Download - Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
1/24
A Freelancers Guide to Earning More on Elance.
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
2/24
1. Work Differently: Youre gonna love it ................................3
2. YourProle:Shinel ikeadiamond ........................................ 5 1.WriteyourOverviewwiththeidealclientinmind ..... 5
2.Includeanengagingandprofessionalphoto..............6
3.TakemultipleSkillsTests ............................................ 6
4.UseyourPortfoliotoshowcasetalents ......................7
5. Join Elance Groups ....................................................7
6.Miscellaneoustips,adviceandotherstruths..............8
3. YourJobSearch:Findinggreatworkfast .............................9 1.CheckyourOpportunitiesdaily...................................9
2.UseWatchListstofollowpotentialclients................10
3.UsetheElancesearchbartondjobs.....................10
4. Respond to Job Invites you receive .......................... 11
5.Miscellaneoustips,adviceandotherstruths............ 11
4. YourProposal:Theperfectpitch ......................................... 12
1.Stayinyourhappyzone,selectingjobscarefully.....12
2.Screenclientsascarefullyastheyllscreenyou ...... 13
3. Now write a killer Proposal .......................................14
4.Setafairprice ..........................................................15
5.ConsidersubmittingaProposalwithnoprice ..........15
6.Dontjustsitthere,follow-up .................................... 16
7.Dontjustsitthere,sendmoreProposals.................16
8. Negotiating your price ...............................................16
Table of contents
5. YourWorkroom:Wherejobsgettackled.............................17
6. YourReputation:Standoutfromtherest............................19 1.Feedbackisimportant.No,critical ...........................19
2.MakingsenseofMyStatsandLevel........................20
3.ManagingyourFeedback,StatsandLevels ............ 21
7. YourReminder:Rulestokeepyousafe..............................22
8. YoureHired:Godoanawesomejob .................................23
1.Speakingofwhich,look-outforfollow-upjobs.......... 23
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
3/24
Section 1:
Work Differently:Youre gonna love it
Hello and welcome to Elance.
Readytolandfantasticonlinefreelancejobs?Excitedaboutearninggreat
moneyworkingwhenyouwant,onprojectsyoulove?Wethoughtso.Well,youvecometotherightplace:Elance.
WhetheryourenewtoElanceorlookingtobrush-uponyourexpertise,this
FreelancersGuideisagreatstartingpointforbeingmoresuccessful.
YoulllearnhowtoperfectyourProleandProposals,howtondthebest
jobs,howtos tayprotectedandevenhowtogetjobsdoneandgetmorework
owingin.
WeassumeyouvealreadyregisteredonElance.Ifnot,signupnow(itsfree).
What exactly is Elance?
ElanceiswherepeopleWorkDifferently.
Wereanonlineworkplacewherebusinessesgotond,hireandcollaborate
withskilledonlinefreelancerslikeyourself.Nottobrag,butElancehasover
500,000businessesposting100,000+jobseachmonth.
OnElanceyoullhavetheopportunitytoworkwithbusinessesinmorethan170
countriesfromFortune500companiestosmallbusinessesandindividual
entrepreneurs.
CorrinaS.
UnitedStates|ITProjectManager
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|3
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
4/24
Section 1: (continued)
Work Differently:Youre gonna love it
How Elance works.
To work at Elance, all you need is an internet connection and talent.
YouuseElancetondjobs(wehelpyou,makingiteveneasier),thenyou
completejobsinasecureWorkroom.Wealsotakecareofallthepaperwork,
pluscollectandpass-onyourmoney-due(soyouresuretogetpaid).
Asafreelancer,workingonElancedoesnt havetocostyouapenny.Youhave
achoiceofmembershipoptions,includingafreeplan.Wemakeourmoneyby
addingasmall8.75%servicefeeaboveandbeyondyourprice.Forexample,
whenyousubmita$500proposal,weaddourfeetoyourquoteandpassit
on(yourclientwouldseeaquoteof$543.75).Whentheworkisdelivered,we
deductour$43.75andpasstheremaining$500ontoyou.
Ready to learn more?
