| Have I gone mad? I don't think so. The demand for | | | | You just need to know where to find them. There are |
| experts to advise companies on ways to operate | | | | many freelance marketplaces that have thousands of |
| more efficiently has increased tremendously during this | | | | opportunities for work. You can browse through |
| economy. The increase in costs above an employee's | | | | available projects and bid on the ones that interest you. |
| salary have also made a contract/freelance position | | | | Lead time for these projects is short because all of |
| look much sweeter to the employer. Combine these | | | | the efficiencies of doing it online. Some very popular |
| reasons and the increase in online freelance | | | | marketplaces are: eLance.com, Guru.com, oDesk.com, |
| marketplaces and you have a recipe for opportunity, if | | | | and |
| you want to take it. | | | | Don't forget to also check out job boards on |
| So where is all of the work out there? Let's look at the | | | | CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com, Hotjobs.com, and for |
| top three areas to find freelance work. | | | | contract positions. In addition to these sites there are |
| 1. Staffing Companies | | | | many listings posted on Craigslist.org. For these sites it |
| I like to list staffing companies first because this is an | | | | always helps to search locally first. Many customers |
| arrangement where they will work for you. Staffing | | | | posting here will probably want to meet face to face. |
| companies look at thousands of positions and try to fill | | | | 3. Use Your Connections |
| them with contract workers. They make their money | | | | The easiest jobs you will get are through people that |
| by charging a bit more over your hourly rate. Link up | | | | already know and trust you. Take advantage of this |
| with staffing companies that focus in your skill set | | | | by notifying your contacts about your freelance |
| (technology, management, manufacturing, etc.). Build a | | | | capabilities. Let them know about the services you |
| good relationship with these companies and you will | | | | offer and ask them if they need any help. In addition, |
| have opportunities sent to you daily. | | | | start a blog and website to post helpful information and |
| 2. Online Marketplaces | | | | project examples. This will prove your expertise and |
| There are projects sitting out there waiting for you. | | | | show you are knowledgeable in your industry. |