Freelance Projects in Tough Times
I’m back to the subject again, but it’s only because it’s on everybody’s mind: how to survive the current economic downturn and the sad fact of the offshoring of work from the United States. I’ve written in the past about it, drawing parallels between the closing of the mills and the need to find work that will continue to be available, even inviting my colleague Geoff Hart as a guest blogger recently to talk about it.
And there are more people becoming freelancers every day out of necessity because of the downsizing of companies and the unavailability of jobs. So let’s get down to more concrete suggestions. How, as a freelancer, can you find work in these times?
- Join and be visible in professional organizations. This includes online groups like LinkedIn and local networking/professional groups. Check out your local BNI chapter, the Chamber of Commerce, and others. Many professional organizations (like the EFA) have local chapters with local meetings.
- Use the job boards of professional groups (ASJA, EFA, NWU, etc.) effectively: don’t apply for everything, but save your time and energy for applying to gigs for which you’re really qualified.
- Use Craigslist when you have time (to post your availability or check for gigs), but don’t expect much of the lower-end bidding boards; use your time wisely.
- Be visible on discussion lists with good information that helps others out. People will remember that!
- Research and go after your own opportunities, instead of waiting for work to come to you.
- Present a professional image. Update your website (and a website is not an option, it’s a requirement), have business cards printed and give them out at every opportunity.
- Tell your former coworkers and employers, friends, family, etc. that you’re available for projects.
- Comment on blogs that are relevant to your areas of expertise, with a link back to your website.
- Tell your current clients that you’re available for other projects or (if you’re qualified) other types of work.
- Do good work and referrals will come to you.
- Remember that the Internet is forever, and don’t post comments or participate in discussions that will reflect badly on you as a professional.
Have other tips? Send them to me at jcezanne(at)customline.com and I’ll include them here! And then we’ll all be … beyond the elements of style!
Posted in The Writing Life, About Writing on August 7th, 2008