Takeafewminutestofamiliarizeyourselfwiththeguidelinesinthefollowing
pages.Withyourtalentandthetipsprovided,youresuretoearnmoremoney
andbeevenmoreawesomeonElance.
Go for it!
ArtemK.
Ukraine|ITProgrammer
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|4
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
5/24
Section 2:
Your Profle: Shine like a diamond
Whenyoustandoutfromotherfreelancers,youimproveyourchancesof
gettinghired.Thatswhymakingagreatrstimpressionisimportant.Cometo
thinkofit,itscritical.Herearesometipsoncreatinganeye-catchingProle:
1. Write your Overview with the ideal client in mind.
Youcantbeallthingstoallpeople.Throwingtoowideofanetinyour
Overviewsectionwilllandyounothing.
Write your Overview to be read by one person and one person alone: Your
idealclient.Whatwouldheorshewanttoknow?ExplainhowyourSKILLS
allowyoutoSOLVEPROBLEMS(asmuchaswehateusingallcaps,thisis
onetimetheyrecalledfor).
Also,writeinafriendlyyetprofessional tone.Bewarmandyoullinstantlystand
out.Andnotpyos(oops).
Good:
Standoutwithgreatdesign!
Withover12yearsofproducingcorporatemarketingprojectsforsomeofthe
mostinnovativecompaniesinworld,Imheretobringyourideasandvisionto
life.Ivepersonallymanagedover150websitedesignsandhundredsofprint
packagesthatincludemagazines,1-pagers,andothercollateralforeventsand
otherspecialpromotions.
Icanandwilldelivergreatresultswithaprocessthatstimely,collaborativeand
atagreatvalueformyclients.
Bad:
Minimumhourlyrate$15.A10yearoldsoftwaredevelopmentcompany.
DanielB.
UnitedStates|Videographer/Animator
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|5
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
6/24
2. Include an engaging and professional photo.
Clientsarepeopletoo.Theyloveputtingafacetoaname,andafriendlyphoto
ofyousmilingissuretogetthemleaningyourway. Research shows thatfreelancers with an image are twice as likely to get the job. Yes, twice as likely.
Good:
Bad:
Section 2: (continued)
Your Profle: Shine like a diamond
3. Take multiple Skills Tests.
Showclientsyouknowyourstuff.MostprofessionalswillndrelevantSkills
TestsonElance,assessingyourprociency.Testcompletionhelpsseparateyoufromothers. In fact, 76% of clients say they prefer hiring tested
freelancers.TestsarefreeonElance,andifyousufferfromthetestjitters(as
weallsometimesdo),dontworry.Youcanalwaysre-takethetestlater.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|6
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
7/24
4. Use your Portfolio to showcase talents.
Dontbeshy,show-off.Real-worldsamplesbringyourskillstolife.Again,ll
yourPortfoliowithworkyouridealclientwouldwanttosee.Bespecicinyourdescriptions,explainingyourroleintheprojectandwhatwasaccomplished.
Alsonameyoursamplecarefully,aspotential clientscanuseoursearchbarto
ndPortfoliopiecesofinterest(suchas,ecommercemobileapp).
Section 2: (continued)
Your Profle: Shine like a diamond
5. Join Elance Groups.
Yourmembershipinpre-screenedprofessionalGroupsgoesalongwayto
reassureaclientthatyouretop-notch.YoullndElanceGroupsinmanycategories,fromtechnicaleldstocreativecategories.Potentialclientsoften
exclusivelyinviteGroupmemberstoajob.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|7
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
8/24
6. Miscellaneous tips, advice and other truths.
Hereareotherjuicytidbitsthatwehearoftenfromclients:
InyourService Description section,explainhowyousolveproblems.
Besolutionsorientedandgiveclientsagoodideaofhowyouthinkand
approachjobs.
PaycloseattentiontotheKeywordsyouenteronyourProle.Again,try
nottobeallthingstoallpeople.Narrowthelistofwordsthatshowcaseyour
talenttothosethatwillattractaveryspecicclient.
Clientswanttoknowforsurewhotheyvehired.Completethe Identity
Verifcation and verify yourCredentials. Trust is key to any working
relationship.
