Elance Series: Part 2
How To Get Started
How To Get Started
If you're tired of applying for jobs each time you PCS, it might be time to start freelancing. Whether your skills lie in finance or marketing, design or technology, Elance is a great place to get started in the freelance world. Even established freelancers might appreciate the structure and opportunities available at Elance.
Before you get started, gather your resume, cover letters, business cards and any other business paraphernalia you have been using. This will help you brand yourself on the site. You will also want some examples of your work, online or in digital forms, and a professional picture of yourself. The picture need not be taken in a studio or by a professional, but should be a simple headshot, that portrays you as a professional. Nothing too cheesy or casual.
Go to www.elance.com and choose to sign up. Choose the "I want to work" option and give your email address. You can then review the various levels of membership. For now, you can choose the free plan and stay on that as long as you want. If you find you need more options for your profile and more bids for jobs, you can upgrade at any time. Don't get sucked in by the lower billing percentages. You need to make $10,000 in six months to earn a lower percentage kicks in. Press the green button under the free plan.
Now it's time to tell Elance who you are. First you will have to share some personal information, such as your address and phone number. Don't worry. These are not posted to your profile for employers to call at all hours. This is for internal use. Once you share this information, you will be directed to set up your profile. This is the place to brand yourself and your business. You need a quick tagline --a handful of words to summarize your work. Ask trusted friends or coworkers for ideas. You will also share your work history, a summarizing few paragraphs about yourself and your work. You will also have to choose a list of skills that you possess and use in your business. Focus on your individual goals. What kind of work have you enjoyed performing and what kind of work do you hope to do on Elance? Focus on these aspects. Military spouses have broad experiences. Showcase two to three. Upload some highlights of your portfolio and a picture of yourself.
Once you have set up your profile, which you can edit, change or add to at any time, you have the toughest hurdle of the sign up process -- the admissions test. Before you take the test, read through the pages on Elance University. This test doesn't examine your abilities as a writer, designer or other provider. It tests your understanding of Elance. When you are directed to take the test, open it in one internet browser window and the Elance University site in another window. Go back and review the University pages as you are taking the test to answer the questions. You have three chances to take the test. Don't worry They aren't trying to trick you. They just want to make sure you are ready to get started.
That's it! You are now part of the Elance community. You are ready to go look for some jobs, which we will cover next week in this five party Elance series.
Tiffany Silverberg is a Navy wife and independent writer. Tired of rebuilding a career every three years, she set up a home office and started writing. Four years later, she has found a career writing for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. With experience ranging from grants to blogs, online and offline pieces, Tiffany Silverberg has the flexibility and passion necessary to be a successful military spouse freelancer.
www.tiffanysilverberg.com
Disclaimer: featuring Elance does not imply endorsement by the NSMN. Elance is one of several online options for freelancers and consultants. It is simply the preferred provider of our writer. We encourage you to research the best solution for your needs.