Freelancing: How to

Step 5: Conveying updates to the Buyer

At step 4, you placed your bid, and you also wrote a cover letter describing details and hence, if the buyer likes your profile, reviews, and impressed by your cover letter, then he will reply you back with mail for interview.



All responses/ invitations that you'll get from the Buyer will be through your Odesk 'messages’. You can reach this page by clicking on ‘Message’ on top, and then clicking on the ‘update’ button. It’s a very simple interface for interacting with the buyer and you can adjust to it in no time. Be kind, and professional while interacting with the Buyer. If you’re good enough, then you’ll get accepted by the Buyer and you shall receive an email about the same.




To accept the project from your side, you need to login to your Odesk account and click on ‘Candidacy’. This page contains the list of projects on which you have placed your bids. The project which was accepted by the Buyer shall have a green link on it, called ‘Accept Project’. So, you need to accept it, and then you shall be taken to a page which shall show you the buyer’s email address. Copy that email address, and send the buyer a thanking email, like:



[Salutation(hi/hello)],

Thanking for accepting Bid. Hoping positive response on completion of projects. asking for the project details so it is easy to start ASAP.Kind request for deposit the requisite amount in Escrow before start of the project, if it is fixed priced project.

Thanking again and pay Regards,


[Your Name]




For your kind notice, these Freelancing websites charge some fee from the buyer and the freelancer for each project. The project fee taken by each website is different and mainly depends on the bid amount. Please refer to the FAQ section of each website for more details:



https://www.odesk.com/w/faqs

https://www.getafreelancer.com/faq

http://www.elance.com/p/help/provider/projectfeecost101




You may have noticed above that it is explicitly asked the buyer to deposit the required amount in the Escrow. This is because to protect monetary loss as there are some buyers who make provider work for their project and then don’t pay the provider later on. The Escrow is a safest way to manage payement being not to misappropriated handled by Odesk, where the buyer deposits certain percentage of the money(as set by provider) at the begining of the project, and the buyer transfers the money once the project is successfully completed.




Now it is time to cheers as you are in the last phase where you will love to be get paid. So, loose your seat belt and ready to fun..................

Freelancing: How to

Step 4: Project searching and Bidding.



As we said we are going to learn how to find projects and bidding strategies that actually work. To find out how just follow the link : http://www.odesk.com/



As you are there just in with your account details and click on 'find provider and jobs' and then 'jobs'. You will provided with lots of categories to choose which best suits you. Now its your turn to find out, if you are a data entry operator you have to search for 'data entry' jobs under the 'Administrative support' category. The search results show the project listings and you will see the project has currently received.



You can manage your job alerts, how...If you are subscribed with daily e-mail notification then you will be notified via e-mail daily by odesk team as per your area of expertise which set earlier in your profile by you.It is better to be in touch with the bidding process as soon as possible as there are lots of eager provider awaits in the process of bidding. Don't waste your bids by bidding quickly without evaluating which jobs/projects best suits you . As you know your bid limit depends on how many exams you passed with odesk free skill tests(Max.bid limit 20/month).You have the options of change bid or detract bid if you wish to. But it is suggested that take your time to bid than change/detract . This will not make a good impression if it seen by the buyer before your change take effect.

Before you bid remember a couple of things that recommended: First, post a profile and fill in your past work history and skills. Take a few online tests to verify your skills. Start applying for jobs! Try out small projects first to accrue feedback and then go after the bigger fish.


Follow these bidding strategies. I’ll going to furnish some of them below for you:



1) While going through the bids, keep an eye open for three things:

a) Does the bid match your chosen field and is it urgent? As a new provider could you manage the time line.
b) The number of bids the project has received till now. If there are, many providers bids already on a project, then if you bid on it, your chances of winning will be low. Try to find projects with low bidded project before you bid.
c) Take a close look at the average bid amount while you bid. This will give you a better idea how much money you’ll earn if you’re selected. If possible don’t bid on the projects that are fixed priced, instead try to bid on hourly projects.



