There is no doubt that the world of freelancing is growing and, in particular, that of remote freelancing. As the internet breaks down the global barriers, companies have access to the world's base of freelancers; and freelancers have a smorgasbord of work available to them.
A freelance relationship is a win-win association. Businesses can cut their costs by spending on human resources only when needed and employees get the opportunity to spread their wings in an arena where work freedom is the new goal.
However, there are still hurdles in this new way of working. At the forefront is the usual companion of change: "trust", or lack thereof.
Organizations are wary of leaping into business relationships with unknown workers at the opposite side of the earth: Will they get their money's worth? Is their information safe?
They want to be able to keep tabs on what is happening and to have a real-life interaction.
Companies need reassurance that using freelancers and, in particular remote freelancers, is a wise business decision and one that is necessary in order to stay in the playing field. A freelance job website such as Elance is an ideal nesting ground for these new relationships. This is where there are good businesses needing work done, competent freelancers there to provide it and a system that is slick, professional and easy to use.
The initial important contact between business and freelancer takes place when a freelancer submits a proposal. This is where first impressions are formed and it is where trust is either fostered or contact severed. The proposal is where you look each other in the eye.
Unfortunately, proposals are often of sub-standard quality. This is a real pity as many excellent freelancers (even freelance writers) proffer shoddy proposals. The reason? Firstly, freelancers typically aren't trained in writing proposals and, secondly, many freelancers have yet to see freelancing as a business. They don't realize the importance of the proposal in winning the work. A proposal is a reflection of the freelancer. If their proposal is of poor quality, that says something about them and their work.
Freelancers need to turn themselves into businesses. This means upping their professionalism; and, a significant step forward in this regard is setting a high standard on their proposals, their self-promotion and their personal brand.
It is because of this glaring need that I wrote
The Winning Proposal. It is a step-by-step guide for freelancers to become more professional and increase their success. The book caters especially for online freelancers and provides a great deal of assistance for those using freelance job websites such as Elance, but it will propel all freelancers forward in their businesses.
It walks freelancers through, amongst other areas, creating profiles, assessing clients and projects, writing proposals and building a reputation. With this book freelancers can enter the category of professionals. It bridges the gap in the connection between business and freelancer; it clears the way for the explosion in freelancing as the new way of working.
Contact: julietdupreez[at]gmail.com