Freelancers -- where do you find most of your work?

Always a great topic, Daniel. We had a similar thread last year: http://community.articulate.com/forums/p/908/3243.aspx

I've heard from several folks that their Screenrs helped get them gigs while others have received offers after sharing templates and other freebies in the community.

A lot of work can be found from established vendors and boutique studios--companies who specialize in e-learning design and development. Getting into their contractor pool is one way to bring in steady work.

Hey Daniel,

I'll echo the others here. I just finished my 90th day as a full-time freelancer. The biggest thing I've learned thus far is having a full project plate pretty much eliminates business development. 

To answer your first question, this community is by far the best I've associated with in terms of networking and leads. My participation here is not to get leads but to help others and share tips. Occasionally I'll get a ping either directly or as a referral.

As for your second question, I don't cold call and don't anticipate ever needing to, nor wanting to. 

Couple tips that helped me over the past couple years to be able to go out on my own:

1. Follow Bruce's points about your site. Get some visibility. Even if you don't have a portfolio ready, at a minimum have a blog where you can share ideas, tips, etc. to show readers what you can do. 

2. Follow other industry blogs, communities, groups and participate in those conversations and comment on articles. 

3. Take small projects to get used to managing your time. Don't worry about money at this point. Your goal is to show you're a trusted contractor to your client. THAT will bring you return business and referrals. One of my first ever clients is still with me for two years now. 

4. If you can, attend one or two of the big annual conferences. The sessions themselves are fabulous, but the face-to-face networking is invaluable.

5. Set some goals. Max # hours you can work a week. Manage 1, 2 or more projects at once? Learn a new skill.

6. Finally, be patient. It's about your passion for the craft and producing quality outputs. Your work will speak for itself.

Crush it!

hello daniel,

I think a good idea is to join some elearning groups on linkedin. beside tips and tricks there are some business opportunities. launch a search and join them!

Daniel - I'm coming up on my 5 year anniversary as a freelancer, and all my work comes from referrals - so network, network, network is my advice. I find that the online stuff typically supports or validates your track history, but may provide leads for you. Instead of cold calling, I`d be more strategic than that and figure out if you have any connection to an organization and get a warm intro instead. Kind of like "six degrees of separation". 

The ups and downs are a pretty natural part of freelancing and while it can be stressful, you have to know it's there and plan/prepare for it. Use the downtime to create a business development strategy, otherwise you might get a bit panicky and take anything that comes your way, which may end up being the wrong thing.

Best of luck.

David: Thanks for the link to last year's discussion and the sharing idea. And, of course, for all your help on this forum and youtube (e.g., Audacity tutorials). Mindmapping tutorial was very helpful.

Holly: Thanks for reminding me that this "downtime," which is actually nice to have -- I mean when you're slammed you can't really read about ID or learn new skills -- is the time to develop strategies for new biz.

Congratulations on the five-year mark. That's cool. Hope we cross paths again. --Daniel   

Thanks, Bruce, for the thoughtful comments. Working hard now to fill out the site and agree with all of your comments. If you don't mind, I'll send some voice over sample to see what you think. I enjoy your elearning and voice over work. Thanks again, and take to heart your suggestions. --Daniel

Imma hire Bruce as my Biz Life Coach

You mean you charge, for this advice oh s**t!

@Bruce, how do you say it in your country, "The check's in the mail."

Bruce and Kevin:

Well, first, Bruce: Thanks, man. I guess I was sort of looking for a kick in the pants. I've been busy and just put stuff off, but you can only do that so long. I agree with the suggestions regarding the website. And now, the site is my priority. Nice work, btw, on that link done in storyline. Good idea. Once I get over this head cold, I plan on posting some vo stuff for critique. While I'm thinking about it -- what audio equipment do you use (preamp, mic, software, etc.) Your stuff sounds good. I'll be sure to recommend you, if the client is looking for an international flair.

And, now, Kevin: Thanks for reminding me that money is important, but maybe not so much when you're at the beginning stages of proving yourself. One has to take time to learn new skills, and really mastering the skills is the most important thing. Congratulations on being 90 days self-employed. My client really dug your turf grass project. Man, how long did that take you to put together?

Thanks again, Bruce and Kevin. Be seeing you. --Daniel