YourPortfolio will be public.Dontincludesensitivelesyouwouldntwant
shared.Andmakesureyouhaveapprovaltousethoseles.
No borrowing/pilfering.ItsOKtocheck-outotherProlesforinspiration,
butdontplagiarize.DittoforPortfoliosamples.Withyourtalentand
thestrategiesaddressedinthisguide,itsonlyamatteroftimeuntilthe
awesomejobsstartrollingin.
MakesureyourProfle is 100% complete.Clientsconstantlysearchfor
freelancers(read:you),andtheinformationfoundinyourProleiswhat
steerstheminyourdirection.OntherightsideofyourMyElancepage,youll
seeatrackerthatmarksYourProleCompleteness.Aimfor100%togive
yourselfthebestchanceofattractingclients.
Section 2: (continued)
Your Profle: Shine like a diamond
Next: Your Job Search
Yoko M.
Japan|GraphicDesigner
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|8
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
9/24
Thefuturelooksbright!NowthatyourProleissimplydazzling,youreready
toexplorethe100,000+jobspostedonElanceeachmonth.Youhavemany
optionsforgettinghired,butherearesomequickthoughtstohead:
1. Check your Opportunities daily.
ThegreatthingaboutElanceis,youdonthavetodoanythingtondjobs.You
canbemoreproactive(andwewhole-heartedlyencourageyoutobesee
below),butwewilldoafairamountoftheworkforyou.Thisincludesyour
personalizedOpportunitiesfeature.Heresaquicksynopsis:
GetemailupdateswithjobOpportunities.Weuseournumber-crunchingber
computersandwell-seasonedjobmatchingexpertisetopinpointjobsthat
matchyourskillsandinterests.Wethenemailyourecommendations.How
easyisthat?
Section 3:
Your Job Search: Finding great work fast
ViewOpportunitiesfromMyElance.MyElanceisyourhomepageonElance,
whereyoullkeepaneyeonallprojectsandpossibilities.Toseemore
recommendationswefoundforyou,simplyclickontheOpportunitiestab.
Voila!Jobsgalore.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|9
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
10/24
2. Use Watch Lists to follow potential clients.
Onceyougetuptospeed,youllndlotsofcompaniesthataredoingthework
youlovedoing.Soundslikeamatchmadeinheaven?SimplyputthecompanyonyourWatchListandyoullknowwhentheypostjobs.Youllbeamongthe
rsttocatchtheireye!
Section 3: (continued)
Your Job Search: Finding great work fast
3. Use the Elance search bar to fnd jobs.
TousetheSearchbaronElance(besureyoutoggletojobs),simplytypein
theprojectyourelookingforortheskillsyouhaveandwellgiveyoualistofgreatjobopportunities.Browsetheselectionforprojectsyoureperfectlysuited
for.Keepcheckingbacktoo,asnewjobsarepostedallthetime.
KeepinmindyoucanalsoNarrow Results whensearching.Simplytypeina
generalskill,suchaswriterandyoulllandonourSearchresultspage.On
theleftcolumn,youllseeoptionsformore-specicjobcategoriesforwriting,
aswellasoptionsforJobType,Budget,HourlyRate,Featuredjobsandmore.
Thiscanbearealtimesaver,ifyourefocusingonspecicprojects(whichyou
shouldbe).
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|10
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
11/24
4. Respond to Job Invites you receive.
Withyoureye-catchingProleandstrongskillset,youresuretogetpersonally
invitedtojobsaswell.EspeciallyifyoujoinElanceGroupsandfollowtheother
suggestionsfromtheprevioussection,YourProle.Besuretorespondquickly
toinvites,lettingthemknowifyoureinterested(ornot).
Section 3: (continued)
Your Job Search: Finding great work fast
5. Miscellaneous tips, advice and other truths.
ThingstoconsiderwhenyourendingjobsonElance:
Usemultiple forms of communicationwhenconferringwithpotential
clients.YourprojectWorkroomhasitsownprivatemessageboard,allowing
foremailcommunication.However,sometimesitmakessensetopickup
thephoneorSkype.Justbesuretowaituntiltheclientrespondstoyour
proposalnotdoingsoandprovidingyourcontactinformationupfront
violatesElancepolicy.Andbesureyouandyourclientalwaysdocument
anydecisionsintheprojectsWorkroom.