2) Before you have chosen the project you want to bid on, carefully read out the project description and take a carefull look at the bidders bid on the projects before you,if any. Read the description carefully and decide if you can actually do the project or not.

3) After that you need to click just on ‘Apply', and you will be taken to a form where you have to write short cover letter to your buyer describing how your expertise best suits to the project and how can make a difference if you win the project. There after agreeing with the terms of odesk you have to enter your bid amount in dollars in the next page.

4) If you have prior experience which relates to this projects you can attach your work details/credentials by placing the link for the required project.
Follow the under spelled rules while bidding:
Try to be clear and concise about how you will proceed with the project and try to explain the buyer about your abilities and effectiveness to complete the project on time.
Don’t disclose any contact information of yours; such as Messenger Handles, and Email Addresses. Doing so, will get you banned from the Site.

Now,

a) How do you know which buyer is good?
Just check out the feedback other providers have left for the buyers and take a look at the number of paid jobs they've completed on oDesk. It is also providers lookafter to ensure that there is a good fit during the interview process.

b) Should you bid on hourly or fixed price jobs?
Whichever you prefer. Most long-term relationships are done on an hourly basis, but fixed-price projects may be a great way to get started with your first oDesk jobs.

You can get your updates, information in the 'messages' tab and also learn current standings of the projects status by clicking on 'candidacies'.'Candidacies' is where you can change/ detract a bid.

So, you’ve placed your bid, you need to wait for the Buyer’s Response. Have a cup of tea and get ready to know the details of the next how to interact with the Buyer….....................

Freelancing: How to

Step 3: Creating Profile to attract Buyers.



It is very much simple and straight forward approach but very much important and extremely the deciding factor in gaining/Losing bids on projects because your profile is your desktop as the buyer don't know you personally.

As said earlier, I’ll going to discussing how to create profile with Odesk in detail. It is also recommended that you follow the same strategy for Elance and GetAFreelancer as well.



Now, Follow the steps to create account:



1) Log in to your Odesk Account.



2) Click on ‘Profile and settings' button on the top right.



3) In the my provider profile subtab just follow the tab to fill with the information wanted.



4) First of all you have to choose a title for your profile which'll be best suit your talent and skill.



5) As per your expertise and types of jobs and quality of deliverables, you need to enter an approximate ‘Average Hourly Rate’. This will usually depends on projects.



6)You have to denote how many hours you are able to work in the weekdays.



7) In the ‘Portfolio project' field, you have to provide details of the projects if any.You can add url address if you post any project in any site, this will enhance your credibility to your buyer.



8) You are also asked to provide your employment history, Education, any specialized certification or skill set you have.You can have the option to write something about yourself. This could be something like this: “I am a Hard Worker and I have always been punctual in delivering my projects. I would like to communicate with my buyer during the work to let him informed the status of the project and is there any update to follow. I believe in doing what exactly required by the jobs in hand and am fully confident in my ability to deliver the best possible results.” This how to convince your buyer by writing what actually you can do but don't over-write. you will bocked down if not performed what you wrote.



9) Upload your photo (optional) and choose your Email Notification Types.



10) Save your settings and if needed you can update by clicking ‘Edit’ whenever you are updated.



After you are done please take a tour to the site to know more how to, what to do to get best of it. Complete your profile similarly for GetAFreelaner and Elance . Don't be worried if any difficulty arrises but solve it with the online help of specific site.

 
Look how easy that to have a complete profile, Now its time search the buyer for jobs. How to.............................

Take rest for a while, We’ll discuss this topic shortly.


Be in the pink ............as you are closer to your goal.

