The Freelance Provider and Buyer Guide
by Ant Onaf
Being a freelancer simply mean you work for yourself and provide a service or talent
which can be outsourced. There are a number of services which can be outsourced, such
services include programming, writing, web design, search engine optimization, etc.
Services such as these usually can be accomplished from a remote location without the need
of a local onsite presence. This being the case makes freelancing very appealing as a
provider and as a buyer.
It's almost obvious how providers benefit from freelancing and opportunities of
freelance jobs. Without having the need to arrive onsite this mean freelance providers can
work from home or remote and save on travel expenses. It also means the freelance provider
is not restricted to only local opportunities. With the ability to reach the globe through
the Internet it would seem being a freelance provider is a wise career move.
If a freelance provider is able to make a name for themselves then the opportunities can
become endless. Making a name in your target market takes time and dedication. You should
continue to grow your talent and skills as this will set the stage for your freelancing
career path.
When freelancing there are many ways to find freelance jobs. One of the best methods
of finding and securing freelance opportunities is by being a member of freelance job boards,
such as RemoteGurus.com, GetAFreelancer.com, and Elance.com. These freelance job boards
are commonly frequented by those seeking outsourced talent, but the catch 22 is that these
job boards are also frequented by competitors who are also competing for the same freelance jobs.
These freelance job boards operate in a reverse auction style, buyers post jobs and
projects while freelance providers bid on the jobs and projects in hopes to be selected as
the winning bidder. Since its a competitive platform as a freelancer you must be competitive
with your rates. Using these job boards you will most likely have to shortchange yourself
in order to win bids, but the trade-off is you will most likely continue to find and get new work.
The freelance job boards are great for building your brand and visibility as a freelance.
As you continue to build a name for yourself and your popularity on the boards grow your
reputation will begin to precede itself. The freelance job boards are designed with a
rating system which allow buyers who you perform work for to rate your talent and services,
the more ratings and the higher the rating the more likely you will land new projects
consistently. Having high number of positive ratings also mean you will more likely be able
to bid higher (without shortchanging yourself) on the projects with a good chance of winning
the project. The key is keep a reputable name and your business will continue to grow in time.
Buyers benefit in a number of ways by outsourcing their jobs and projects to talented
professionals. For a small business owner or home-based worker, outsourcing to remote
freelancers is an ideal solution. Outsourcing to remote and telecommuting professionals
means you do not need to have an onsite physical address or rent additional office space,
you immediately save on overhead expenses.
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