Whensearchingforjobs,keepinmindwhetheryoupreferHourly jobs
orFixed Price jobs.Eachhasitsadvantages,sodecidewhatworks
best for you.
Hourly jobs arebasedonasimpleprinciple:Anhourpaidforanhour
worked.Theoptionisparticularlypopularwhentheprojecthasagood
chanceofexibility,suchasthescopemaychangemid-stream.Freelancers
oftenchooseHourlyworkbecauseoffeatureslikeWorkViewandTracker
whereyourtimeisautomatical lytrackedandscreenshotssubmittedtoyour
clients.Whenworkisapproved,timesheetsareautomaticallypaid.
Fixed Priced jobs aregenerallypostedwhentheclienthasagoodgrasp
ofwhattheprojectentails,andtherearentalotofdetailslefttothe
imagination.OnebenetistheElanceEscrowfeature,wheretheclient
fundsyourjobbeforeworkbegins.Whencertainpre-determinedmilestones
aremetandtheclientapprovesthework,paymentsareautomatically
released to you.
Next:Your Proposal
Dennis H.
Germany|WebDeveloper
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|11
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
12/24
Welldone.NowthatyourProleisapower-packedmagnetpointedsquarelyat
greatbusinesses(ifnot,seeTheProlesection),yournextstepispinpointing
whichbusinessesaretrulygreat(read:greatforyou).Andthencraftinga
proposaltheycantrefuse.Hereissomesageadvice:
Section 4:
Your Proposal: The perfect pitch
1. Stay in your happy zone, selecting jobs carefully.
JustasyourProleOverviewcantpositionyouasallthingstoallpeople,nor
shouldyourjobselectionprocessspanwidelyacrossyoureld.Itsbesttofocus,focus,focusonjobsbestsuitedforyou.Thingstoconsider:
Find jobs that match your skill and interests.Lifeistooshorttoworkon
projectsthatneitherinterestyounorputyourbesttalenttowork.
Find jobs with a hearty description. Iftheclientsjobdescriptionisvague
andfeeble,chancesarethejobwillbeequallywoeful.Keepsearchingfor
better opportunities.
Find jobs with the right budget.Onegoodjobyoucansinkyourteeth
intoisbetterthanfoursmallonesthattaketimeandenergyrampingupfor.However,ifyourebrandnewtoElanceoryourcategoryyoumayneedto
startsmallandgrowyourwaytosuccess.
Find jobs that ft your availability.Whenyourebookedsolidandgoingon
a2-weektriptotheislands,passonmonsterprojects.Therewillbemorebig
projectswhenyourstresslevelisbacktonormal.
Ivy F.
China|Translator
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|12
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
13/24
2. Screen clients as carefully as theyll screen you.
WithsomanyopportunitiesonElance,beselectiveinthebusinessesyou
choosetoworkwith.Ifitsnottherightmatch,youlljustspinyourwheelsandwastepreciousenergybetterusedforotherclients.Afewthoughts:
Find businesses who truly want you.Browsethejobpostingtomakesure
yourewhattheyrelookingfor.CheckfortheExperienceandSkillsthey
desire,aswellasanyGeographicPreferences.Dontt?Moveon.
Find businesses with Verifed Payment.Althoughitsnotessential,itmakes
sensetorstseekclientswhohaveapaymentprocessinplace.Lookforthe
VeriedPaymentsymbolintheirjobpostadollarsignamongthegreenicons.
Section 4: (continued)
Your Proposal: The perfect pitch
Find businesses with an established Job History.Althoughgreatnew
businessescometoElancedaily,thereispeace-of-mindinndingclients
withasolidtrackrecord.
Find businesses with a high Award Ratio.TheAwardRatioisafairindicator
ofhowseriousthecompanyisinhiringyou.Yourtimeisvaluable,souseit
wisely.
Find businesses giving regular Feedback.Yourstatus(seeYour
Reputationsection)isbasedgreatlyontheFeedbackclientsleave.Lookfor
partnerswhoarequicktospreadthewordaboutyourskills.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|13
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
14/24
3. Now write a killer Proposal.
Aftervettingclientsandndingajobthat lookssensational, itstimetopounce.
