[tomq04]

Hey guys,

Long time no log in…

I’m looking at doing some freelance work, I’ve created an account with Upwork, but I want to know if anyone has any experience with any of the other freelancing sites, and what any recommendations you all might have with that regard.

I’m a bit lucky as I’m a project manager in the software industry, so I have several skills I can utilize to freelance with.

Thanks,

Tom

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[XinChow]

Check a site called spare hire if you want to pick up some freelance work….

[tomq04]

Thanks a bunch! I hadn't heard of them before.

REG- (1) 76
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[fsugirl2005]

I use Upwork full time and that's pretty much where I've gotten all my business from. I started back in 2008 when it was Elance but everyone had to transition to Upwork since they merged with Odesk. It's a great site but very competitive. I do well because I had the business transfer from Elance along with my feedback rating.

Just make sure your profile is top notch and your rates are good. Despite what people may think, you don't need to bid low to beat out the low ballers. I charge $30+ per hour for my accounting services and I make a great living with that.

Good luck!

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[Mae]

I clicked on this topic because I made a mention to a friend that I might be interested doing some side freelance work and she came back to me with potential clients. Now I'm trying to figure out what I would need to get started (i.e. should I get insurance? Should I establish a LLC? etc.)

Would these websites mentioned be a good resource for that?

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[Anonymous]

I think the websites mentioned are places to find work, so may not have much info on setting up your own side-gig. Definitely get insurance – the $200 a month you'll make freelancing are not worth getting sued for everything you're worth because someone thinks you made some error (or because you did). LLC – I'd prefer to, or even an S-corp, but views on that may vary. However, the insurance I would consider mandatory. If you know anyone in insurance that you can trust, that would be a good starting point for getting some basic info. I think insurance can be based off how much you make, so if you're making $200/month, then errors and omissions won't be nearly as costly as it would be for a full-time gig (where it may be $200/month).

[CageTheCPA]

@FSUgirl, I've been looking into Upwork as I'd like to get into consulting in the future (PT at first, but hopefully FT as I gain more experience). When you were starting out, how did you compete against the lowball prices? Most articles I've read, which aren't very helpful, have said it's something you have to accept until you get more established.

[tomq04]

Hey fsugirl, I had some further questions for you, could you give some more profile tips and a little bit more into your bidding process?

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[fsugirl2005]

@Cage The CPA & tomq04

When I first started out, I did bid low but I didn't do it for long. I think I did it for a few months and only until I got comfortable with freelancing in general. Also, I did a lot of tax preparation which I absolutely hated but I did it for the money. Funny though, as I studied for the CPA exam way back when, my prices started to creep up…lol. Mostly though in the beginning, I charged fixed rates instead of hourly. Now, I don't do fixed rates unless I'm setting up a software or something. I specialize in a particular industry which makes me more in demand. It's harder to get new work when you're a generalist.

Here's the key though. If you have tons of work experience under your belt, I do not recommend starting out lowballing. If you're trying to do consulting work, don't bid lower than $25/hr. The reason I charge $30+ per hour is because I'm only looking for serious companies. If you want the serious people, they won't really care if you have the experience on Upwork or not. In your proposal, you have to stress that you are just getting started on Upwork but you have X number of years in finance or whatever field. Offer them references too because that may put them at ease.

In your proposal, cater it to the job description. For example, if someone says they want a business plan for a retail store, lay out as quickly as possible, your plan of action. The prospective client wants to know what you're going to do for them, how you're going to do it, and how long it will take you. If you have done business plans in the past, kind of throw your experiences with those briefly.

As far as your profile is concerned, it's really just a sales letter. Focus on the services you will provide to the prospect but focus on what they need.

I hope this helps.

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[Author]

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