Category: Freelance
Sold: Top Two Reasons to Choose oDesk
Posted by Tracy Batwinas in Freelance Wednesday, 18 July 2012 07:23 4 Comments
In my previous post, we identified highlights of the oDesk freelancing platform that make it one of the best companies when it comes to finding and contracting outsourced work. Now, I’ll give you two more reasons to love and choose oDesk.
First off, oDesk requires no out of pocket expenses
Having complete access to jobs and freelancers without any cost is a big thing. This convenient feature of oDesk doesn’t only allow financial savings but time economizing as well. Employers can submit job listings which can be found by all the independent contractors in the site. No monthly or yearly membership fees taken from both parties.
And of course, this platform is for everyone – anytime, anywhere
It doesn’t matter if you’re a college student trying to earn money or a full-time employee seeking for more opportunities to boost your income. With the hundreds of job categories available at oDesk, you’ll definitely find a suitable job. Nationality and physical location never cause problems as long as you are determined to be successful – you’ll get your share of the pie.
Anyone can be a winner with oDesk. In a world that highlights competitiveness above anything else, the flexibility and convenience that oDesk offers can be of great use. What are your major concerns in choosing an online freelancing platform? What features are most desirable and useful to you? I’d love to hear about them! Keep your comments coming
A Brief Background Of oDesk
Posted by Tracy Batwinas in Freelance Tuesday, 17 July 2012 07:19 No Comments
How can anyone not get excited from working online? One of the websites that allow employers to hire remote contractors is oDesk.com. The name came from the idea of doing work virtually without any desk or “no desk”. Another possible origin of the name is a shortened term for “online desk.”
People behind oDesk
The success of oDesk in the outsourcing market is attributed to Greek entrepreneurs, Odysseas Tsatalos and Stratis Karamanlakis. In 2002, Odysseas was based in California when he decided to hire his engineer friend, Stratis, to help him out with his work. But they encountered a problem. Stratis was living in Greece then. Odysseas’ colleagues grew hesitant about hiring an engineer who was miles away.
Odysseas and Stratis designed a technology where work can be delegated and managed with the same efficiency as those done face-to-face and with physical supervision.
This idea proved to be successful. And in 2003, they adopted its platform to a greater cause. This became the official beginning of oDesk.com.
From no desk to oDesk
As we all know, beginnings are never easy. Since the pair did not have enough resources at that time they had to fund the development of oDesk platform themselves while staying on the different parts of the globe.
To stabilize financial support, Gary Swart was hired to oversee this aspect. Gary had a good deal of experience in financial investment. It was in 2006 that their patience yielded victory. Two Californian firms believed and invested in the development of oDesk. The added monetary resource was more than enough to enhance the platforms business model and intensify technical aspects of the platform.
Improvements and Innovations
After several trial operations and feature testing, the company was finally launched as an outsourcing marketplace by the end of 2006. oDesk managed to get ahead of its competitors by setting a lower charge of only 10% for every successful transaction. This amount is one of the cheapest in the industry to date.
Over the years, oDesk has introduced several innovations in their software. Clients can now place job posts in a matter of minutes. On top of that, contractors can set-up and manage their accounts without any hassles. Communications that lead to a hiring or networking for the future are quick and safe with oDesk.
More on this innovative working platform on our next post so stay tuned.
Defying Convention to Innovate: oDesk Freelancing Platform
Posted by Tracy Batwinas in Freelance Monday, 16 July 2012 07:16 No Comments
oDesk is a top outsourcing company online. With its cutting edge features, this platform is definitely ahead of the game. Online freelancing platforms work the same – that is, they provide safe and convenient avenue for employers and independent contractors to meet. Expect diversity and abundance in work opportunities when you search online.
What rules do oDesk defy to serve you exceptionally well? Keep reading!
Since most of the transactions are done online, putting everything in black and white is really important. The free oDesk software helps you do just that. This application ensures good monitoring by tracking time consumed in performing projects and tasks. Capturing screenshots to monitor actual work is beneficial for employers and contractors alike. Note taking is also possible with this software – download it free from the website!
Measuring Freelancers Competencies
Skill tests are available on the platform to enable freelancers to showcase their competencies to probable employers. oDesk has an estimated 450 aptitude tests ranging from language proficiency tests to specialized programming skills. Test results are posted in the contractor’s profile to serve as reference for employers. This feature is very useful for contractors who have no previous work history.
Both employers and contractors can expect efficient technical support from the team at all times. Queries and concerns regarding oDesk are addressed 24/7 by representatives on a live chat interface. Joining oDesk-moderated forums within the site is another effective way to solve platform related problems. Email updates and notifications are sent regularly to keep users in the loop.
