Friday 5 February 2016

Freelance Effectively: 5 Inches Extra

      We live in 21st century where a different breed of people is taking its firm roots. Yes, these people challenge the existing system which said, “To earn a living you should work 9 to 5 and take orders from your boss!” These people believe in working at their own will without binding to any of the employer. This is exactly the same category under which comes a- freelancer! A freelance business gives you a chance to earn for something you are really skilled at or passionate about and that to, most of the times, sitting in your house. If you are budding freelancer or a well set one, here are a few tips to enhance your freelancer profile which could help grow your freelancing business.


        1  First Impression: There’s a saying which goes like, “First impression is the last impression”. This holds very much true in the world of freelancing. Your first impression will be the title of your profile, your logo, any one-liner which describes you the most. Yes, these will be the things that will attract the potential clients. Put up a good, attractive title which is not too long or too short, but apt for your profile. Your title could basically sum up your entire profile. Client should be able to get firsthand information about you and your work through your title.
          Put up a good logo or your own profile picture. If you are displaying your own picture, make sure it’s a professional one. Having your own picture would be good since that will make your profile look more authentic. If you opt for a logo, then try to have a logo that represents your work. You can also add some catchy one-liner about you and your work. No need to put up big slogans, anything short and simple but genuine will help.



       2 Details: Keep the details as precise as possible and try to highlight and focus on the important points. This section of your profile should give a clear idea about your work. If you have any published work samples you would like to show your potential clients, then do attach it. This will definitely help them decide whether you are really eligible for the work. This way there will be no grudges later about the work not being up to the expectations. Also, please be honest while giving your details. Adding skills which you don’t have could backfire in worst way possible.

         3 Rate: Be practical while setting your rate. Be it rate per hour or as per the work you deliver, put some thought into it. List out your deliverables and do your part of research and chalk out a reasonable rate for your work. Clients always think about the charges before giving out any work. Make sure your profile stands out in this vertical. You may want to start with lower rates if you are new freelancer, to get projects and build reputation about your work in the initial phase.

       4  Start selling: So how do you go about this? First method would be to set up your website. This is like having your own brand! But not all can afford it. Second method helps you with this. There are many online freelancing sites out there which provide a platform for the freelancers to start selling their work. Sign up and get started. Place your bids and keep taking follow-up of all those time and again.


5    5 Promote yourself: Advertise! Advertise! Advertise! Yes, learn how to endorse yourself as a freelancer. Social media is today is way more powerful they we could possibly imagine. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and many other social sites are good platforms to advertise your gigs. You could even promote it on your blog if you have one. The basic mantra is having good visibility. You never know how and where someone might be looking for the exact service you are offering. So never miss a chance to market yourself. If you deliver your best to your client, then your client will endorse you by posting positive reviews and ratings or by word of mouth publicity. That would be the best marketing ever for your freelancing career!

Put Your Angry Customer at Ease

By: Jay Conner's Having To deal with angry and upset customers is by far one of the worst responsibilities we must face on a day to d...