With 12 years’ experience, Shahin Mirzaei is an old hand in the software industry, working as a programmer, consultant, and trainer. To stay in touch with other freelancers and to find prospective clients, the Iranian freelancer is using various freelancing website and IT-networks e.g. freelancermap.com. We have interviewed the experienced programmer and talked about his reason to start freelancing 4 years ago and his secret of success. Let’s introduce Shahin Mirzaei – .Net and Java programmer….1) First off, can you tell us bit about yourself?
My name is Shahin Mirzaei. I am Iranian. I am a .NET and Java programmer on Desktop, internet and mobile environments. I have 12 years of experience, thereof four as a freelancer.
2) If you would search for your profile on Google, which are the three keywords you would type in the search bar?
Software Development, Database Design, Programming (.net and java)
3) What was your inspiration and when did you actually decide to become a freelancer?
My incentives for freelancing are two points: first, to be more flexible on my timings and schedule, and second, my capabilities are much more than my clients’ needs. In the beginning, freelancing had been a side business for me for about three and half years (working on banking systems) and it is now about six month that my main job is freelancing. Before starting as a freelancer, I have been working as a programmer in all companies that I had been working. On some occasions, I have taught these subjects as well.
4) What kind of services have your clients asked you to provide?
I offer various services to my clients such as:
1- Development and programming of customized web, desktop and mobile applications
2- Redesign and re-engineering of current software systems and their optimization
3- Consultancy
4- Training
5) Do you use other freelancers or companies to provide skills that you don’t possess?
I am in contact with different people and businesses that offer new, interesting services with newer technologies. I am member of many sites, including freelancermap.com, and I am in contact with their members and always enjoy these contacts.
6) Now tell us, how do you find new clients that are interested in your services?
I use multi-dimensional strategy to get new clients. My best clients are usually large scale enterprises that do not deeply know their needs or despite knowing what they need, they have problem on selecting proper teams. Maneuverings on their needs and providing our executive resume, I plan the structure of their needs and get their trust that an expert can perform their needs. For small or international clients, I provide required information on my web site and in the next step, I am going to use social networks.
7) What about freelancermap.com? Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with our IT-network?
Freelancermap.com provides good information, especially in the Project agent section that by proving proper information, I can get update information about the projects. Also, it has a good search feature to find freelancers so that we can cooperate with each other.
8) How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?What makes you special?
On providing my services, I always try to use the most suitable technology for implementation of their programming needs to reduce their future costs and also make future improvements easier. Sometimes, the client’s selection is not suitable. I try to be a good consultant first. During the programming, I always try to follow the schedule and timing. Considering these parameters, including utilizing latest methods and technologies, my clients always are satisfied with my service and it has created a good local market for me.
9) What are the top three books, blogs or magazines you read to stay up to date in the IT-market?
In order to keep myself updated, I use mostly Microsoft and Oracles magazines. I also follow seminars which are related to new technologies.
10) Freestyle! Is there anything you would like to tell our readers?
In my opinion, by improvement of electronic services, there is no border and many big projects can be performed and achieved by cooperation of the best experts around the world.
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Where to find Shahin Mirzaei?
freelancer profile: ShahinMirzaei at freelancermap.com
Link to website: www.shahinmirzaei.com
Skype: shahin.mirzaei2
The interview was conducted by Doreen Schollmeier, freelancermap.com team.
Pic: © Shahin Mirzaei
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