Actquicklyandsetthosewheelsofgettinghiredinmotion.Naturallyagreat
Proposalisparamounttogettingnoticedandsealingthedeal.Theresalotto
cover,soletsjumprightin:
Customize (yes, customize) your Proposal.Clientscanspotcut-and-
pasteProposalsfromamileaway(1.6kilometers),givingyoutheaxe
instantly.Cookie-cutterresponsesstandoutlikeasorethumbandearnyoua
quickthumbsdown.Askquestionstoo.Aswellasshowinginterest,itsgood
tobeginatwo-waydialogbetweenyouandtheclient.
Write in a suitable tone.MuchlikeyourProleOverview,yourProposal
shouldbepersonableyetprofessional.Saveyour16-letterwordsforScrabble,insteadexplainingyourselfinawarmandfriendlymanner.Makea
friendandyoullgetthejob.
Be succinct. Beagoodeditor.Brevityisvital,asclientsmaybebrowsing
severalproposalsinashortamountoftime.Andplease,notypos.
Spellcheckerisyourfriend.
Show youre a good listener.Besuretodemonstratethatyouvereadthe
jobposting.Askgoodquest ions,andshowinterestandenthusiasm.
Highlight the value you bring.DontrelyonlyonyourProle.Bespecic
aboutbenetsyoubringtothisparticularjob.Spotlightrelevantexperiences
youvehad,howyoutackledsimilarjobsandwhatuniqueapproachesand
skillsyoubringtothetable.
Section 4: (continued)
Your Proposal: The perfect pitch
Ask for the job. ThinkofyourProposalasaninterview.Whatwouldyousaytomakesureyougetcalledback?Showyourenthusiasmandlettheperson
knowyouwanttostarttheprojectsoon.Oh,thankthemfortheirtimetoo.
Showcase relevant samples. YourElancePortfolioshouldbefullofawe-
inspiringpiecesdemonstratingyourtalents,butwhynotpullsomeofthe
morerelevantexamplesandincludethemdirectlyinyourproposal?This
givesclientsyourbest,mostrelevantworkwithouthavingtosearchforit.
FirmoS.
Indonesia|Translator
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|14
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
15/24
4. Set a fair price.
Clientsareinevitablygoingtogetlow-pricedProposalsfromthedesperateand
uninspired,aswellasoutrageouslyhigh-pricedProposalsfromothers.Dontworry
aboutthem.Ifyouveprovenyourworth(seeabove)youllgetyourfairprice.Now,
whatexactlyisafairprice?Heresastartingpointtodeterminethat:
Factor in your time and effort.Carefullyguesstimateallthatsinvolved.
Makesuretotakeintoaccounttheprojectscomplexity,time-frame(any16-
hourdaysneeded?)andtotaleffortrequired.
Research your market.Doyourduediligence,decidingwhoyoure
competingagainst.Getanideaforindustrypayaverages,startingwith
Elances very own Trends pageswhereweshowyouallthetopskillsbeing
hiredonElance,alongwithaveragepayrates.Factorinifyoureofferingapremiumskillthatsdifculttond.
See things from your clients perspective.Areyoujustbreakinginto
themarket,ornewtoElanceandyettobuild-upyourstanding(seeYour
Reputationsection)?Orjusttheopposite,areyouaprovenexpertwithgreat
feedbackandratings?Itmatters.Andrealistically,sodoesyourpotential
clientspastbudgets.Looktoseewhattheyvespentforsimilarprojects.
Decide what youre worth. Estimateinallhonestywhatisafairpriceforthe
jobathand.Dontsellyoursel fshort,reac tingtolow-ballpricing. Iftheclient
wantsqualityworkinatimelymanner,theyllpayyouwhatyoudeserve.
Section 4: (continued)
Your Proposal: The perfect pitch
5. Consider submitting a Proposal with no price.
Ifyourenotsureoftherequirements,dontmakeawildguess.Itcancomeback
tohauntyou.Instead,onyourProposalchecktheWillsubmitamountlaterbox.
