Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Tips on How To Win a Bid

Hi guys, I'm back. Pardon me if I can't post more often because I'm very busy with my projects. I have 3 long-term projects which started last April 2008 and I have 3 new ones. I got all these projects from GAF, and GetACoder.

I have found a few more job boards that are free to join: RentACoder and Careerjet


So, has anyone of you pinned down your first freelance work yet? I can give you a few tips that might help you win a bid.

First, choose a project that is possible for you to do. Do not bid on a project that you can not make because you will lose your client's/buyer's trust. And worst, he or she will give you a very low review which will affect your future bidding.

Second, check on the buyer's budget. The budget may go per project or sometimes per hour. If the rate is acceptable with you, then say that you accept it, and never bid over his budget. If you go over the Buyer's budget, your bid will always be rejected. The Buyer may choose the ones with the lowest or sometimes the ones with an average bid.

Third, commit to the estimated time of project submission. Don't say you can finish the work within a week when you cannot!

Fourth, make your letter or application unique. The Buyer will know if you are sending a generic application which was copy and pasted from your other project bids. Always say that you understand his project (mention what kind), write clearly, and check your spelling. Even how short your application is, it will reflect your personality.

Fifth, when you're invited for an interview, reply immediately. Communication is very vital because it shows how responsive and committed you are with this work. Don't worry with the word "interview". You are not going to meet your Buyer in person. Some Buyers might need you to chat with him in YM, MSN, or Skype so make sure you have one of those accounts. There are some Buyers who require a vocal interview through Skype, so naturally, you will need a headphone. The latter is for jobs like call center or telemarketing positions.

Sixth, pass your projects on time. Committing to the required turn-around time is essential because it will build trust and earn you a very good review.

Lastly, ask your buyers to pay you through the job board where you got the project so he can leave you a review once the project has been closed. A review works as a reference of your overall performance. Through this review, it will be easier to win a bid next time.

I hope these few tips would help all of you pin down your first project! And if you did, please let me know so I can celebrate with you your sweet victory! Good luck!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Proofreading, Is this Your Forte?

I'm placing another link for anyone who has a knack in editing, article writing, proofreading, or copywriting. I have done this job before and the topics are always very general. If you find a need to do some research, the topics are always found in any search engines. Try these jobs when you like to express yourself, and when you are very comfortable with the English language, of course.

Proofreading Projects

I hope, by now, everyone has registered into the Freelance job boards that I have mentioned below. If not, then you have to and start bidding for the jobs you like. You need to bid everyday and keep your bid low, at first, so the Buyers will choose you. When you are invited for an interview, reply immediately and be sure to do the project correctly. After you have submitted your work, ask for a review. This review will reflect you as an excellent, good or bad Provider. Through this review, you will be able to receive more projects in the future. It will get you more clients, so it is very crucial to get a review every after a project. So go and bid now!


Available Freelance Jobs: