| When you want to start a new home based business, | | | | · Choose a category - when you learn how to |
| you should first start by thinking about the different | | | | use Elance you also have to decide what types of |
| skills you already possess. You might just be able to | | | | projects you want. Eight options are available, including |
| put them to good use in the freelance marketplace. is | | | | writing, web design, administrative support, and legal. |
| one example of these marketplaces. Below is a brief | | | | Step #2: Create a Profile |
| explanation of how to use Elance to get your home | | | | When you begin learning how to use Elance, you will |
| based business off the ground. | | | | also need to develop a great portfolio. This will help |
| Step #1: Sign Up | | | | you win over clients. You can add samples of your |
| When you first arrive at Elance.com, you'll need to sign | | | | work, a brief description of your qualifications, and |
| up for an account. Free and paid plans are available so | | | | anything else you think the clients might need to know |
| even if you're low on cash at the moment you'll still be | | | | to choose you over the competition. |
| able to register and maybe get a project. To sign up, | | | | Elance also requires you to take a test over their rules |
| you'll have to complete a couple of steps. | | | | and procedures before allowing you to begin bidding. |
| · Enter your email address | | | | You can also take skills test on the site for free if |
| · Choose a type of plan - you can be an | | | | you're a paid member. These tests demonstrate to |
| individual or a business. You do receive a few extra | | | | clients that you are knowledgeable and experienced. |
| features as a business, as well as some additional | | | | Step 3: Start Bidding |
| credits for bidding but you have to pay higher | | | | To get your home based business off the ground, you |
| membership fees. | | | | need to begin bidding. Elance uses an auction system |
| · Choose a membership plan - no matter | | | | in which you bid on projects that have been posted by |
| whether you want to start your home based business | | | | buyers. The buyer doesn't automatically choose the |
| as an individual or a business you can opt for the free | | | | lowest bidder instead they get to select based on the |
| membership. However, you'll only have three | | | | quality of your portfolio, your bid, your price, your |
| "connects" per month (connects are used to get | | | | feedback at the site, and other elements. The number |
| projects). Other plan options range from $9.95 to | | | | of connects needed for each project varies by the |
| $39.95 per month. | | | | budget listed by the buyer. |