InyourProposalbesuretoaskspecicquestionstogetfurtherclarication,and
reassuretheclientthatyoullnalizeapricebasedonthatinformation.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|15
https://www.elance.com/trendshttps://www.elance.com/trends -
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
16/24
6. Dont just sit there, follow-up.
OnceyourProposalissubmitted,keepyoureyeontheball.CheckyourMy
JobspageorWatchListdailyforstatusupdatesonyourpotentialproject.The
clientmaybeaskingforadditionalinformation.Ifyouchangeyourmindorearn
anotherjobandcanttthisprojectintoyourschedule,bepoliteandwithdraw
yourbid.Youmaywellcomeacrossthisclientagain,andtheyllrememberyour
courteousness.
7. Dont just sit there, send more Proposals.
Althoughyouwant tobeselective inthejobsyousetyoursightson,youalso
wanttomakesureyoucoverallofyourbases.YourrstProposalisjustthe
beginning.OncethatProposalissubmitted,starttheprocessoverandnd
anotherjobthatsperfect.Andanother.Andanother.Asyoubuildyouronlinework reputation at Elance youll want to give yourself lots of opportunities.
Section 4: (continued)
Your Proposal: The perfect pitch
8. Negotiating your price.
Oftenapotentialclientwilllikewhattheysee,butnotseeeye-to-eyeon
pricing.Thismaybeastraight-upcostissue,orthescopeoftheprojectmay
havechanged.Eitherway,keepthesethoughtsinmind:
Always remain professional.Noneedtotakethingspersonally.Yourea
professionalandyouknowwhatyoureworth.Simplyexplainwhyyoufeel
youre asking a fair price.
Be willing to withdraw your offer. Ifthereisabsolutelynowiggleroom,
walkawayandthanktheclientfortheirtime.Simplywithdrawyourofferand
moveon.
If the price changes, update terms and milestones.Whenuctuationshappen,updateallrelateditemsintheproject.Beespeciallysensitiveto
shiftingenddatesandscope.
Do not work without job funding.Whiletheearlybirdgetstheworm,in
someinstanceshe/shegetsburned.Dontbetheonewhogivesawayfree
work.Waituntilfundingissecuredbeforeyouloghours.
Next:Your Workroom
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|16
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
17/24
Congratulations!YourProposalwasacceptedandyourenowreadytocreate
somemagic.Witheveryprojectyoullautomaticallybeassignedasecure
ElanceWorkroomwhereyouandyourclientcancollaborate.Thisisalsowhere
youlltrackprogressandensureyougetpaid(yeah!).Whiletherearemany
servicesandfeatures,herearesomehighlightsofyoursharedWorkroom:
Communicate and collaborate.Youllndtoolsforstayingintouch(from
emailtovideoconferencing),aswellassolutionsforsharinglesand
tracking work.
Section 5:
Your Workroom: Where jobs get tackled
Manage projects.UseyourWorkroomtokeepprojectsmovingsmoothly.
Youcansetandupdateterms,sharestatusreportsandhaveyour
timesheetssubmittedautomaticallyifyoureworkingonanhourlyjob.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|17
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
18/24
Get paid quickly.Allthetoolsforgettingpaidareincludedinyour
Workroom.Whenobjectivesaresuccessfullymet,yourmoneywillbe
released and sent to you.
Section 5: (continued)
Your Workroom: Where jobs get tackled
Eliminate paperwork and busy work.Elancehasstreamlinedthe
processofgettingworkdone,includingtakingmanyofthebureaucratic
stepsoutoftheprocess.Thingshappenautomatically,intuitivelyand
greenly.MotherNaturewillthankyou.
Next:Your Reputation
Esteban T.
Argentina|iOSDeveloper
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|18
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
19/24
Withallthingsbeingequal,clientswillobviouslyaccepttheProposalwiththe
bestbalanceofqualityandvalue.Butasweknow,notallfreelancersareequal
intalentnoraffordability.Thatswhereyouronlinereputationcomesintoplay.
