Re: Step by Step

At 07:13 AM 07/27/2000 -0700, Cliff Rockson wrote:
>Hi again,
>
>         Let me be a little more specific. On my budget, I can't even afford
>to buy a $5.00 magazine, let alone a $20-$30 book. I need to get work right
>now! After my first completed site design, I'll be able to buy those things
>I need.

Yikes!  Then you are not in a position to start a business at this 
point.  Business take infusions of cash from the beginning and forever - it 
is never ending.  Starting below ground zero gives you very little chance 
for success.  Why so may folks assume that being in this business requires 
little investment in tools, knowledge and experience is beyond me.  Slap up 
a Web site and the clients roll in throwing cash at you - NOT!  It will 
take time to build your portfolio and reputation - probably a couple years 
/before/ you can "relax" financially - if you survive that long.

You need to first get your business plan in place.  Business plans suck - 
they are torture!  But, you will then know what is involved and be able to 
plan accordingly knowing what you are getting into - because ~this is a 
business~.  They also force folks new to the business world to do their 
"due diligence".   Those who do not take the time or make the effort to do 
so, will fail.

>         What I need now, is help from someone on this list. I'm going to
>start bidding on jobs, and I need to know just the basic steps to complete a
>job. For example, when a company accepts my bid, whats the next step? 
>There must be some FAQs that these companies will be asking. What are 
>they, and how should I respond?

You really are putting the cart before the horse.  You can't even start 
bidding unless you have your entire process from start to finish in place - 
which considers operational policy.  Yes, you can be flexible and make 
changes later but you do need this structure before you even begin 
soliciting clients.  There are several resources you need to consume - like 
now:

The Basics:

<http://www.hwg.org/resources/faqs/startFAQ.html>

More resources:

<http://www.hwg.org/lists/hwg-business/faq.html>

>(I don't want it to seem to them, like it's my
>first time designing a site for money, even though it is.)  :~)

We have all "been there, done that".... ;-)  However, without knowing even 
the basics of running a business or the confidence to clearly state the 
process involved means you really are not in a position to start your 
business yet.  You may want to work on several "volunteer" sites to give 
you a run through of the process and what is involved.


>         And I'm still worried about legal fees, not so much the amount, but
>more on, no money up front. Is there a way to get around this, have the
>customer pay, or will a lawyer draw up a contract that includes his/hers
>fees?

You need to have a contract in place and speak with a lawyer that is well 
versed in this area - you have no choice in this!  To not do so opens you 
up to liabilities that dependent on the organization of your business - 
sole prop or corp. - could cause you to get into situations that can be 
easily avoided with this document in place.

Customers don't pay for your contracts to be created.  You pay to protect 
yourself and clearly state your terms and conditions in the 
relationship.  If you have not determined these issues, or have no idea of 
what they are yet you need to get this in place before you charge anyone 
anything.

>         Please someone, I'm like a child, running alongside a bicycle, I
>just need someone to help me jump on with my feet planted firmly on the
>pedals.

Well, here's your Internet Reality Check.  This is a business just like any 
other where the standard and customary issues related to business success 
applies.  Having a computer with some software does not compensate for the 
lack of the core basics for running a business being in place.  And, since 
each of our businesses are unique unto the owner - you need to determine 
much of the info you are asking for on your own or by using the resources 
provided above as well as others.

You need to make sure, before you take a penny from anyone that you are 
qualified and protected in doing so.    This is not the answer you are 
looking for - but only you can do the hard work ahead of you if you truly 
want to run a successful Web shop.  You need to be intimate with this 
information because ~you~ have "been there, done that" if you truly want 
the best chance for success.  The resources above will give you a running 
start. ;-)

/j

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