My First Direct Client
How I got my first direct client and how it's going
We can all agree that getting the first direct client is one of the most challenging parts of being an independent consultant. Here's my story of how I got my first direct client.
How I found the client (how they found me)
One day, I wrote a blog post comparing the performance of pandas and Python Polars. Several weeks later, I unexpectedly received a DM on LinkedIn from the CEO of a software company, telling me he saw my blog post and wanted to get in touch.
The first call with the client
I got on a call with him a week later. We discussed what they do and what I do, how we might be able to work together, and what he might want me to work on. We also discussed how much I’d charge, how much work I could take on, and what pricing model we should use.
First of all, I didn’t expect things would go this quickly right in this meeting. But I just went with how the meeting was going.
I'm currently targeting $200/hr if it's an hourly rate (very flexible depending on the project), but the rate I proposed for this client was $150/hr. He agreed to my price without hesitation.
He then asked me to meet with the team to make sure I’m a good fit for them and they’re a good fit for me. I met with 3 other folks from the team.
And shortly after that, I started working on the project.
We ended up crafting a simple SOW/contract, but it was actually because I wanted one. Looking back, I shouldn’t have asked for one given the complexity of the project. We had a verbal agreement and an email stating the terms would’ve been sufficient.
The project I'm working on
The project I’ve helped and still been helping with is about implementing data pipelines/transformations in Python Polars. It’s about writing new logic and improving existing pipelines for powering their software service. I’m working mainly with a data scientist to help guide her, troubleshoot issues, and implement logic in Python Polars. I only work a few hours a week on the project.
The good thing for me is that this is not a time-sensitive project and I don’t have any stress or anxiety over the tight deadlines.
When I talked to the CEO of this company some weeks ago to catch up, he told me he wanted to work with me more this year. So, more to come on this project.
Lessons I learned so far
There are quite a few lessons I’ve already learned through the process of getting my first direct client. Here’s some fact check though. Let’s look back on what I did and what happened.
I put myself out there in public with some work people can see. In my case, I have a tech blog to showcase my technical expertise.
The client knew I was available for independent consulting projects because I had made it clear on my LinkedIn profile.
The client knew I was knowledgeable about the tool they were considering using as well as other skills associated with the project. Again, because they saw my blog post(s), they learned I could do the job.
The client found me online at the right time.
My takeaway from this list is that it’s crucial to put yourself out there online and show others your expertise. You need both the expertise and visibility to seize a project. Timing is also another factor but that’s something that may or may not be under your control.
Summary
My independent consulting journey has just begun. I’m excited to keep working with this client whom I’ve already built a certain level of trust in my work and in who I am. Every client is different. I’m excited to learn more about the craft of finding and working with clients as I’ll encounter more people and businesses this year.