Elancegivesyouseveralopportunitiestodistanceyourselffromotherswho
maybeinterestedinthesamejob.Heressomeinformationonhowtoput
yourselfinthebestlight:
Section 6:
Your Reputation: Stand out from the rest
1. Feedback is important. No, critical.
Foreachjobyouwork,aclientcan(andshould)leaveFeedbackratingsto
sharehowgreatitwasworkingwithyou.
Justasclientscanleavecommentsonwhytheyenjoyedworkingwithyou,you
canalsorespondwithyourownFeedbacktotheircomments.Itgoeswithout
sayingthatanycommentsyouleaveshouldbeprofessionallywordedas
otherclientswillbeabletoseethem.Sometimesweseefreelancersreacting
poorlytoFeedbackreceived.Dontgetcaughtupinthenegativity.Ifyou
disagreewiththeFeedbackleft,besuretoremainprofessionalandallowyour
responsetoexplainthesituation.
Ifyoufeelthataclientispressuringyoutochangethescopeoftheworkby
withholdingpositiveFeedback(example:askingforextraworkyoudidnt agreeto),giveusacall.CoercionisaviolationofElancePolicyandyou
deserve better.
And remember, Feedback cannot be changed once its posted. This is
important to remember when asking for Feedback, and when leaving
Feedback for your clients.
SarahR.
PuertoRico|Writer
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|19
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
20/24
2. Making sense of My Stats and Level.
TohelpdifferentiateyourselfbeyondaProleandprice,Elancehasseveral
featuresfordeterminingyouronlinereputation.TheseincludeMyStatsand
yourLevel.MyStatsincludesasnapshotofyourhistoryofworkonElance,
whileLeveliscalculatedusingthenumbersfromMyStats.Letusexplain:
My Stats is your online work history.Somekeynumbersweincludein
MyStatsarethenumberofclientsyouhave(andrepeatclients),aswellas
thenumberofjobs,milestonesandhoursyouveworkedonElance.Italso
includesclientFeedbackfromrecommendationstoreviews.
Note: Feedbackleftbyformerclientsisviewablebypotentialclients.Thats
whyitsimportanttomakesureclientsleaveFeedbackaftereverysuccessful
jobandyourespondprofessionallyto thatFeedback.GoodFeedbackalsoelevatesyourLevel.
Section 6: (continued)
Your Reputation: Stand out from the rest
Your Level is determined by My Stats.Byfactoringinthedatawe
accumulateinMyStats,wereabletoassignanumericalnumberthat
assessesyourlevel.Whenyoufocusondoinggreatworkandbuildinga
successfulonlinebusiness,yourLevelwillriseaccordingly.
Note: YourLeveliscalculatedasaresultofanumberoffactors,fromyour
servicedeliveryandclientrelationshipstomarketingperformance.YourLevel
willdeterminewhereyouplaceinthedefaultsearchrankingsonElance.
Key drivers of My Stats and Level.Manyfactorsplayintoyourultimate
numbers,includingjobFeedback,earningsvolumeandgrowth,howyou
growclientrelationships,whetheryoubidanappropriatepriceandevenyour
Elancepolicycompliance.
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|20
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
21/24
3. Managing your Feedback, Stats and Levels.
HerearesomequickpointersformaximizingyouronlinereputationatElance:
Always request Feedback from clients.Weautomaticallypromptyour
clientstoprovideFeedbackonceajobiscomplete,butwecantforcethem
todoso.IfafewdaysgobyandtheresbeennoFeedbackentered,besure
togentlynudgethemasareminder.Itmayeventakeasecondnudgeor
more.Bepersistent,butnotrude.Remember,beforeacceptingajobyoucan
checkapotentialclientstendencyforgivingFeedback.Keepthatinmind
whensendingProposals.
Respond professionally to Feedback.Whetheritsgoodorbad,remember
thatitssomeonesestimationandrespecttheiropinion.Plus,Feedbackcant
bechangedonceithasbeenposted.Also,yourresponsewillbedisplayedonyourProle.Doyoureallywantpotentialclientstoseeanastyremark
youvemadetoaclient?
Use the Elance platform.Youllcompletejobssuccessfully,
getFeedbackandreceivepaymentthroughElance.
Build strong relationships.To best raise your online reputation, continue to
addnewclientsandachieverepeatworkandstrongearningsfromthem.