Create a comprehensive profile in a most accessible website
Aside from skill tests, employers can also hire freelancers based on their work history, resume, feedback ratings, and portfolio. Contractors registered in the site can foster a healthy competition by sprucing up and keeping their profiles up-to-date.
The oDesk site runs well in any browser – be it graphical or text-based, users can expect flawless use every time. This platform is easy to understand and simple to use. Despite the volume of active users, the site loads fast for an extended stable use.
And lastly, take advantage of their guaranteed payment policy
The oDesk platform do not solicit fees from both the employers and contractors upon sign-up. Once a transaction is done, the platform ensures that contractors are paid for all of their hourly work. Fixed price jobs are not guaranteed, but both parties can always turn to oDesk for help resolving any disagreements or disputes. oDesk guarantees payment of contractors by setting up a secured means within the site for the payment process.
The oDesk freelancing platform is really a cut above the rest. Are you ready to start your freelancing career with an innovative tool?
The Future of Freelancing: 2011 Freelance Industry Report
We’ve already taken a look at Freelancing and talked about some of the things that will help you decide if it’s a good fit for you or not.
We picture free-agents as go-getter individuals who want to take control of their time. This generally applies to all fields including business consulting, writing, public relations, marketing and website development (among others) and many professionals around the world are finding satisfaction in the endless possibilities created by freelancing.
Despite having to take care of one’s own financial books as well as client and project acquisition, many say that the wonderful perks of freelancing outweigh the inevitable downsides that come with it.
This time, let’s take a holistic view on the freelancing industry. Ed Gandia, an established freelance copywriter, published the 2011 Freelance Industry Report in time for the International Freelancers Day last year. The eBook contains report and statistics based on the answers of 1,200 free agents in different parts of the globe. Respondents of the survey have been freelancing in their respective fields for less than a year to over ten years ensuring that wide perspective from relevant people are taken into account.
Notable findings on demographics, common challenges, business outlook, service pricing and lifestyle considerations are included in the 50-page research output. Accidental freelancers are also discussed in a few pages.
Adequate investigation is necessary to make well-informed decisions especially if they have the ability to flip your life over for the better or worse. Read up and tell me what you think about the future of professional freelancing careers.
Good luck!
(Ed has been invited to share his insights and advice in CNN Radio, The Writer and the CBS Radio News among many others. He also co-authored a bestselling and award-winning book entitled The Wealthy Freelancer: 12 Secrets to a Great Income and an Enviable Lifestyle (Penguin/Alpha). )
Click here to get a free copy of the 2011 Freelance Industry Report
Hide and Seek: Where to Find Projects and Clients for Your Freelance Career
Posted by Tracy Batwinas in Freelance Saturday, 14 July 2012 07:53 No Comments
Are you beginning to think that maybe freelancing offers a future to you?
Before you plunge right in – have you thought of how you’ll get clients and projects?
Having a clear idea of how you’ll keep yourself busy for the entire month can greatly help in achieving your financial, professional and personal goals. Being self-employed doesn’t only mean freedom but will require much responsibility on your end since you’re doing things on your own. You’ll be surprised to discover how many things you’ve taken for granted that the Boss or the Company took care of for you. Listed below are five of the most common ways to meet prospective clients and get hired along the way.
- Old school promotion
These are old age initiatives to get noticed in a sea of solo professionals in your field. Most of these efforts are done off-line. But since we are becoming tied up to the internet more as days go by, some of these efforts might not give you the best returns. Trying them will always be worth it. Just make sure that they fit your goals and the services that you offer.
You can try:
- Posting an advertisement on your local newspaper, niche magazines or yellow pages
- Called calling companies to pitch your ideas and services
- Issue press releases or pull a publicity stunt
- Give out company branded shirts, greeting cards, pens or stationeries for the holidays or industry related events
- Asking family and friends for referrals
- Some love from previous clients
Sealing a project with prospective clients doesn’t only give you the chance to show off your skills but it will also help you connect with industry players. Always remember that each client is a key to getting others so be sure to treat them right, do your best and ask for feedbacks and recommendations after every project.
- Join a freelancer website
In the millions, or probably billions, of websites that are up and running on-line, a handful of them are dedicated to answer the needs of freelancers. These resources can offer tips, industry updates and networking opportunities for the solopreneur. You can join niche forums and sites to connect with other professionals in your field or sign-up with job posting sites to bid on projects. odesk.com is a perfect example of a job posting site so find time to visit it. (We’ll discuss odesk.com more as we move futher in the series so stay tuned)
What do you think is the most effective way to get found in the freelance job market? Let me know what you think about having to find your own clients as a freelance professional.
