Post: #301

(11-14-2013 08:24 AM)MattC Wrote:  Man, BB, send that guy my way!

haha The $40/hr guy? Doesn't quite work that way, Man. lol It was me he wanted to "buy." That's what you're really selling in this biz - yourself.

"I know a friend" doesn't quite have the same ring to it after you've just convinced someone how awesome you are.

Anyhow, it was down to me and one other guy and he offered it to me but I just didn't want that many hours at that rate. Some other guy's probably hard at work now.

He said he still wanted me to do some smaller jobs later on down the road so it's not completely a lost cause. And if the other guy flakes on him, which wouldn't surprise me with an Elance provider, maybe he'll accept a higher rate....

Quote:I've potentially got a job paying $100 for a 500 word article. That's the kind of stuff I want. 5 of them a week and I'll be sweet. I've just got to email them back now.

Sweet! That's what I like to hear, Man!

It takes time to get them but they're out there. Stack enough of them up over time (w/ consistent marketing) and you're making a damn good living.

Keep me posted on whether you get it or not.

Quote:I've changed the way I send proposals off now. I'm a lot more informal and chatty in them whereas I was quite generic before. I'm also looking at the profile of the client and using some words and terms they've given in their feedback and saying that I'll be able to guarantee that kind of service. Seems to be working a treat.

You're on the right track - that's exactly what you should be doing in the proposal.

(11-14-2013 07:55 AM)bojangles Wrote:  History, Finance, Sports and Project Documentation. I don't mind technology based writing as I've got 6 years hands on experience in that.

I see a lot of tech shit out there paying good. One of the highest paid industries out there, so you're off to a good start. You've got some solid examples lined up, right?

Was that you I sent the history lead before? Damn - can't keep any of this straight anymore.

Anyhow, I'll give you a heads up if I come across anything in your niches. I think I saw a few high-paying history jobs last night but don't remember where.

Would be cool for a few of us to team up and keep a spreadsheet somewhere with who is into what niche, etc, so when we come across smoking hot job postings we're not qualified for or confident about getting, we can shoot an email off to whoever is in that niche.

Or even just link it in the sheet.

I've been trying to alert people who are qualified a bit anyways but maybe we could work together a bit more intentionally (not publicly) to compound our efforts.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #302

Haha, I was only messing mate.

Out of my last 3 proposals, only one hasn't replied and that was a long shot. It was for a dating ebook to be written with a woman and I guess telling her about my blog wasn't a good idea!

Funnily enough, this job was an invite. I hadn't logged onto Elance for a few weeks but I got a notification on there saying that my status was set to "offline" and people couldn't send me any invites. Apparently this happens when you don't reply to enough invites - the ones I was getting were pure shite. I turned it back on and totally didn't realise you could change your requirements, so I played around with it and set some minimum requirements - $25 an hour minimum or $50 minimum for a fixed price job. The next day, I got this invite.

The proposals I was sending off before were kind of doing what I should be doing like in the way I mentioned above, but they were just so formal. It made me think that so many people are sending proposals off in this style that the clients must be getting really bored of it. So, I added some personality and come off as quite cocky and arrogant about my skills and ability to do their work, but totally professional at the same time. I think I've found a good balance. Either way, it's thanks to you guys and especially you BB. I definitely owe you a few drinks!

There have been a few days where I've thought to myself "fuck, how am I going to live off of this?" but then get encouraged when I actually go back on to Elance and get a reply to a proposal that I can indeed make this work.

As I wrote this, I got an email back from the client. I've got the job paying $100. Boss.

Post: #303

(11-14-2013 08:53 AM)MattC Wrote:  Haha, I was only messing mate.

Yeah, I know. Was going to hop back in and drop a disclaimer that I knew it was toungue-in-cheek but got distracted.

I just ran with it because I figured it was going through a couple heads and wanted to make a point.

it really is about selling yourself.

Quote:I hadn't logged onto Elance for a few weeks but I got a notification on there saying that my status was set to "offline" and people couldn't send me any invites. Apparently this happens when you don't reply to enough invites - the ones I was getting were pure shite. I turned it back on and totally didn't realise you could change your requirements, so I played around with it and set some minimum requirements - $25 an hour minimum or $50 minimum for a fixed price job. The next day, I got this invite.

I didn't know about this - thanks!

Quote:The proposals I was sending off before were kind of doing what I should be doing like in the way I mentioned above, but they were just so formal. It made me think that so many people are sending proposals off in this style that the clients must be getting really bored of it. So, I added some personality and come off as quite cocky and arrogant about my skills and ability to do their work, but totally professional at the same time. I think I've found a good balance. Either way, it's thanks to you guys and especially you BB. I definitely owe you a few drinks!

Thanks, Man - do you mind sending me a testimonial for my freelance writing blog instead (it's not connected to the forum)? I've been starting to beef it up and was thinking some testimonials from a couple of you guys who feel you benefited from my advice would be shweet. PM me if you're cool with it and have the time.

