Navigating the Shift to Self-Employment in Development

Breaking into freelancing or launching a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but winning your first developer project is one of the most important steps in building your development career. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share proven tips to help developers land their first paying project—and do it the right way.

Why Mindset Matters for Winning Your First Developer Project

The first step to success is shifting your mindset. Rob emphasizes that you’re not just writing code—you’re solving real business problems for your clients.

Think like a service provider, not just a developer. Your success comes from delivering value, understanding client needs, and focusing on outcomes.

Michael reminds developers that while independence is part of freelancing, you still work for your clients. Listening, collaborating, and guiding them toward success are essential to building strong relationships.

Specialize to Win Your First Developer Project

One common mistake when trying to win your first developer project is offering every service imaginable. Rob and Michael both learned that trying to be everything to everyone can lead to frustration and poor results.

Focus on the work you enjoy and excel at, such as:

• Web development
• API integrations
• Automation solutions
• Small application fixes

Rob recommends starting with simple, high-demand solutions like landing pages or bug fixes. Michael reflects on how defining a niche helped him avoid projects he didn’t enjoy and allowed him to grow his business the right way.

Small Wins Help in Winning Your First Developer Project

Rob stresses the importance of starting with small, quick wins. These projects help you build confidence, gain testimonials, and establish a reputation.

Here’s how to approach your first project:

• Take on projects you can complete within a day
• Deliver high-quality work with fast turnaround
• Gather testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients
• Use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer to build your portfolio

These small wins lay the foundation for bigger opportunities and long-term client relationships.

Be Strategic When Winning Your First Developer Project

Pricing is another critical factor when trying to win your first developer project. Rob and Michael offer this advice:

• Avoid underbidding to the point where you limit your future rates
• Under promise and over deliver to build trust
• Offer discounts in exchange for testimonials when appropriate
• Know your value and communicate it confidently

Michael shares that early low bids helped him build relationships, but emphasizes the importance of aligning work with your expertise and long-term goals.

Confidence and Clarity Lead to Winning Your First Developer Project

Winning your first developer project is not just about technical skills—it’s about defining your niche, delivering exceptional value, and building strong client relationships. Start small, focus on your strengths, and grow your freelance reputation one project at a time.

Ready to take the next step? Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for expert advice on launching your freelance development career.

Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

Additional Resources

• From Side Hustle to Success
• Launch Your Side Hustle – Amy Harrop Interview
• Side Hustle Success Through Perseverance – Chris Myles Interview
• Side Hustle Ideas From Your Annual Review and Planning
• Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content