Freelance Heroes

Aug 02, 2012

Daniel Brigham
By Daniel Brigham

Hi, and welcome to the "Freelance Heroes" thread, a place where Articulate Freelancers help each other. Got a question about freelancing? Or perhaps you have an e-learning asset that may be valuable to those "doin' their own thing"? This is the place to share--to give.

To start things off, I'd like to share a short list of questions that help me figure out what kind of training a potential client wants. (So often they have no idea what they want.) The list is far from exhaustive, but may be of some help. Looking forward to meeting you. --Daniel  

1293 Replies
Bram Moreinis
over 9 years ago01/12/15 at 3:35 pm (UTC)

As a Dungeonmaster from way back, I don't recognize the "Crown" reference as D&D - but definitely a RPG.  I like the distance / structuralism that looking at freelancing from an RPG perspective creates...as someone just starting out (and trying to get freelance jobs while also trying to get hired by a place that doesn't make me yearn to be a freelancer) it's a hot topic for me.

I was thinking of responding, "However, freelancers are 200% more likely to find magic relics", because you could might come up with a great idea for a successful business.  The entrepreneur / freelancer mindsets may closer than the entrepreneur / employee mindsets, since a freelancer is a business owner.

But it was just a thought, I decided to not actually respond. But since you brought up D&D, I will!

Aaron Leary
9 years ago03/05/15 at 1:18 am (UTC)

Hi all!

I am reaching out to anyone who falls into the above category. I have been making my own AS content for a while now but I have a huge amount of work to do and can no longer get it all done on my own. 

I need:

Someone who can create some really fun game templates that I can edit later on.

Someone who can build some lessons for me based on the content that I send to them. If you are interested in either of these things then please get in touch.

All the best,

Aaron  

Patti Quinn
9 years ago03/05/15 at 1:36 am (UTC)

Hi, Aaron,

I belong to a team of pretty talented eLearning developers and Instructional Designers that might be able to help. You are welcome to look over examples of our work and pricing and such at www.mnalearning.com. Basically, we do custom training development and we can assist with as much or as little on a project as you might need.

If you think we might be a good fit, I'd be delighted to set up a time for us to talk over the specifics of what you need. :)

Kindest regards,

Patti

christine jeziorowski
9 years ago03/11/15 at 10:44 am (UTC)

In my business I do have to make some warm/cold calls ... sometimes it results in a meeting and sometimes they ask for an email... I have been including this in my email... Do you think its too much? Your thoughts would be appreciated...

The 10  Reasons Why  you need  e-learning?

 1.   Ensures compliance everyone is getting the same message.

2.   It's interactive- Good e-learning is fun to use ( short sharp messages)

3.   You don't have to use it on-line its great for face to face deliver and corporate presentations. (Think PowerPoint on steroids)

4.   The learner works out the answers for themselves you don't tell them.

5.   Higher retention-if done correctly and testing and quizzing.

6.   Training can be delivered anywhere at anytime - multiple locations at once - can be sent to i-pads or any computer system via a single link

7.   Simple to use - click on the link and the training opens

8.   You don't need high tech computer skills to use and run this training.

9.   Build software simulations  in minutes, not days

10. Helps build more creative and engaging training.

Bruce Graham
9 years ago03/11/15 at 12:02 pm (UTC)

OK Christine...

Firstly I applaud your selling skills, this is probably good to add to an email, however...here's the little imaginary client on my shoulder answering your email.

You need to be VERY careful with statements like this - you are not substantiating yourself, in BUSINESS terms, in ANY way.

Have a read and a think. More than happy to discuss.

***********

1.   Ensures compliance everyone is getting the same message. So what? Messages mean nothing unless behaviour changes for everyone in the same way

2.   It's interactive- Good e-learning is fun to use ( short sharp messages) Do short-sharp messages really NEED to be interactive. A 2-minute linear course that makes business sense and personal sense works just as well

3.   You don't have to use it on-line its great for face to face deliver and corporate presentations. (Think PowerPoint on steroids). Please elaborate. Is it REALLY the best medium for this?

4.   The learner works out the answers for themselves you don't tell them. So what – even if they do, does it change their behaviour?

5.   Higher retention-if done correctly and testing and quizzing. Surely that just tests their short-term memory?

6.   Training can be delivered anywhere at anytime - multiple locations at once - can be sent to i-pads or any computer system via a single link. Will my network or bandwidth actually support this? Half my staff are in areas of the world without network coverage/emerging markets, so how does that work...?

7.   Simple to use - click on the link and the training opens. WOW! I’d love to know what LMS you are recommending! I've never managed to get a "one-click" solution yet!

 8.   You don't need high tech computer skills to use and run this training. My users cannot navigate anything. How do I create reports? Surely I need to do that whole scary "supervisor login" thing?

9.   Build software simulations  in minutes, not days. Really?

10. Helps build more creative and engaging training. I’ve never seen that yet...

 

Daniel Brigham
9 years ago03/11/15 at 12:47 pm (UTC)

Hi, Christine: There's something about cold calling for elearning that strikes me funny. I would think it might be more effective to take a slightly more targeted approach: e.g., pick a company whose employees are dispersed geographically and then highlight elearning's ability to reach people wherever they are. 

Then again, if it's working, I say full throttle ahead.

christine jeziorowski
9 years ago03/12/15 at 5:53 am (UTC)

Hi Bruce,

When this was suggested I thought it was a fabulous idea but I must have had my doubts and I am very glad I went to the community with it... I agree with you  and don't think I will be taking this approach any more... Thank you for taking the time to advise me... It is hard when you work on your own...

christine jeziorowski
9 years ago03/12/15 at 5:59 am (UTC)

Hi Daniel,

Maybe I warm call (cold call probably wasn't the best wording) I do target companies where I have some experience.. so far its about 50/50 in responses.. If they agree to have a coffee with me... I do an informal presentation and I am really happy with how this works out...but if they say send me an email... it usually means they aren't interested.. (I use to say this myself when providers called me,  when I worked for my former employer). Thanks to the community I wont be going down the why do you need e-learning approach anymore...

 

Thanks so much for your advice.. Christine

christine jeziorowski
9 years ago03/13/15 at 9:06 pm (UTC)

Hi Nancy, 

i really appreciate your advice...will do. Worked for corporates all my life .so this is wonderful but also scary going out on your own... I always ask potential clients if they would like to meet and have a coffee and if I do get a one on one ...its been great so far...its just getting that from the call. Thank you again ....

This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.