Could come in handy when I throw up a freelancing report or offer coaching lessons, etc.

Quote:There have been a few days where I've thought to myself "fuck, how am I going to live off of this?" but then get encouraged when I actually go back on to Elance and get a reply to a proposal that I can indeed make this work.

I've been there, Man. I've been there....

Quote:As I wrote this, I got an email back from the client. I've got the job paying $100. Boss.

NICE!

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #304

Is anyone fucking around with a c.v./resume? I know Carol (of the Den) always says don't bother with those jobs, but I can't help but think it would be good for getting in the door on the interview at least.

I started one a while back because I was talking with some recruiter about a job for AT&T but in the end they told him they didn't want someone remote so I never bothered finishing it.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #305

(11-14-2013 08:24 AM)MattC Wrote:  Man, BB, send that guy my way!

I've potentially got a job paying $100 for a 500 word article. That's the kind of stuff I want. 5 of them a week and I'll be sweet. I've just got to email them back now.

I've changed the way I send proposals off now. I'm a lot more informal and chatty in them whereas I was quite generic before. I'm also looking at the profile of the client and using some words and terms they've given in their feedback and saying that I'll be able to guarantee that kind of service. Seems to be working a treat.

Nice.

I've found something similar. I was trying to come across really professional but now I'm putting more emphasis on selling myself and appealing to their emotions. I match the tone they set in their ad, taking the formality up or down a notch depending on how they present themselves. What you said about reading their feedback is a really good idea, I'll have to remember that.

I read that "72 Tips for Elance Writers" someone suggested and it had some helpful information. I found it really annoying that the author states she has no experience with freelance writing on some "if I can do it, so can you!" shit but then it comes out that she has over a decade of copywriting experience. Well, that doesn't exactly count as no experience now does it, dumb ass

I was still able to put the stuff to use though. I'm pretty sure I can lend it through Kindle if anyone wants to check it out.

Post: #306

(11-14-2013 08:39 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  Would be cool for a few of us to team up and keep a spreadsheet somewhere with who is into what niche, etc, so when we come across smoking hot job postings we're not qualified for or confident about getting, we can shoot an email off to whoever is in that niche.

Or even just link it in the sheet.

I've been trying to alert people who are qualified a bit anyways but maybe we could work together a bit more intentionally (not publicly) to compound our efforts.

That would be a good idea. I sometimes see listings that I'm not really qualified for but would be decent work for one of you fellas.

Maybe we could brainstorm a way where we could just post links and a brief description of the better jobs we find that we don't plan on applying for. I'm thinking something like a Google document because multiple people can edit one if you give them the link.

Then if you apply for one, you can edit the document saying you applied. That way another guy can still apply or choose not to if he doesn't want to compete.

I think that would be a little easier than sending an e-mail to one particular guy. For instance, Teedub and Bojangles have both mentioned history as a niche so I don't want to pick one guy over the other or send it to them both and have them racing to get there first In my case, I don't really have a niche yet so I'm down for anything that pays decently really.

As far as the testimonial for your site, I could definitely do that. Just let me know.

Post: #307

(11-14-2013 09:09 AM)Enigma Wrote:  I match the tone they set in their ad, taking the formality up or down a notch depending on how they present themselves.

This is key, I think. Depending on the job and how they want it written, I'll write accordingly. Thankfully this job she wants in a "chatty, entertaining" way so I could write my proposal to match.

BB, I'm more than happy to do that for you. I'll send you a PM.

Post: #308

(11-14-2013 09:26 AM)Enigma Wrote:  

(11-14-2013 08:39 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  Would be cool for a few of us to team up and keep a spreadsheet somewhere with who is into what niche, etc, so when we come across smoking hot job postings we're not qualified for or confident about getting, we can shoot an email off to whoever is in that niche.

Or even just link it in the sheet.

I've been trying to alert people who are qualified a bit anyways but maybe we could work together a bit more intentionally (not publicly) to compound our efforts.

That would be a good idea. I sometimes see listings that I'm not really qualified for but would be decent work for one of you fellas.

Maybe we could brainstorm a way where we could just post links and a brief description of the better jobs we find that we don't plan on applying for. I'm thinking something like a Google document because multiple people can edit one if you give them the link.

Then if you apply for one, you can edit the document saying you applied. That way another guy can still apply or choose not to if he doesn't want to compete.

I think that would be a little easier than sending an e-mail to one particular guy. For instance, Teedub and Bojangles have both mentioned history as a niche so I don't want to pick one guy over the other or send it to them both and have them racing to get there first In my case, I don't really have a niche yet so I'm down for anything that pays decently really.

As far as the testimonial for your site, I could definitely do that. Just let me know.