Freelancing: How to

Step 2: Visit a Freelancing Website and open an Account


This Step is the easiest one which you can do effortlessly. I’ll disclose some of the favorite freelancing websites url where buyer and provider love to work as those sites are widely popular for their keeping records both for buyer and provider in most profesional way. But you have to keep in mind that before sign up with any one of those, I aware you that it is not easy for any one finding and completing jobs without properly prepared to do so. Here are the 3 main freelancing websites:


http://www.odesk.com/
http://www.getafreelancer.com/
http://www.elance.com/




Most of you already have heard of them (As they are so popular), or you might be hearing about them for the first time. My advice is that to you first visit these sites and spend some times looking at each of them. After you’ve gone through these websites, get an account with them. You can create an account for FREE, and all it takes is filling up a simple form. Be sure to create your account as a freelance: Provider; Not a Buyer.


Before you start please look at some of the lackings and restrictions of these sites for better understandings:


1) Odesk - With Odesk you will get benefit of maximum 20 jobs limits as you taking as low as 4 free aptitude test. The test result you can make private or public(View by all). You can opted how many test you can take, as much as you can from thier test centre will create a better frofile status and buyer can learn about your expertise. Keep in mind you have to compulsarily take the odesk readyness test and pass it. Other wise you can not apply for jobs. To know more about it visit: http://www.odesk.com/


2) GetAFreelancer – With getafreelancer you will get a limit of 15 bids a month. Although the bid limit carries forward to the next month. Moreover, there is also a Gold Members scheme, which is an upgrade to current free account. Find here for more on this : http://www.getafreelancer.com/


3) Elance – There are 3 free connects (tokens for bidding on projects) in every month. You can go for more, but the concepts behind our discussion is to earn without investing anything. To learn more about this site, you have to go to : http://www.elance.com/




As all of the above freelancing website follows same methodology with little bit difference from each other you find that in the way as noted below:
Buyers post projects/jobs for freelancers -> Freelancers bid on those projects -> Buyer interviews the freelancer ->Choose the provider ( based on expertise and achievements discussed later) -> Freelancer delivered the project with in time frame -> Made payments to provider -> Happy finishing


As all of the sites has the same way of sign up process and terms of reference are same I'll discuss one which I prefer to work with and it is Odesk . So, haven't you created your free accounts with these freelance websites yet? If not, then get hurry to do so, and take a long breath................

 We will get back to this discussion after getting refreshed on tomorrow morning, and by this time think youself to get your profile ready. Don't worry if you can't complete confidently I am here to assist you. Till then good bye..............

Freelancing: How to

Step 1: Finding own Expertise



When you think of freelancing, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? First of all you have to think seriously where you can show your talent.

As we are in the twenty first century, a time that appreciates Freelancers in hundreds of different jobs. Surely, you have probably heard of freelance photographers, freelance software designers, freelance medical billing specialists, or even freelance scientific researchers and also internet researchers? There are many jobs that have recently began to massive growth in their respective fields because more and more people are confident that they can make much more money working for themselves as freelancers than they can earn with their previous employer. So it sounds great, doesn’t it? You work in some field for quite a few years, get a lot of practical experience and achievements in your employment and then gradually make decision to switch from working the nine to five to become a freelancer where is no bossing!!!!!!!!

The first step in making the decision of switching from office work to freelance is to decide whether or not you have what it takes to become a freelancer. We all bear it in mind to be our own boss, but do we all have the drive and dedication that it takes to be successful without the watchful eye of our boss? Sorry to say that we don’t. So you have to sit back relax and think vigorously do you have guts to become a freelancer or not.



 Do you have a large enough skill set to make you stand out amongst the different people all seeking the same job as you in the freelance world?

 Do you punctual enough necessary to run your own freelancing work and meet all of the deadlines set upon you by your buyer?



If you have even the little bit of doubt in your mind about freelancing,then may be it is better to think otherwise. Now, as you are willing to switch in to your freelancing job you need to start slowly before you can really earning handsome from freelancing. Don’t quit your job just yet! Instead, you need to begin your hunt for freelance work in your area of expertise on the internet and see what you can make up with.

