I would post a couple ideas for building a freelance portfolio without working for free. I used each of the ideas below in my business every time I wanted to add a new service and needed to prove myself.
Building a freelance portfolio without working for free. IDEA 1
Instead of offering to work for free to build your freelance portfolio, start out by building a site for your own business. Because you are your own client, this can be done around the hours you might spend on a day job. But, don't just make your site look pretty, go through the entire site design process, from ascertaining your needs, goals and objectives, to testing on multiple browser versions and even purchasing and setting up a domain name. This way, when a client says, "You're pretty new at this," you can say, "I understand your concern about the fact that I am new to freelancing, but let me show you what I have done for my own business, and explain the process I went through to create this site. This is the same process I would go through with you." Then, give them enough info to show that you do not just
"throw up a page," but that you go through a distinct planning phase that takes their needs into full account. This shows that you are a serious business owner who thinks about goals and objectives and how the web as a marketing tool can help achieve them. If you are lacking in actual experience, the best thing you can do is to build your prospect's confidence by showing them that you understand the bigger picture as well as the details of coding a web page. This works pretty good for me and i have won many freelance projects with this tactic.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Why to hire a freelancer
Freelancers can be a great option. One of the great things about a freelancer is that they have more freedom and flexibility to take on a variety of projects. Some of the most creative people in web design work strictly on a contract or freelance basis. Another great thing about using a freelance web designer is that you may be able to negotiate a great deal. Freelancers often work from their homes, so there are myriad expenses that are spared. While it is true that freelancing has its own expenses associated with it, freelancers certainly have a greater range to negotiate a price. Lastly, you may find a great talent at a bargain. Many new freelancers are eager for work and sites that they can use in their portfolio to command higher-paying jobs. These people are very talented; they are just not as experienced. If you can find one of these gems, and don't mind being a bit patient while they get the hang of freelance work, you can get a great deal on top of the line web design service and also help a deserving person launch his or her career.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
What are the benefits of freelancing and why you should become a freelancer?
One of the main attractions of becoming self-employed freelancer is no longer having to work for somebody else.
In some recent surveys conducted, freelance/ self employed people have more job satisfaction; they can choose where, when and how they work. More and more programmers are abandoning the safety of companies careers to become freelancers. The reasons can be really different: a need to pursue their vision, a desire for increase independence, the lack of a better future in a large firm.
You can get benefits as freelance seller or as freelance buyer.
The Sellers are the people who offer the services that buyers demand. The sellers range from content writers to designers to programmers.
The Buyers are the people who want any particular work to be done by somebody else. For example, if sombody wants to have a web site for her company. The buyer will specify how much she is willing to pay for the work and how much time is there for completion of the project.
The main benefits for freelance sellers are:
- Reduced travel time and costs . This is the most obvious benefit and, for many freelancers, a primary motivation. Most freelancers have used at least part of this time to get more work done, in contrast to the "relaxed lifestyle" image painted by the media.
- Improved work opportunities. Work opportunities are not confined to jobs within reasonable commuting distance.
- Better balance of work and family life
- A flexible approach to working hours
The main benefits for freelance buyers are cost savings, increased productivity, improved motivation, skills retention, organisation flexibility, flexible staffing,
In some recent surveys conducted, freelance/ self employed people have more job satisfaction; they can choose where, when and how they work. More and more programmers are abandoning the safety of companies careers to become freelancers. The reasons can be really different: a need to pursue their vision, a desire for increase independence, the lack of a better future in a large firm.
You can get benefits as freelance seller or as freelance buyer.
The Sellers are the people who offer the services that buyers demand. The sellers range from content writers to designers to programmers.
The Buyers are the people who want any particular work to be done by somebody else. For example, if sombody wants to have a web site for her company. The buyer will specify how much she is willing to pay for the work and how much time is there for completion of the project.
The main benefits for freelance sellers are:
- Reduced travel time and costs . This is the most obvious benefit and, for many freelancers, a primary motivation. Most freelancers have used at least part of this time to get more work done, in contrast to the "relaxed lifestyle" image painted by the media.
- Improved work opportunities. Work opportunities are not confined to jobs within reasonable commuting distance.
- Better balance of work and family life
- A flexible approach to working hours
The main benefits for freelance buyers are cost savings, increased productivity, improved motivation, skills retention, organisation flexibility, flexible staffing,
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