Networking In The Strangest Places

One of my biggest weaknesses is networking, I get nervous and shy. However, I ended up getting a potential client in the strangest place. I was at the doctor's office and during the appointment I am blabbering on about school and closing a deal with a current client I have. I explain what it is that I am doing (web development project) and my doctor shocks me by saying "Do you know how to build websites?"

I was polite of course and said "Yes, thats what I am doing with this client" and he was like "OH!, my wife is a painter and she wants a site to sell her paintings can she contact you?" I was reeling by the time I left the office and was on the phone jabbering to my sister about how I got a fresh lead from the strangest place.

I noticed when I was talking to my doctor, that it was easy to explain the process and my thoughts on his wife's situation. He understood all of it and was amazed at the possibilities of technology. I sent in my proposal last night and am crossing my fingers. While it will start off as a small project, it will expand and word of mouth is always great! Wish me luck!

Which Information System Do I Use?

I'm trying to utilize what I have learned from my information systems book and am coming up blank. I want a productive system that will allow me to keep track of my clients, projects, tasks, costs, hours, etc. There are so many different systems that I am unsure which system to use and where to start. My budget is literally zero as I am the only finacial contributer at the moment.

I've been tinkering with Zoho and SalesForce and both have components I like, but the price isn't worth it for my size and where I am at. I am just now starting to branch out on my own and my first goal is obtain a minimum of four contracts with steady clients.

I know both these systems have a leads area, unfortunately there is no magic button that converts leads into sales. IT is a hot feild and fast growing, unfortunately, not many companies can afford digital enhancments. So I need to come up with a new strategy and business model to suit my niche of clientelle.

Which brings me to the part where I am lost. Do I even need a CRM system or do I stick with spreadsheets until I get a few clients? Any suggestions?

I Am In Love With Information Systems

So I am in my first class for my Master's in IT Project Management which is Information Systems. I was seriously intimidated because I didn't even know what information systems were. Except the kicker is I use them every day! Haha!

I work with Salesforce on a daily basis for a client and it consists of running reports and creating graphs and gauges based on performance. When I read the first chapter of "Management Information Systems: Managing a Digital Firm" by Kenneth Laudon, I was hooked. Much like my addiction to the Twilight Saga (Which I have read the whole series 6 times, sad I know) I am finding it difficult to put the book down.

Every chapter I read is inspiring me to apply what I am learning to what I am doing and really pushing me to prove myself. I thought I was a great Project Manager, simply because I get excellent feedback. But to see how much more I can improve to be a GREAT Project Manager has opened my eyes.

My goal by the end of this book is to provide at least two of my clients with full working reports on the company's as well as my progress. It is amazing what technology has done. 2 years ago I was doing data entry at 7 bucks an hour and now work as a project manager for web development projects at 30 bucks an hour. Too look at that progress and know there is still more to go is enlightening and humbling.

I am ashamed to say all the great feedback I have been getting has gone to my head a little and this experience has knocked me down a level and will definitely improve my attitude and outlook.

AWOL Clients

So you all know that when you are managing a project from start to finish, there is always a need for discussions with the client to ensure the project is going smoothly. I have this client that is completely AWOL at the moment and it is highly frustrating. Clients hire me to save money and time, yet they tend to drag the projects out to an unreasonable amount of time and end up losing money.

Not to mention it is a hassle for me. I do not mean to sound like a diva, but I cannot work under these conditions. A $1000 project spanning out to 2 months means $500 per month for me. This economy is not suitable for that type of income. While I work many projects at one time, it is still a hassle and alters my schedule and inhibits my ability to be as efficient as possible. When clients decide to pop up at the most random times saying they need 5 hours worth of work in 15 minutes, it puts a large strain on me.

I am now in the position where I am still waiting on my payment. I bill on Friday and expect a payment by Tuesday. Well no payment yet and I have bills due. What person doesn't. I wish that clients would understand that just because we are freelancers does not mean we are expendable. The services I offer are phenomenal for my price. This is not me being cocky, this is what I have been told by multiple clients.

I was just wondering if it is just me or does every other freelancer go through this?

What is this?

Simply put, it is a place where I can share my project management experiences and vent about my struggles. Project managers are commonly looked over and dismissed, but in reality we do not only manage but we do a million and one other things, including grunt work.

I am currently working for multiple clients and am in school for my Master's in IT Project Management and I need a space to talk about PM work. While I can talk to my family, they are not hip to PM work or what it involves so I am publicly speaking to the PM Industry and others like me who deal with the same struggles.