Elements and Performance Criteria
- Promote self to potential clients
- Establish, follow up and regularly maintain industry contacts
- Participate in and maintain relevant industry, employer and other networks
- Identify and implement strategies to enhance a professional reputation
- Produce material about the services provided and promote across a range of media outlets and platforms
- Negotiate work arrangements
- Establish clear project outcomes with client and agree on fees, schedules and expenses
- Confirm contracts or agreements contain payment terms and conditions that provide a viable cash flow
- Confirm contracts or agreements include obligations of all parties and include a process for varying terms and conditions
- Seek specialist advice to review contracts or agreements before signing, if appropriate
- Store signed contracts or agreements securely for future reference
- Adapt to client work demands without compromising ethics or reputation
- Negotiate contract or agreement variations as required
- Manage financial and business aspects of service
- Set up and use effective systems for managing budgets, finance, taxation and project documents, seeking expert advice and support where necessary
- Set a realistic fee structure for services provided
- Plan and maintain a viable work schedule and cash flow outlined in a business plan
- Send invoices in line with payment terms and conditions and promptly follow up any non-payments
- Keep accurate and up-to-date financial accounts and records
- Submit all taxation documents, using an accountant if necessary
- Comply with business regulations, taxation and insurance requirements
- Undertake strategic planning
- Implement strategies to identify work opportunities and risks
- Identify and act on opportunities to expand the client base, either alone or in partnership with others
- Seek constructive feedback about work performance from clients and other relevant people to improve work practices
- Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and ensure skills and knowledge keep pace with industry developments
- Regularly review and set realistic work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals
- Identify risk factors and take action to minimise when planning work activities