Hire Ravi Here OR Apply to Be a Freelancer
Web design and development is an ever-changing industry where people can thrive with hard work and dedication. Today, we are going to learn just what it takes to become a freelance full stack developer here at FreeUp by learning more about one of our own, Ravi Shukla! Let’s get started!
Tell Us About Yourself
I started my software career with Infosys in Bangalore, India programming IBM Mainframes, and am based in Noida, India. I love to scuba dive and travel when I can. During the recent (COVID-19) times, I play music, run, read, and play chess.
Tell Us About Your Website Design and Development Freelancing Business
I am currently working on .Net and Python projects. My main skills are Software Architecture and Design, though I have taught Computer Science at the UnderGraduate level. Somewhere along the way, I acquired a PhD in Science Policy Studies, from JNU, Delhi.
This has translated to an interest in researching and exploring the Society-Technology relationship; I use ethnographical tools to build contextually relevant solutions.
After having lived and worked in different Geographies and Cultures for over two decades, I and some co-workers started Antastic Technologies around 4 years ago. The idea was to build a socially conscious, employee-owned organization.
Since then we have been using different freelancing sites to look for interesting projects. In parallel, we are building a set of reusable components that we are stitching together to build a framework for community interaction where a community is defined as a group of people performing related activities. An Activity could be anything ranging from a Software Project to organizing a Nature Walk.
What Do You Love the Most About Freelancing With FreeUp?
Many things. First off, the support team. They are just so responsive and, for lack of a better word, “supportive.” I feel comfortable speaking my mind to them without undue concerns.
I am certain that they will play fair, to both the Freelancer and the Client. Knowing that the Client has been spoken to and “vetted,” the same as the Freelancer, goes a long way in building this level of trust. I really like that they actually send you details of projects with your skill sets so that you don’t have to depend on finding a project on the jobs board.
FreeUp is also flexible in its processes, there are very few “have to’s” - whether it is about communicating with the client or with FreeUp. I cannot speak about other Freelancing platforms, I have been fortunate to find this one at the appropriate time, but I have heard some horror stories from both Clients and Freelancers. I would be very surprised to hear this about FreeUp.
What Are the Most Important Things You’ve Learned Since Freelancing?
The most important thing I have learned is to be transparent and communicative in all interactions - be it with clients or co-workers. The other thing is to be responsive/adaptable and sensitive to the client and the situation, there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution.
Each situation needs to be understood and appreciated for itself. It is important for all stakeholders to be satisfied not only with the outcome but also with the process of reaching the outcome.
What Is The Key to Client Success in Your Website Design and WordPress Development Freelancing Business?
Building a space of trust and open communication with the client is the key to success in this industry.
What Are Some Things You Like to Discuss With Clients Who Are Looking For a Full Stack Developer on Initial Interviews?
My main focus is to understand what needs to be done. I am also listening for concerns that they may have, and what would be the most effective way to communicate with them. I do think the first few calls should be on video, short of actually meeting the person(s), this is the best way to build understanding and trust.
What Advice Do You Have for Other Freelancers Just Getting Started on the FreeUp Platform?
Have good intentions. Trust in the platform and the people. If you have a problem, speak up and let them know, it will be handled.
Can You Share a Client Success Story?
This may not be a “success” in the sense of acquiring and executing a project, but it speaks more about having closure and satisfaction with every outcome. A client had posted a requirement on the FreeUp board that I responded to.
Everything was difficult and strained from the outset - from setting up a meeting, to knowing who the other members of the team were. After 2-3 meetings of me trying to ascertain what needed to be done, I was presented with an NDA and agreement with a detailed task breakup and deliverable dates.
To cut a long story short, I spent a lot of time split over several days after which I was told that the expected timeline to execute the project was one day! Needless to say, I say, I excused myself from the project. This was followed by emails asking me “what went wrong”?
The story did not end there - after several months, I was forwarded another job (or perhaps it was the same one) from the same client. I interacted once again with the same client. This time the interaction was more cordial, and though the client finally decided to work with someone else, there was closure for both parties.
Being a Freelance Web Designer and WordPress Developer Is Simple With FreeUp
We’ve taken a look into what it takes to create a profitable freelancing business as a full stack developer on FreeUp. With the right drive and a supportive platform at your back, you too can share in Ravi’s success!
Are you ready to take the next step in your freelancing career? Good! We’ve been waiting for you! Use the link below to apply to be a FreeUp Freelancer today!