying salary for engaging in your favorite activity.

Let’s step back and change the activity from “writing code” to something you probably don’t care about:

“It’s difficult to find a thing to do as a consulting offering that involves drawing calligraphy and also getting paid for it.”

Would I pay $200 per hour for calligraphy? Of course not. Why? Because calligraphy has close to zero value for me.

The fact that I don’t value calligraphy probably seems horribly unfair to a calligrapher who has devoted their life to the practice and has achieved a level of mastery.

Now let’s turn it back around to developers:

Would a client pay $200 per hour for code? Of course not. Why? Because code has close to zero value for clients. Clients have no use for code.

You’re probably thinking, “Wait... WAT? Clients pay me for code all time!”

Clients aren’t paying for your code. They aren’t even paying for the resulting software that the code comprises.

They are paying for the business outcome that they believe the software will achieve.

The distinction I’m trying to make here is that there is no intrinsic value in a line of code, a line of calligraphy, or a line of coke.

The value is in what the client believes the line will do to improve their condition.

Sell the OUTCOME of your activity, not the OUTPUT of your activity.

By

If you are looking to start your own business, finding consistent clients can be a daunting task. It may be scary but understanding your circle of influence can help.

You have already heard this before but people like to work with people they know, like and trust. Here are some tips to get you started.

💙 People you know: Family, Friends and Colleagues - Announce you business and let those close to you know that you are taking clients. This can be a great place to get started because there is a chance that someone within your immediate network may be looking for your services. Working with those close to you can come with some challenges but understanding how to set strong boundaries between personal and professional relations can solve that problem
💙 Recommendations by people you know: Even if those in your immediate circle may not be looking to work with you right away, there is a chance that someone in their circle may be looking for your services. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing method
💙Social Network - Announce your agency on your social media by posting about your new business and sharing your skills online.
💙Local businesses that you visit often are another great place for you to looking for clients. If you have already built a relationship that can be a great place to get started. For example, your local barber or your local coffee shop can be a great contact to refer you to others or may be looking for digital services for his own business
💙Cold outreach is one of the most challenging because there is no relationship but can still work if done correctly

What are some of your favourite ways to get clients?

If you are looking to start your own agency, be sure to enrol in “Freelancer to Agency Owner” course to set your business up for success. Link in bio

Identifying your ideal client is one thing but connecting to them requires thinking strategically
Here are some tips to help you get started

💙Who do you know? Try to think of people already in your circle that may require your services

💙 Who do they know ? A warm lead/ referral through someone you know can really help you get started

💙 Where are they online? Try to think of places online that can connect you to your ideal client such as online conferences, using social media, getting featured on a podcast or being a part of a community

💙 Where are they in real life? Think of events or communities that you can use to network and connect with your ideal client

What is your favourite way to connect with your clients?

What are some of your favourite ways to connect with you clients?

If you are looking to start or grow your agency, be sure to check out the link in the bio to enroll in our Freelancer to Agency Owner course

If you try and fail congratulations, most people don't even try.

The golden rule for every business is this: "put yourself in your customer's place."