14 Tips For To Be Independent Software Developers

Being an independent software developer is not easy in today’s industry environment. Open source has gained a lot of momentum in the year 2013 and if you’re aiming to become an independent software developer, there has to be something about you and your software that makes it stand apart. Uniqueness sells, but that’s something that you already know. What you perhaps ignore though are the things that we’re going to tell you in the following point. Read on…

1. Answer 'the why' before you resign from your job: People want to take up the independent software development gig for different reasons. Some want the luxury to work from home, while others want to make more money. Still others want to travel or want to work on their own terms. Why you want to do it is a very important question. You need to realise that many or even most of your goals will not be met immediately. So, you have to choose the right time to quite your job.

2. Have a game plan: Formulate your path before you sign your resignation. What do we mean? Make sure you know what you are going to do and how to go about it. You’re going to be your own man now, so you can do almost anything that you want to. But just because the world is open to you, doesn’t mean that you forget what your strengths are.

3. Get the first break: Remember how you had to hunt for a job before you got your break? It’s the same with a business as an independent software developer. The first contract is often the toughest task for an independent developer. This you can achieve either through your former employer or through recruitment firms, who can get you independent gigs.

4. Expand your skills: If you want to be a software developer, you’re most probably a coder yourself. But, you have to recognise that you’re starting a business and have a lot more responsibility. You have quite literally stepped into your boss’ shoes. Now it’s time to cope with it. Moreover, you don’t have a team that you boss did. Learn as much as you can and add new things to your skill set.

5. Quality matters: Quality is of the utmost importance nowadays. You have to strive to be the best in the business. If you get a contract, then you have to ensure that you become the end all and be all for your clients. That’s how you get ahead.

6. Pay attention to the little things: This is actually an extension of point 4. You have to pay attention to things like accounting, contracts, liability, cash flow etc. in order to avoid tax fiascos and other hassles in future. The little things don’t pay for now, but they pay in the long run by not becoming issues for you.

7. Marketing is the key: You can never really be the best unless the world knows it. Look at technology giants like Google, Apple etc. and you will recognise the importance of marketing. Market yourself as much as possible. If you’re working with a client, find out what additional work you can get from them. Moreover, ask every client for a referral. Lastly, meet new people in the same field of work as you.

8. Being organised: This is not something that we need to tell you, but still. It is really easy to be disorganised when you’re handling everything by yourself. We are not going to suggest one of the systems for being organised, do whatever works for you. As long as you’re organised, everything will be fine.

9. You didn’t get a promotion: You went independent, you did not get a promotion. As an independent software developer, you have to do the things that your boss did and the things that you yourself did. Basically, you’re a one man company now.

10. Don’t be a hindrance to yourself: Ok, you just went independent and the adrenaline is rushing. You may feel like you can do whatever comes your way now, but you do have a limit. Delegating tasks is very important and it keeps you from burning out.

11. You got to know when to hold ‘em: It’s like a game of poker and like it’s said in that song, “You got to know when to fold ‘em, know when to hold ‘em.” Go slow when you have too much work on your hands. As your venture becomes bigger, you can take more stuff at the same time. Overloading yourself can be the death of your business before you can realise it.

12. Judge your product: You are your own judge in this arena. You have a code and it is beautiful. But why should we take your word for it? This is exactly the question that your clients have for you. The good things about knowing your product is that you can sell it better. You have to know where your product excels and what its weaknesses are.

13. Find your successor: You know what the ultimate goal for any business is? To become what companies like Facebook and Google have become. But Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Mark Zuckerberg do not sit down to write the code anymore. They have other responsibilities now. Any moderately well to do developer will tell you that this stage comes much before you become the next Google. So, prepare for it and make sure that you have a team that functions well under you. Moreover, find your own replacement for when you want to be the big man with the big chair.

14. What is your asset: No, your best asset is not your product, at least not yet. That comes later, when you grow to a certain level. Zuckerberg is one of Facebook’s assets now, but when the boy started out, he was the biggest asset to Facebook. That is exactly what you are to your endeavour. Don’t burn yourself out and be in an impeccable state health wise.