Read on Twitter
We thought it might be nice to share a few things of what we've learnt. An ongoing thread that might turn into a blog post at some point. Useful tips and so on in the interest of supporting others and being transparent... Someone might get something out of it.
A thread...
https://twitter.com/andymatthews/status/1370642305514938368
A thread...
https://twitter.com/andymatthews/status/1370642305514938368
Get a mentor. I have two formal ones who I approached and were delighted to be able to help. One male, one female. You'd be surprised how much people want to help! It's great to be able to talk to someone regularly and share advice - often both ways.
Talk to others who’ve done the same thing. Through photography I’ve had the chance to discuss it a fair bit as see what people have been up to. But past that I’ve made contact with a number of people and arranged drinks etc to see how hard it really is.
Stay friends with your previous boss. Chances are that they did the same thing once. It’ll be annoying you’re leaving to do your own thing but best that you see out whatever project you’re leading if possible. They might then refer you work or want to collaborate.
Stop saying no to work. “Do you know anyone?” Should then be followed with “yes me!” Seems obvious but once you start stop saying no there’s plenty of people who want an Architect. Then they talk to their friends. Also drop it into every conversation you have. Build your network.
Lead generation sites do just that. Generate leads.
Which means admin.
Careful about which ones you use & the costs associated. Currently Design for Me is working out best - one job won.
Looked at lots of others & costs involved, Bark, Houzz, Find My Architect, RIBA...
Which means admin.
Careful about which ones you use & the costs associated. Currently Design for Me is working out best - one job won.
Looked at lots of others & costs involved, Bark, Houzz, Find My Architect, RIBA...
Build up work and earnings in the background & build the basics (foundations?). Name, domain, email, branding, NAS box, CAD / 3D software. Can all be invested in whilst you don’t need to pull a wage out of the business.
“Every job is an opportunity” is one mantra that has really stuck with us. Either to do something interesting, test an idea, help someone out, make and develop a connection, do something new, or just help someone a bit.
Whilst talking to one of my mentors I asked about their first published project (which I shot).
Was that your first job then?
No that was job number 70 and we did anything we could at first just to get going until we found more interesting stuff.
Was that your first job then?
No that was job number 70 and we did anything we could at first just to get going until we found more interesting stuff.
Don’t be afraid of asking for a mobilisation fee to help with cash flow. Shows that the client is able and willing to pay. And less exposed to working for four weeks + invoice payment time etc. We added it to our T+Cs.
Also. Set invoice payment period to 14 days not 30.
Also. Set invoice payment period to 14 days not 30.
