Chapter
2
The Virtual You
In This Chapter
• Registering on Elance
• Making first impressions online
• Contractor qualities clients look for
• Learning from your competition
• Niche marketing considerations
Getting started on Elance is a fast and efficient process. The system is designed to streamline the enrollment stage so you’re registered quickly and ready to do business. However, in order to succeed in the virtual work world, it’s also crucial to take a step back and carefully consider your online persona. In this chapter, I cover both aspects.
In the ordinary world, you are assessed all the time by your physical appearance. What you project through your clothes, hairstyle, and overall appearance influences people; so does the way you speak, walk, and carry yourself. Strolling gracefully into a meeting wearing a tailored suit and holding a leather briefcase sends one message. Yet entering the same meeting dressed in shorts and flip flops and sporting beer tabs for earrings sends another.
Your online presence is no different, but too often contractors and clients forget that they’re being judged from the first moment they “enter” the room. What you wear and whether or not you shaved won’t be appraised. Rather, your new online image will take the place of you in person. You now have the opportunity to tailor this image exactly as you wish. This step is crucial to a successful online business and you must consider it early. Read on!