Yesterday I came up with this idea of challenging myself to finding a new client this week and thought others might need some motivation as well. The idea of finding a new client 'under pressure' (or a new position/job…) came to me last week after struggling with traps freelancers I get into. The first step to finding a new client is actually pretty easy – tell other people you are actively looking for new clients.
JUST ASK.
It sounds simple. Of course if you are continuously tapping your network for work your contacts may have a bit of a hangover from it. If you are me, who rarely asks for referrals, people get surprised you are asking and are willing to help.
Right now I'm either looking for a long term / large retainer client or a full time position. Once I put it "out there" and let people know, I received two direct offers to hire me on the spot, three invitations for job interviews, and probably about a dozen strong leads for either retainer clients or f/t spots. At this time and for various reasons, nothing so far has been a fit for me either location or salary, but it's a helluva start!!
Challenge: Think about exactly what you are looking for in a client (or job) and write it down. Cruise LinkedIn for job listings and take ideas from what they post. Get it solid in your head. Then see who you are already connected to online or in person that can help. Let me know how you make out!!
(Original post attached.) #blog #OneNewClient
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Lynette Young – Google+ – One New Client Challenge If you had to find one new client…
One New Client Challenge If you had to find one new client this week … could you do it? If you couldn't pay your mortgage or feed your family unless…
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I recently had to do a quick job search. Reaching out to former coworkers(networking) worked well for me. The day I left one job I was off to interviews that the former coworkers helped introduce me. I went from quitting one job to landing another in 1 week. The change was greatly needed and beneficial to my sanity.
One of my sons wanted to move from his job and decided to test the waters. He reached out through social tools and in two days had 11 interviews set up. He was offered a number of positions and is now in a job he loves after only 3 weeks. You ask..it works.
Writers as well as many other professionals can find constant work at Elance.com
+Gayle Neudorff I have many writer friends. They all tell me the pay there is horrid. $5 for an article? $25 for a sales brochure. Elance is exactly the thing I'm hoping for many to avoid. I had a discussion last week that the fact that there are many more (average / entry level) people flooding a market will drive down prices for even the most seasoned professional. I'm sure Elance works for some, but no one I know personally has had luck competing against others coming into that market. Elance is not where you to to sell your value, it's where you go to sell your time.
Ha! This is still my scenario at least 3 times a year. What do I do? Pick up the phone book and start calling businesses that have a website listed that is rubbish. It sucks and it's the worst part of the job but Lynnette's right. #elancesucks
After a little more research, I must concede to your assessment of Elance….as well as Justin T's.