I will set up a Google spreadsheet for this. Anyone who wants to get in there, drop me a pm, but I'm cutting it off after the first 8-10 or it gets too competitive on niches. If that many really want in you can always separate into another little group.

Confining this to guys with a bit of clout around here. And if you're only one foot in on the freelancing thing, don't take someone else's spot just out of curiosity please.

Hopefully this will evolve into some kind of mastermind. Would be cool to have a tight-knit group sharing strategies. A lot of stuff I don't post here because I'm sure this thread gets a lot of reads even beyond members and it's just giving tips to too many eyeballs. lol

And I'll hit you up on that testimonial, Engima - thanks!

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #309

I've just been invited to write a comic script. $1,000-$5,000. I'm going to look into this area more when I'm full time.

Post: #310

I don't think I was the history lead BB, though I'm being paid $40 per article for The History of Britain magazine at the moment.

Post: #311

Bojangles, your inbox is full.

Guys, if you message me about the google spreadsheet, please give me your email so I can just add you to it without the back and forth.

Cheers

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #312

weird it shouldnt be...I've just mailed my email

Post: #313

(11-14-2013 08:39 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  Was that you I sent the history lead before? Damn - can't keep any of this straight anymore.

Anyhow, I'll give you a heads up if I come across anything in your niches. I think I saw a few high-paying history jobs last night but don't remember where.

Would be cool for a few of us to team up and keep a spreadsheet somewhere with who is into what niche, etc, so when we come across smoking hot job postings we're not qualified for or confident about getting, we can shoot an email off to whoever is in that niche.

Or even just link it in the sheet.

I've been trying to alert people who are qualified a bit anyways but maybe we could work together a bit more intentionally (not publicly) to compound our efforts.

I was the history lead mate. Cheers

Yeah a spreadsheet could be a cool idea! PM me about a testimonial, would gladly give you one. Just send me the deets.

Post: #314

This looks pretty cool.

A new freelance marketplace with Google: https://helpouts.google.com Promo video here: Introducing Helpouts by Google - YouTube

I see some writing instructors on there for $100 and up an hour. Most extremely qualified, but I'm very curious to see what comes up in this space.

Could be some interesting opportunities for those with specialized knowledge and/or imagination. Or at least a great place for market research to see what's in demand.

And similar coaching and support services could be offered from your own website.

(11-14-2013 12:46 PM)Teedub Wrote:  I was the history lead mate. Cheers

Yeah a spreadsheet could be a cool idea! PM me about a testimonial, would gladly give you one. Just send me the deets.

You were my other guess.

I added you to the sheet - you should get an email.

And I'll hit you up about the testimonial.

Cheers

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #315

Cheers BB, this sheet is great, an excellent idea, I've updated it and im taking a look at helpouts.

Post: #316

I think we all know each other's real names. If there's anyone who doesn't know mine... my initial is the same as my username!

Post: #317

(11-15-2013 07:01 AM)bojangles Wrote:  Cheers BB, this sheet is great, an excellent idea, I've updated it and im taking a look at helpouts.

Cool - hope you guys get some use out of the workflow templates.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #318

Seems that help outs aren't accepting any new members at the moment, is that the case with you guys? Requested the spreadsheet

Post: #319

I managed to get into helpouts

Post: #320

(11-15-2013 09:53 AM)bojangles Wrote:  I managed to get into helpouts

You magician. How'd you manage that?

They send they would send me my code when they were accepting new people.

It might be down to my Google+ account being less than a week old.

Post: #321

Great job on the updated spreadsheet BB. Looks good.

Post: #322

(11-15-2013 10:41 AM)PompeyChris Wrote:  

(11-15-2013 09:53 AM)bojangles Wrote:  I managed to get into helpouts

You magician. How'd you manage that?

They send they would send me my code when they were accepting new people.

It might be down to my Google+ account being less than a week old.

i thought I did but it was the welcome to helpouts email...bastards

Post: #323

I've dropped some links on the spreadsheet, not sure I'm doing it in the right format

Post: #324

(11-15-2013 08:45 AM)PompeyChris Wrote:  Requested the spreadsheet

Hey Man - If it was completely up to me, I'd say yeah you're good, but given that your reps and post count are low, I'm going to run it by the other members first. Most of us are using our personal or work email, so I feel like I owe it to everyone to err on the side of caution with this.

I hope you understand where I'm coming from. Sending everyone an email now, and if you've met with other forum members before, pm me to let me know who.

(11-15-2013 02:18 PM)bojangles Wrote:  I've dropped some links on the spreadsheet, not sure I'm doing it in the right format

Thanks for getting the ball rolling Man!

Two things:

1) Just a link is probably enough. Maybe later I'll create a more complicated sheet.

2) Instead of bogging down everyone else who is reading this thread by posting about our group all the time here, let's just communicate through emails. I'll send out a message to everyone about how to do that easily from the sheet.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #325

delete

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling