need, who the decision makers are, and what direction they are taking their business.  It will be extremely valuable when you do make the leap to fulltime freelance, and a quick note when you're leaving could be very useful then.  If your current employer has a non-comp clause, make sure you are careful not to alienate these potential customers, but don't focus on them for now.  You're going to need business when the non-comp clause expires, and that's a great time to approach these folks. Step 5: Hit your deadlines. No excuses.  Deliver before or on the day you promised.  Every time. Step 6: Write. Write more.  Rewrite.  Do it again. A good friend of mine told me that writers write.  If you want to be successful, you've got to put pen to paper (fine... fingers to keys) and find a way to effectively bleed your thoughts into the page.  Read lots, write more. I'm sure this is the same regardless of your field. In his book Outliers , Malcolm Gladwell says it takes 10000 hours to become an expert, and the best way to get there is practise. Lots and lots of practise.  Graphic designers draw, coders code, and freelancers freelance. Whatever you do, make the time to refine your craft. Step 7: Work with good professionals. Find yourself a group of professionals that you trust.  An accountant and a financial planner can help you avoid tax issues that could cost you a lot of time and money.  A