Crazy, I've been doing this for 4 years already. What started as a way to make some extra cash to support my extra-curricular activities is actually paying my bills now. Through the years there's a lot I've learnt working for myself and today I'm sharing some of these gems with you.
Firstly, always check in with clients through the whole process. I personally recommend weekly check-ins just to make sure you're on the same page. During one project i was working on i got into my obsessive art mind and forgot to check in, cut to three weeks later, i presented the work and they say that's not what they wanted. I almost got sick, needless to say I still had to deliver on the work, so I put on my big girl panties and re-did the whole project.
Second, always have a contract! That's non negotiable! Without one you're leaving yourself open to getting screwed over. Trust me I know during my earlier years, I had this one client who’s project I finished. As politeness required, I waited a few weeks after the end of the project and asked them if I could post the video on my own social media. They said no, told me to wait till they posted it. It took them two whole months before I saw the work up on their sites. Damn!
Third, always write your minutes when talking to a client. It might seem like you're being too extra but trust me! When it comes time to pull up receipts about conversations you had with the client these will be like gold. Your client may try to pull a fast one over you saying you're not delivering what you had agreed on in the hope of changing the terms of your agreement. This is a lesson I've learnt the hard way.
Tell me if this helps, also feel free to add more of these gems in the comments
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