Dot your is and cross your ts.Bediligentinthedetailsprovidedin
thisguide.CreateastrongProle,submitqualityProposalsforrelevantjobs,
priceyourserviceswithincustomarybudgetrangesandensurethework
isawardedandcompletedonElance.
Section 6: (continued)
Your Reputation: Stand out from the rest
Next:Your Reminder
DaynaB.
Canada|Illustrator
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|21
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
22/24
YoursecurityisparamountatElance.Naturallywewantyoutotakeadvantage
ofallthegreatfeaturesandservicesweoffertohelpyouWorkDifferently.
Ourguidanceissimple:StayonElance,GetPaidonElance.
UsingthejobsWorkroomandTerms&Milestonesareastodocumentcosts,
deliverablesandotherdecisionsrelatedtoyourworkiscritical.Elanceishere
tohelp,butwecanonlyrelyontheinformationprovidedintheWorkroom.
UsingWorkViewandElanceEscrowaregreatwaystomanageyour
paymentsonElanceandwillgiveyouandyourclientthecondencetohitthe
ground running.
Keeptheserulesinmindatalltimes:
Never take jobs off Elance. IfclientsaskyoutoworkoutsideoftheElance
platform,awarningbellshouldgooffinyourhead.Somethingisnotright.Ifyouagree,itsagainstElancerulesandyoureindangerofgettingscammed.
You will lose all protection Elance affords you. Period.
Refuse (and let Elance know) if clients:
-Askyoufornancialaccounts
-Askyoutobuyanythingtocompletetheirjob
-AskyoutoworkonajobElancehasdisallowed
-ArenotofciallylistedonElance
Never create custom samples.Again, dont give out your work for free. Use
yourPortfolio(andprolicpowersofpersuasion)tosellyourself.Ifyoumake
samplesbeforethejobisawardedtheresagoodchanceyoullneverhear
fromthemagain.
Section 7:
Your Reminder: Rules to keep you safe
Next:Youre Hired
Gillian W.
Jamaica|Writer
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|22
-
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
23/24
Withyourincredibleskillsandtheknow-howgleanedfromthishandy
FreelancersGuide,youresuretobeanawesomesuccessonElance.
Remember,youronlinereputationisamajordriveringrowingyourbusiness.
Sobesuretogotheextramile/kilometertodoagreatjob.Feedbackisan
importanttoolforattractingnewclients.Exceptionalworkwillalsohelpyouget
asecondandthirdjobfromeachclienttoo.
Section 8:
Youre Hired: Go do an awesome job
Speaking of which, be on the look-out for follow-up jobs.
Andaswementionedpreviously,long-termclientrelationshipsissomething
thatwillonlyhelpyoubemoresuccessfulonElance.Whenyourenishedwith
aproject,dontbeshyaboutsuggestingotherworkyoucando.Clientsare
sometimessofocusedontheirto-dolistthattheydontrealizeopportunities
thatmaybeintheperipheral.Enlightenthem(inanon-pushyway).Inshort,
becomeaninvaluablepartner.
Sogogetyourselfsomeonlinefreelancejobsanddoanawesomejob.Were
excitedtohaveyouontheteam!
IfyourelookingforadditionalhelponearningmoremoneyatElance,check
outtheseresources:
Elance Help Center
ElanceOfcialBlog
Hiring Trends
TermsofService
ElanceWebinarSignUp
WaterCoolerMemberForum
Cheers,
TheElanceTeam
SamB.
Australia|Writer
Elance:AFreelancersGuide|23
http://help.elance.com/homehttps://www.elance.com/q/blog/https://www.elance.com/trends/skills-in-demandhttps://www.elance.com/q/legal#serviceterms2https://www.elance.com/q/contractor-webinarshttps://www.elance.com/q/forumhttps://www.elance.com/q/forumhttps://www.elance.com/q/contractor-webinarshttps://www.elance.com/q/legal#serviceterms2https://www.elance.com/trends/skills-in-demandhttps://www.elance.com/q/blog/http://help.elance.com/home -
7/29/2019 Elance Freelancer Guide March2013
24/24