To Niche or Not to Niche
As you sift through the contractors, you’ll notice some specialize very precisely, and others are available to do most anything within their category. This is a decision you need to make, too.
Volumes have been written on the advantages of providing a specific service with excellence, called niche marketing. This means becoming the “expert” in a narrow field and taking on the role of the go-to person. Yet others embrace the benefits of generalizing. With this approach your clients can get a variety of services from the same individual—you!
The answer goes back to who it is you want to be. Either method works; the key is deciding what fits best for your personality. Would you get bored doing the same work all the time? Or would you see the refining of quality as an ongoing challenge? Would you like to have a variety of projects, or would this lead to too much chaos in your organizing style?
You’re the only person who can answer these questions. Be aware of the differences and get right on with designing your Virtual You.
The Least You Need to Know
• You can open your Elance account either as a client or contractor.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of managing the impression you leave with others online.
• It’s great practice for clients and contractors alike to get going with a small project.
• Research contractors and learn from the statistics and impressions they provide.
• Being a generalist or a niche marketer both work. You get to choose who you want to be.