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Finance, Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic
by Shelley Wake
I’ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers about how they choose a freelancer for a job. Whether they were reviewing job applications or considering project bids, they all had one thing in common. As every one of them started to look at the applications, they had their skeptic’s hat on.
How a Project Manager Thinks Here are a few quotes from project managers and employers to show you exactly how they think.
1. Jaime, Editor – “The First Elimination” My process of judging proposals is one of elimination. The first step is about a general impression. If it’s vague and unconvincing – eliminate. If it’s fluffed up but with no substance – eliminate. If it has real details and seems credibale – keep. Many times this process only leaves one person. That’s how easy it is to get a job – be credible and convincing.
2. Jacob, Project Manager - “I only believe what I see for myself.” I read every proposal while questioning what I’m being told. Some people make things up. Most people exaggerate. Many people think they’re better than they really are. I’ve been working with contractors for a long time and I’ve found that the only way you can judge a person is by what they do.
3. Randy, Project Owner – “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me” Don't try and impress me with ramblings. Lots of positive words strung together does nothing for me. You know, "I am keen, reliable, prompt, easygoing, articulate, generous, kind, competitive, athletic..." I have no reason to believe you’re any of those things. If you want me to pick you for the project, you have to do more than just tell me. You have to prove it to me. How to Beat the Skeptic It’s not about what you say, it’s about how you say it. Three small changes will make all the difference to your credibility and will get you more work more often.
1. Use Real Evidence It’s always better to sell yourself with a real example.
Not so good – “I am reliable.” Much better – “You will never be left wondering how the project is going because I will provide timely updates to keep you informed.” 2. Use Your Results Telling project managers about your past results is also a good way to sell yourself. Not so good – “I write effective web site copy.” Much better – “With my new and improved content, my last client increased their sales by 120% in the first month.” The second statement clearly communicates the quality and effectiveness of the work. And at the same time, it’s likely to excite the project manager into thinking that the same result could occur for them.
3. Be Specific If you can use facts and figures to make your point, do so. Not so good – “Most of my business is repeat, showing that my clients are happy with the service I provide.” Much better – “96% of new clients have returned to use my services again.” Not so good – “I have completed various similar projects.” Much better – “I have completed 19 similar projects in the last year.” Make these three simple changes to your bids and job applications and you’ll win more clients, jobs, and projects.
About The Author: Shelley Wake is the editor of Winning Freelance Work, What Clients Want, and Where’s My Whale: The Complete Guide to Catching Killer Clients. Visit the Writingstuff.com bookstore to find out all about them. Link: http://www.writingstuff.com/books1.html
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The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
I’ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers about how they choose a freelancer for a job. Whether they were reviewing job applications or considering project bids, they all had one thing in common. As every one of them started to look at the applications, they had their skeptic’s hat on.
How a Project Manager Thinks Here are a few quotes from project managers and employers to show you exactly how they think.
1. Jaime, Editor – “The First Elimination” My process of judging proposals is one of elimination. The first step is about a general impression. If it’s vague and unconvincing – eliminate. If it’s fluffed up but with no substance – eliminate. If it has real details and seems credibale – keep. Many times this process only leaves one person. That’s how easy it is to get a job – be credible and convincing.
2. Jacob, Project Manager - “I only believe what I see for myself.” I read every proposal while questioning what I’m being told. Some people make things up. Most people exaggerate. Many people think they’re better than they really are. I’ve been working with contractors for a long time and I’ve found that the only way you can judge a person is by what they do.
3. Randy, Project Owner – “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me” Don't try and impress me with ramblings. Lots of positive words strung together does nothing for me. You know, "I am keen, reliable, prompt, easygoing, articulate, generous, kind, competitive, athletic..." I have no reason to believe you’re any of those things. If you want me to pick you for the project, you have to do more than just tell me. You have to prove it to me. How to Beat the Skeptic It’s not about what you say, it’s about how you say it. Three small changes will make all the difference to your credibility and will get you more work more often.
1. Use Real Evidence It’s always better to sell yourself with a real example.
Not so good – “I am reliable.” Much better – “You will never be left wondering how the project is going because I will provide timely updates to keep you informed.” 2. Use Your Results Telling project managers about your past results is also a good way to sell yourself. Not so good – “I write effective web site copy.” Much better – “With my new and improved content, my last client increased their sales by 120% in the first month.” The second statement clearly communicates the quality and effectiveness of the work. And at the same time, it’s likely to excite the project manager into thinking that the same result could occur for them.
3. Be Specific If you can use facts and figures to make your point, do so. Not so good – “Most of my business is repeat, showing that my clients are happy with the service I provide.” Much better – “96% of new clients have returned to use my services again.” Not so good – “I have completed various similar projects.” Much better – “I have completed 19 similar projects in the last year.” Make these three simple changes to your bids and job applications and you’ll win more clients, jobs, and projects.
About The Author: Shelley Wake is the editor of Winning Freelance Work, What Clients Want, and Where’s My Whale: The Complete Guide to Catching Killer Clients. Visit the Writingstuff.com bookstore to find out all about them. Link: http://www.writingstuff.com/books1.html
These articles on lifestyle and more
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Return to the selection of
You may want to try these articles on finance
Finance, Find Very Affordable Health Insurance In Alabama by Elizabeth Newberry Approximately 351 Words
Finance, How To Analyze A Home Owner Insurance Quote Comparison by Elizabeth Newberry Approximately 367 Words
Finance, How To Get A Low Rate Home Owner Insurance Price Quote by Elizabeth Newberry Approximately 358 Words
Finance, What Is Cheap Car Insurance In Salt Lake City by Elizabeth Newberry Approximately 361 Words
Finance, How To Get Cheap Portland Car Insurance by Elizabeth Newberry Approximately 335 Words
Finance, Debt & Marriage: How To Eliminate One & Save The Other by Alex Daniels Approximately 540 Words
Finance, Removing Negative Items From Credit File by Debbie Dragon Approximately 560 Words
Finance, Garbage In, Garbage Out by Ben Franklin Approximately 566 Words
You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://www2.actden.com/Writ_Den/tips/paragrap/index.htm
http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/tut/lessons.html
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
