Don’t sleep on LinkedIn.
Back when I had a “normal” job, LinkedIn was something you signed up for just because everybody else was. Now that I’m a freelancer though, it’s become an indispensible tool in sharing my portfolio, connecting with decision-makers, and letting potential clients know why they should hire me…If I could only keep one social platform, I’d dump Twitter and Facebook in a heartbeat over
LinkedIn.
That might not be a very popular opinion right now, but based on some recent news, if you’re looking to develop your freelance career,
you might want to jump on board too. (That’s a link to help you get started.)
Just this past week, the LA Times reported
that LinkedIn ProFinder was launched in October to help employers on the platform (there are a lot) connect with pro freelancers.
You can
check the article here, but essentially, ProFinder will ask employers the kind of work they’re
looking for, when they want to get started, and what they want to pay. Freelancers will then respond to proposals. They’re starting things off with writing and editing, design, accounting, marketing, and software dev and real estate could be added soon. Personally, I think this could mean I might have to change my stance on
UpWork being the best place for finding companies new to working with freelancers. (Crow I’d be more than happy to eat.)
Even if you don’t live in LA though, take this as a sign…freelancing is changing fast, and you want to be ready when things pick up.
Goals
Quick goal reminder…If you
haven’t had a chance to post your social goals this month, come by the forums and let everyone know what you’re working on. (I’m planning on going through all my profiles and making sure everything is fresh and the keywords reflect some things I’ve learned about the industry.)
Come on over and post yours!
Gig Overview
Low on clients? Don’t forget bidding sites can be helpful…that is if you use them the right way. Check the links below (and make some modifications to reflect your niche) to find the clients out there your freelance work fits with best.
Upwork: Some interesting work developing a social intranet, and even garment design (a men’s bag).
Indeed: Digital marketing, social media marketing, and of course…writing are big this week on Indeed.
That's all for this week...if you have any questions on
social or need input on getting started on your profile, shoot me a message...Talk to you soon!
Megan.