Regardless of how much programming experience you have, going independent is a whole new world. The first step is creating a standard contract (usually called a "Consulting Agreement") that's fair to both you and your future clients. This session will cover essential elements of a good contract, plus some negotiation strategies. We'll also cover the pros and cons of charging by time and materials versus fixed price, as well as what makes a good design specification. Finally, we'll get into how to establish and maintain a good working relationship, as well as when and how to terminate a relationship that's gone sour.