Work as a freelancer: where to find customers?

Work as a freelancer does not allow to sit idly by and wait until you are showered with orders. That's why many people do not dare to exchange office for freelancing - the office worker will always come up with an occupation. But the freelancer for the order will have to run, at least at first, until he completes the portfolio and does not gain a certain reputation.

Work as a freelancer involves the ability to present their skills in the most favorable light, to offer their services so that the customer can not refuse them. Of course, all your applications must be supported by concrete actions and results. Bad reputation is created easier than good. It costs you once to promise the customer with three boxes, and then "fill up the project", as many potential customers will find out about it and will put you on the "black list".

Working as a freelancer is working for yourself. If you just wait at the sea for the weather, no one will find you - because no one will seek you, until you make a name for yourself. To actively search for customers, there are several options:

1. Freelancers Exchanges. These are special sites that perform inAs intermediaries between freelancers and customers. Usually, exchanges allow a freelancer to place his resume and portfolio in the hope that he will like the customer. The exchange is a good place to start, but it has a number of shortcomings. You are unlikely to find a large customer here - projects on the stock exchanges with a modest budget often occur. The competition is high, while newcomers are also dumping prices. Finally, if your account or the whole "site" is closed, you will lose everything that you have managed to earn.




2. Other professional-oriented websites (forums, communities, social networks, etc.). Actively communicate on professional topics withcolleagues, earn a reputation as a specialist in their business. Even if you do not meet potential customers here, you will gain invaluable experience - both professional and communication experience. Communication in professional circles will help you acquire a reputation, and for a freelancer reputation is very important.




3. Own blog or website. Personal representation on the Internet can alsobe very necessary. The advantages of a blog on a third-party blog service are its interactivity. On the same LiveJournal there are many communities for freelancers, on which employers offer projects. The main thing is to have time to "intercept" the order in time. On these same communities, you can talk with more experienced "brothers in mind." A personal blog or website will have to be untwisted from the ground up, but it has ample opportunities - on it you can place a portfolio and share your professional experience.




4. Personal contacts. Work as a freelancer requiresinitiative. There are two main options here: communication with employers and word of mouth. Do not be afraid to find potential customers on the Internet and send them a commercial offer. Let first the percentage of responses and orders be small, this will help you to start. Well, and what is a word of mouth - we think, we do not need to explain. Hand out business cards, tell your friends who will give to your acquaintances ... the more people find out about you, the better.

Work as a freelancer is communication and acquiring connections. Do not be afraid to communicate with other freelancers and potential clients, offer your services, ask for and give advice. Always keep in touch with former customers - they can offer you a new project orto recommend you to a friend. With colleagues, too, it is worth to be on good terms - suddenly one of them "throw" you a project for which he does not have time, and you will eventually repay him the same.

Working as a freelancer requires the ability to communicate, respond well, persevere and persevere. And, of course, professionalism. Over time, your portfolio and your reputation will speak for you, and then the question "Where to find customers?" will be a passed stage in your career.