Freelance Question

[J_Paul]

Hi Everyone,

I have a quick question that you all might be able to help me with. I've recently started freelancing full time. My question is...

Other than word of mouth, how can freelancers get jobs? What places are good for posting services ( that you don't get swallowed in the crowd?

One big thing is personally I like handeling my own finances, bids, etc.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John Paul

[The Lady]

If you like bid sites - guru.com would be a very productive one. Forums such as the Warrior Forum that have an option to offer specials to their members, but you have to become active in the forum. Also you're able to make offer through your siggy in this or any other talented forum.

[Doolallys]

I use Elance.com to find people when I'm looking for freelancers. It's a busy site and covers a wide range of topics for professionals. Perhaps worth a try there?

[DrTandem1]

Word of mouth is the best. If you do a good job, before you know it, you'll be too busy to have time to place ads. Just a little patience in the beginning.

[edhan]

Yes. Word of mouth is indeed very effective provided you give good services. If not, it can also kill your business. In business, I care more for services than the products so it is very important to make customers feel happy. Nevertheless there will still be some that can make your life miserable.

Not bad to have a site advertising at the same time for your freelancing service.

[varun8211]

May b you want want to check out - Biggest search engine of freelance projects on the web - it gives you more flexibility in finding freelance projects according to your own search filters.

[incrediblehelp]

try setting up Alerts at Job Search | one search. all jobs. Indeed and watch for companies looking for work and then contact them

[willthegeek]

I just happen to be looking for a few people for an upcoming contract. You can contact me at the email on my profile.

Regards,

Will

[terri nuechterlein]

Your local Chamber of Commerce may be a great place to start. Become a member, attend mixers and introduce your services. There are still a lot of people who are afraid of the web and now it is getting even trickier with 1.0, 2.0, SEO... People respond well when they can look someone in the eye... better yet sit down and discuss their needs with a live person. Another thought is working with a local non-profit... perhaps you can donate services and in turn earn business with volunteers who are often community leaders who may be in need of your services. Congrats for taking the leap - much success!

[jimpajaro]

You could say my whole business model is "Freelance" because once you are no longer picking up a weekly paycheck you are on your own!

Networking works very well for me. BIN groups are very worth while but there are many others. Online groups such as meetup.com may have groups of people doing things you are interested in. I am in a Spanish speaking group, a dining out and having fun group, and an Internet professionals group. All of these groups of people know me and about my business. They get to know me and I them. I actually found 5 individuals who sell my services bundled with their own for a small commission, 10% to 15%.

But however you network get out there. It won't happen over night but then again the right contact could indeed make it happen over night. Either way nothing happens until you begin networking.

Good luck!

- Jim

[webmax]

You could also offer to do a free website for a church or other nonprofit group, provided that they'll be used as reference, that is, you'll cite their name and phone number so that your prospective clients can call and ask about their experience working with you. From what we've seen (and this is not such a small town), prospective clients tend to feel good about hiring you if they are familiar with the person or organization you've done work for. They don't actually call our references, at least as far as we've been able to verify. Also, many people who are involved in nonprofits have businesses themselves, so they are prospective customers.

[jannmirch]

While I confess to have done pro bono work as a way of gaining exposure/clients, I don't generally advocate for this method of building a following. Free work tends to bring in more free work. If you're doing freelance work, I'm assuming you would like to get paid for it.

If you must do free work, don't make it entirely free. Put your name in the footer as in "site designed by XXX" with a link to your website or contact page. If they have a newletter or similar medium, ask them to place an ad for you. It doesn't cost them anything and it gets you exposure.

But I've found networking, networking, networking. You need to get yourself out there and let people know who you are and what you do. Join your chamber, and if you can other area chambers. Go to area business expos. "Where ever there are business owner, so too shall you be."

Originally Posted by DrTandem1

Word of mouth is the best. If you do a good job, before you know it, you'll be too busy to have time to place ads. Just a little patience in the beginning.

Well said.

[J_Paul]

Hey everyone,

Thanks so much for your responses...

I have been working on a plan to get more exposure.. and I have to admit.. I totally forgot that I posted this question here. After reading everyone's posts, I'm glad to know that I'm right on with your suggestions.

Heres what I've been working on so far...

Right now I'm working on finding business functions in my area to attend that are either free or low cost starting out. I realize that this is going to be the biggest thing for me. I do agree that if someone knows you and is familiar with your business is much more likely to hire you over someone they have never met. Esp in our business.

I've signed up for every group, form, etc that can get my name out there to potential clients. I've been posting, posting, posting.

.. Now I haven't even thought about doing work for Non-Profits. That's a great idea. I'll have to do some research in my area to find some good possible candidates.

Ok back to work for me!!

Thanks again everyon!