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Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

kenvak.com

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Re: Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

#11

Post by Argorak »

ryanSrich wrote: post #8

> Generally the most frustrating part of freelancing is dealing with the business side of things. I strongly disagree. The hardest part of freelancing is finding quality clients. Not finding leads, not the legal work, not the accounting, not anything else. What would be interesting is a service that coaches clients on how to be reasonable. How to have realistic expectations, how to set a realistic budget, how to ask…

Especially as accounting and legal is easily solved:

1) hire an accountant 2) hire a lawyer

(I had both since day one and that was the best decision I ever made)

Re: Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

#12

Post by revak »

ryanSrich wrote: post #8

> Generally the most frustrating part of freelancing is dealing with the business side of things. I strongly disagree. The hardest part of freelancing is finding quality clients. Not finding leads, not the legal work, not the accounting, not anything else. What would be interesting is a service that coaches clients on how to be reasonable. How to have realistic expectations, how to set a realistic budget, how to ask…

Hey ryanSrich, I'm Brian, an agent @ Kenvak. I agree with you that finding qualified clients is one of the toughest if not the toughest aspect of freelancing. The great thing about Kenvak is we have amazing relationships with some world class clients, of which we have vetted. Kenvak will also be doing a weekly blog with coaching tips for freelancers. I am only representing 10 web professionals, this is to ensure the highest quality service for each freelancer.

Re: Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

#13

Post by kennedysgarage »

rmcastil wrote: post #10
kennedysgarage wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My name is Kennedy and I am represented by Kenvek I would love to help answer any questions. 1. They take 10%. Which makes sense to me as my rates and time varies from project to project. 2. Brian, the main man behind it, who represents me is only taking on 10 full time freelancers at this time. He wants to start small and is in no rush take on a bunch of people. This way he can focus on the best people. The vetting…

Thanks for the reply! > the current process is to hold the money from the clients in the bank account for the sanity of both client and freelancer. Sounds kind of like an escrow service. What kind of measures does he have in place if there is a discrepancy between the client and developer? For instance what if the client feels cheated somehow and wants some money back. Admittedly if you're a good contractor and have…

Thinking about I am pretty sure that it is an escrow. I haven't had to worry about collecting payments from a client in a while. I look at it more as a safety net for both me and the clients. Brian helps establish goals and milestones to make sure everyone is on the same page at all times. This helps to ensure no one feels cheated.

Re: Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

#15

Post by revak »

nnx wrote: post #2

What's your main differentiator compared to other similar recently launched services (eg. getlambda.com) ?

nnx, I'm Brian, an agent with Kenvak. We are only representing 10 web professionals at this time. This allows us to focus much more on each freelancer.We spend a few days reviewing each freelancers work, our freelancers let us know their ideal clients and we match them with projects that they are excited to work on.

Re: Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

#17

Post by revak »

gearoidoc wrote: post #6

In my experience the hardest part of freelancing is the actual selling. Getting leads isn't difficult, nor is drawing up contracts. It's getting from "Hello" to a signed contract thats difficult and these guys (AFAICS) don't help with that. If they did I'd certainly be interested!

gearoidoc, I agree with you, going from "hello to a signed contract" can be a timely process. What we have found is that by being selective with the freelancers that we represent, clients are confident that their finished product will meet or exceed their expectations. I am only representing 10 freelancers at this time so it allows me to develop a relationship with each web pro. When companies contact us for work, they know that we only represent the best, thus making the selling aspect easier.

Re: Show HN: Kenvak, representation for freelance web professionals

#20

Post by ryanjanvier »

revak wrote: post #18
ryanjanvier wrote: post #16

Interesting concept. However, it is not very useful to someone like myself who has a niche market.

Why not?

My specific target niche is First Nation organizations and small businesses in Northern Alberta, Canada. I would prefer to be represented by someone who understands the unique needs of my customers. However, I do see value in your service for someone who works with multiple niches.
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