Freelancers -- where do you find most of your work?
Jun 14, 2012
I know that question is sort of like where's your favorite fishing hole. Hi, all -- I've been a freelancer for about a year and a half now, and for the first time, things are slow. I guess I'm on the famine side of the feast-famine freelancer cycle. Two questions:
1. Are there e-learning groups (besides Articulate of course) that have helped you generate leads/work?
2. How much of your work comes through cold calling? (I have an aversion to cold calling, but will pull up the big boy panties if need be.)
I'm guessing that your work comes from a little bit of everywhere (traffic to your site, repeat business and referrals from clients, cold calling, etc), but I don't really know that till I ask.
Thank you in advance for your time and input. --Daniel
213 Replies
@ Bruce and Holly
I apologize for my words. Thanks to making me correct. I will try to contribute in the forum and not going to ask questions related to my freelance work.
Buck
Buck, I wasn't suggesting that you can't ask for advice around freelancing, I'm sorry if you took my comments to mean that. Ask questions about freelance work, just don't use the forum only to advertise.
I just saw this great tweet:
"In the social era, please practice listening loudly, engaging kindly, and delivering value enthusiastically. Give."
To me, that sums up the best way that I can think of to participate in this community.
Holly
Holly:
Good point. How to get work? Give. Contribute something of value. If you are new to the field, then studying up (or skilling up as Kevin says) until you can.
Hi, Bruce, Holly, Kevin, Belen, and everyone else:
What do you say about continuing this conversation under a new name? We are now talking about resources and techniques important to freelancers. A quick brainstorm of potential thread names:
Freelancers on Freelancing
Freelancers & Freelancing
Calling all Freelancers
Thoughts on Freelancing
Resources for Freelancers
Freelancers kicks serious A$$ (sort of kidding...)
Maybe Holly's idea about giving, something about Freelancers giving advice or something....
For instance, I'm in the process of bidding a few projects and would like to share 10 or so questions that help the client figure out what type of training he/she wants. Such a post might get lost in the curren thread. Let me know what you think.
I Love your idea, Daniel!
I think that it's important to have a good name for a good thread, a thread that's giving all of us the opportunity to share. Some of us came to this thread when we saw that your question could be ours. Some others, came when hearing the call for help, and gave valuable advice.
I like the names you propose, particularly "Calling all Freelancers", as this is for us all, those who are already free and those who are one step away of starting a new life...
What about something as "Freelancers share thread"?
As for questions to help the client, I think it's interesting to start the "new old thread" with it, cause setting a good scope I think is the key to build a successful course.
Well, this is my point of view,
:)
Join networking groups for e-learning developers such as your local ASTD chapter. Sign up with your university's alumni association. Go to cons on topics you are passionate about. Sign up on Linked In - lots of employers visit it now. Enroll at the big job sites: Indeed, Careerbuilder, primarily. Create amazing training and education.
...and have the world's coolest portrait, like Bruce.
LOL
I will get bored with it soon and change it to something completely different.....
Welcome to Heroes James!
Bruce
Belen:
Like the Freelancers Share idea. Goes back to Holly's point about giving. Another quick brainstorm, before I create that new thread.
Freelancers Share
Freelancing Discussion
Discussions on Freelancing
Freelancing Heroes
Freelancing, Baby!!!
Feel free to weigh in. I'll then go ahead with the new thread.
@Daniel, I like them ALL!
I can't make up my mind, though I specially like:
Freelancers Share
Freelancing Heroes
Anyone else to say something? I can't wait to see the new thread!
@James, thanks for these new references; I didn't know those sites.
Belen
Freelance Heroes gets my vote
bruce
What he said
I was going to say Freelance Heroes as well - it just fits here...
Yes! Freelance Heroes gets my vote too.
I've learned a lot just by reading this discussion. For those sharing their tips. Thank you so much.
Mimi and Jam - welcome to Heroes.
If you have any other questions just shout.
Bruce
Freelance Heroes it is then. Look for it soon.
If there are any freelancers out there looking for a full-time gig (or know of someone who is!), the City University of New York School of Professional Studies is looking for a full-time Distance Education Developer. The position is based in New York's beautiful Capital District, and the successful candidate will work on-site at an organization that is a leader in the human services field with a fun and dynamic e-learning development team. If you love developing in Articulate, we would love to consider your application! For a full description and to apply, please visit:http://www.rfcuny.org/hr/pvn/cgi-bin/show_job.asp?pvn=RIS-1362
...and here's the promised "Pecha Kucha" version of most of this thread
https://www.opensesame.com/blog/how-make-it-elearning-freelancer#comment-form
Bruce
I usually take 50% up front before starting the project. It confirms that the client is serious and takes care of the time I spend working on the project. The balance is paid when the final product is delivered.
Another approach is to break it into thirds with a cancel option after the 1st phase (Concept development)
I also mainly work for large companies since many smaller ones do not have the understanding of process or quality. Fortunately I live in a large metropolitan area with many businesses who need learning design products.
In all cases get everything in writing. I create simple contracts that must be signed before starting any project.
Great thread. Hope this helps.
That's awesome Bruce! Thanks.
I like that it was short & quick - easy enough to fit into a coffee break. and packed full of good tips to remember.
: )
Thanks Karyn!
I'm now offering it as a "standard service".
Go to http://www.pperf.co.uk/ , go to the end of the "Some Examples" tab, and click on the link.
I had some fun getting the right graphics
Bruce
So if I was looking for a freelancer to develop elearning courses where would you recommend I look?
Hi Stephen - and welcome to Heroes.
The best place for Articulate developers - is here
Just start another thread preferably with location and "Seeking Instructional Designer(s)" or similar in the title, and then just provide as much description as you can of what you need.
People generally discuss finer details via Private Message.
Alternatively - just PM people directly.
Hope that helps
Bruce