| -> | | | | type you are applying for etc. This will help you in |
| You know what's the best part about freelancing - the | | | | knowing about the buyer in a better way - whether he |
| word 'free'...Yup, no matter where you are, and where | | | | she or the company is worthy enough to put in the |
| you stand, if you got it in you - the potential to do | | | | effort for - and in turn you will be able to place a bid |
| something - you don't need an office job to prove your | | | | confidently and also present your work in the very |
| skills...Remember, you are a freelancer - a 'free' bird | | | | manner which will click them instantly. |
| who can outshine anything you are good at, not | | | | Rule#3: Check out who else has placed a bid on the |
| mattering whether you work at home - your own little | | | | same project. In some sites, for example Elance, you |
| set up. | | | | can easily see the list of other buyers, their previous |
| You can start your freelance work by registering with | | | | earnings, verifying credentials if any, check out their |
| Freelance job providing websites such as Elance, | | | | profile and previous work. That way, you'll get a better |
| Odesk, GetaFreelancer etc. Sign up, make your profile | | | | idea of who is competing against you for the same |
| and there you are, ready to bid! | | | | project as you are. Then, get on your keyboard and |
| Nevertheless, that is exactly where many of us lose | | | | start typing! |
| our path - writing a proposal. Writing a bidding proposal | | | | Rule#4: Check, re-check and re-check what you have |
| isn't as easy as it is considered to be, but with the right | | | | written. You have all the time in the world to proofread |
| skills and understanding, you can write a bidding | | | | your bid. Remember, you can't afford to look |
| proposal and win the bid too. But, if you don't win a bid, | | | | unprofessional if you want this project. People while |
| don't lose heart...try, try again remember? Who knows | | | | bidding, often make typo errors, fail to give correct |
| the next project you bid on will be awarded to you. | | | | website links or worse...miss spell their names. We |
| Think positive. You see, not everyone gets every | | | | don't blame them, they are either hasty souls or |
| project they place a bid on. But, that doesn't mean you | | | | perhaps too arrogant to read what they write even |
| lack the appropriate skills and as a result, lose your | | | | once. ATLEAST, don't embarrass yourself by writing |
| confidence...it means perhaps you need to change the | | | | your own name the wrong way! |
| way you write a proposal... | | | | Rule#5: Now, since every one of your competitors |
| Since, many of the freelancers out there still don't | | | | must have tried to present themselves in a suitable |
| know how to write an effective bidding proposal, I | | | | and perhaps even acceptable manner, but to make |
| thought I might highlight some important points that can | | | | yourself stand apart, go a step ahead of it. Make an |
| help them in writing bidding proposals for writing jobs. | | | | offer of something a bit more useful, let's say additional |
| Oh and the 'newbies'! This will be a good learning | | | | service. This make will your buyer at least think of you |
| lesson for jumpstarting your freelance business. | | | | as a solid candidate, before he makes up his mind or |
| Here are a few tips and tricks to get you through | | | | perhaps simply close hiring and award the project to |
| writing an effective proposal: | | | | you. |
| Rule# 1: Don't just read the project details - READ it | | | | Rule#6: Make sure that you give authentic proof for |
| carefully and see what the project owner or buyer's | | | | every task or project you have executed. You should |
| demands for. Why I'm emphasizing on the READ-ing | | | | always present relevant work for the buyer's perusal. |
| part so much is because many people simply take a | | | | If you have done a number of projects on other similar |
| hasty look at the project and bid, which shows the | | | | projects, then choose to present those you believe are |
| height of unprofessional attitude. Don't tell me, you too? | | | | the best ones. |
| If yes, then learn the lesson! You don't want to look | | | | Rule#7: While writing, also allow your buyer to see |
| unprofessional. If you read it twice or thrice, you will be | | | | your client's feedback history or work testimonials. This |
| able to grasp a better understanding as to what is it | | | | not only helps the buyer in seeing your work repute |
| that the person is looking for in the work he requires. | | | | and progress but is also able to judge on your |
| So pay careful attention to every detail. | | | | professional skills and timeliness in delivering the work. |
| Rule #2: Before you head on to writing your proposal, | | | | Also, your buyer will be able to see who have you |
| do a little homework. Check out the buyer's history. | | | | previously worked with and how well you did. |
| This may include company details, work reviews and | | | | After Rule#7, comes Rule#8 and that says, What are |
| previously posted jobs, feedbacks from previous | | | | you waiting for? Look up for a project and start |
| providers, number of jobs previously posted awarded, | | | | bidding. Oh and by the way, best of luck, you'll need |
| the amount paid for previous services similar to the | | | | that apart from these easy tips. |