“Deadline is the best motivation!” These are the wise words of Dusan Markovic, a Drupal Developer from Serbia. Three years back, Dusan Markovic was tired of chaotic labor conditions and fixed salaries. He was looking for more! That is when he started freelancing next to his fulltime employment. But all beginnings are difficult. “I can tell you that I practically had to beg for my first freelancer jobs.” In the meantime, Dusan Markovic has become a successful freelancer to the core, enjoying a maximum value of freedom and flexibility without having a boss in his neck.1) First off, can you tell us bit about yourself?
I´m Dusan Markovic, a senior Drupal developer from Serbia. Mostly involved in web development/design projects, but also working as a consulting provider. I´m in freelancing for more than three years now.
2) If you would search for your profile on Google, which are the three keywords you would type in the search bar?
The keywords that I would use are “Drupal”, “web developer“, “Serbia”.
3) What was your inspiration and when did you actually decide to become a freelancer?
Working for fixed salary and being part of poorly organized and somewhat static working environment in my old firms made me ask myself if there´s something more for me out there. I started freelancing in parallel and soon created my own start-up providing freelancing services full time.
4) What kind of services have your clients asked you to provide?
Some of my clients are interested in developing new web sites for their brand, and some in troubleshooting, upgrading and maintenance of their existing web projects.
5) Do you use other freelancers or companies to provide skills that you don’t possess?
If the time frame for the project is too narrow I have to use other freelancers to assist me, otherwise I do it alone. The freelancers I use are mostly some of my old friends or someone they recommended.
6) Now tell us, how do you find new clients that are interested in your services?
When I turn around and look at my freelancing career I can tell you that I practically had to beg for my first freelancer jobs. After several months, all I needed were the clients which were pleased with the job I´ve done for them. That was the best reference. I have profiles on several freelancing/HR websites so far (freelancermap.com, freelancer.com, oDesk, cyberCoders, topTal…) and they´re good tool for finding new jobs. Social networks are a must for job seekers.
7) What about freelancermap.com? Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with our IT-network?
I recently created profile here, because one of my colleagues highly recommended freelancermap.com. And I already see that you have much more job postings for web development than any other freelancing site.
8) How do you set yourself apart from your competitors? What makes you special?
Every client has specific needs. I always listen to what client has to say, do a research and provide my estimation. Though I´m not asked for, I prepare pros and cons for every option I put on the table.
9) What are the top three books, blogs or magazines you read to stay up to date in the IT-market?
If you want to stay up to date in web development, there are no three books, blogs or magazines which you have to read. You have to be interested enough to read about anything new that´s connected with your business.
10) Freestyle! Is there anything you would like to tell our readers?
Never give up on a job opportunity and “deadline is the best motivation” 🙂
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Where to find Dusan Markovic?
freelancer profile: Dusan Markovic at freelancermap.com
Link to website: www.proultima.com
Skype: dusan.s.markovic
The interview was conducted by Doreen Schollmeier, freelancermap.com team.
Pic: © Dusan Markovic
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