Making the Personal Connection
The personal connection is what it all boils down to. By the follow-up and follow-through outlined previously, you are able to make a connection with your future client. Your client will see you through the rest, and recognize the quality you bring.
But you must work the process. Don’t simply submit a gazillion proposals and wait for good fortune to fall into your lap. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Good fortune responds to a targeted, streamlined process done repetitively. By reading this chapter and applying what you’ve learned, you’ll be well on your way to standing above the rest.
The Least You Need to Know
• Use the categories and other filters on Elance to narrow your project search.
• Project descriptions are often very revealing. Pay attention to positive signals and red flags to know what each is really telling you.
• Save your search parameters and have them automatically emailed to you every day to streamline the search process.
• Assess client statistics and feedback to see if this is someone you want to work for.
• Every single interaction you have with a client before you are awarded the job is part of your virtual “interview.” Be enthusiastic and professional.
• Develop positive, proactive habits to stand out from the competition.