FREELANCE WORK
Very often companies find themselves in situations where they are short staffed. They win a project, which requires additional staff, but this staff is costly to retain once the project is over. They need occasional help in a field for which they think a dedicated employee is an unjustified expense. At times they are even trying to reduce overheads by keeping employees stationed in their offices at a bare minimum, thus outsourcing as much work as possible. These are the types of employers who drive the freelance work market. It is in these and similar situations that you slip in, do freelance work and make your money. What kind of work are we talking about? The variety of projects available to a person interested in doing freelance work is mind-boggling. It could be anything -transcription and typing of audio files, web site developing, creative writing, data entry, research, programming, localised sales, making architectural drawings, graphic design, journalism, illustration, photography, web designing, copywriting, proof reading, editing, writing messages for greeting cards, writing hotel reviews, logo designing, ezine and newsletter designing… in fact just about anything you can think of. How can I find freelance work on the Internet? The first step towards being a freelancer is to register with the sites that list freelance work projects. Most sites are free to register unless you choose to buy upgrades. Search for projects that suit your expertise and apply. It is a good idea to check out what others are bidding for similar projects or at what rates such projects have closed in the past.
Tip: You will not necessarily get every project you apply for. Therefore to ensure a constant supply of work it is essential to register at as many sites as possible. This helps you find a constant supply of projects, which are specific to your preferred line of work.
Once you have decided which projects you like, the next logical step is to work out the time and effort or in some cases expense it will take to complete the project. Then place a bid stating your price and the time you will take to complete it.
Will I get the project if my bid is the lowest?
Not necessarily. The factors that influence who the successful winner is, are, qualifications as per the resume, reference of previous work if available, price and time required to finish the project. If a company is satisfied with your work, there is a good chance that you will be hired for future projects. Will I earn easy money for doing little? Highly unlikely. As the name suggests freelance work is about working in a field in which you find yourself competent, in your own time, from wherever you like. But freelance work is work all right. (Didn’t we tell you right at the outset that we didn’t believe in get rich quick schemes?)
What should I do once I find freelance work I would like to take up?