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

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

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

KarynLemberg
Community Member
13 years ago
I was going to say Freelance Heroes as well - it just fits here...
MimiRivera
Community Member
13 years ago
Yes! Freelance Heroes gets my vote too.
JamHarl
Community Member
13 years ago
I've learned a lot just by reading this discussion. For those sharing their tips. Thank you so much.
DanielBrigham
Community Member
13 years ago
Freelance Heroes it is then. Look for it soon.
Rebecca-Brown-C
Community Member
13 years ago
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
MagdaDiaz
Community Member
13 years ago

Lisa Wesley said:

Thanks for the responses everyone. They lead to another question....If you charge the client per project how do you collect the revenue? Are you taking a percentage up front then collecting rest at end? I'm interested in getting some feedback on these questions.

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.
KarynLemberg
Community Member
13 years ago

Bruce Graham said:

...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

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.

: )
StephenLynch
Community Member
13 years ago
So if I was looking for a freelancer to develop elearning courses where would you recommend I look?
StephenLynch
Community Member
13 years ago

Bruce Graham said:

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

Thanks Bruce. I'll give that a try.
DanielBrigham
Community Member
13 years ago
Congratulations, Bruce.