Some skills, such as Copy writing or software designing , web page designing for clients of all types, are highly marketable and you should really have no difficulty whatsoever finding a goldmine of work. On the other hand, if you are only able to do tasks that are very easily marketable on a freelance basis, you will have to face much more difficulty finding work for your freelance operation. Currently some of the most popular fields for freelancing include :



writing, editing, photography, web and graphic design, software design, and architecture or drafting, SEO, Virtual assistants, Administrative support.



Once you have mindset on a field you want to freelancing, you need to find out buyers, start to work, and after that you get paid. The best thing about freelancing is that you don’t need to invest and you can start right away.


So, today:


Get your mind set and convince yourself that you’re stepping into a world of work and you’ll be your own boss in this field. Start choosing your projects and work with your own timings mostly. But bear it in mind sometimes you have to work with what the buyer chooses.

Take your decision wisely whether you engage yourself in technology related field such as Networking, CSS, Joomla, Wordpress, Script Installation, Search Engine Optimization etc. If you r fresh but eager to learn those you can be learnt in a few days. How…… Just Google them for tutorials and you’ll be ready to go with in very short period. Sounds easy, isn't it?


Or



If you’re not good at technology, then choose the field of Writing. There are various fields related to Writing, such as Translation, DataEntry, Copywriting, Ghostwriting, Press Releases, Virtual assistant, Captcha work, Add poster, Lead generation etc.

After you’ve chosen your field and got familiar with it, you can sit back, relax yourself by watching a movie or play games now and get ready to move forward thereafter following next step.

Freelancing: What it is

A freelancer, freelance worker, or freelance is a self-employed person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any particular employer.

Payment for freelance work also varies greatly. Freelancers may charge by the day, hour, or page or on a per-project basis. Instead of a flat rate or fee, some freelancers have adopted a value-based pricing method based on the perceived value of the results to the client. By custom, payment arrangements may be upfront, percentage upfront, or upon completion. For more complex projects, a contract may set a payment schedule based on milestones or outcomes.


Current marketplace:

According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Approximately 10.3 million workers in the US are independent contractors[1]

7.4% of the US workforce is made up of independent contractors[1]

In the past three years, companies have increased their outsourcing by 22% on the internet

Think first before start freelancing:

1. Find out your area of specialization.
2. Go to a Freelancing website and get an account.
3. Create your Profile to attract Buyers.
4. Project searching and bidding.
5. Conveying updates to the buyer.
6. Complete and deliver Project timely.
7. Withdraw your money and ENJOY.

As we are in the twenty first century, a time that appreciates with Freelancers in hundreds of different jobs. Sure, you have probably heard of freelance photographers, freelance software designers, freelance medical billing specialists, or even freelance scientific researchers and internet researchers? There are lots of jobs that have recently massive growth in their respective fields because more and more people are realizing that they can make far more money working for themselves as freelancers than they earn with their previous employer. So it sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? You work in some field for quite a few years, get a lot of practical experience in your chosen area of employment and then gradually make the switch from working the nine to five to becoming your own boss as a freelancer. The first step in making the decision of switching from office work to freelance is to decide whether or not you have what it takes to become a freelancer. We all bear it in mind to be our own boss, but do we all have the drive and dedication that it takes to be successful without the watchful eye of our boss? Sorry to say that we don’t. So you have to sit back relax and think vigorously do you have guts to become a freelancer or not.

Take your decision wisely whether you engage yourself in technology related field such as Networking, CSS, Joomla, Wordpress, Script Installation, Search Engine Optimization etc. If you r fresh but eager to learn those you can be learnt in a few days. How…… Just Google them for tutorials and you’ll be ready to go.
 
Or

If you’re not good at technology, then choose the field of Writing. There are various fields related to Writing, such as Translation, Data Entry, Copywriting, Ghostwriting, Press Releases, E-mail Handling, Captcha entry etc.


Now it's time to get ready to learn step by step all about freelancing in the coming posts.