Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic - readbud
Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic - readbud
Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic
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.
in Writing and Speaking
Write An Article About Almost Anything
Are you a new writer struggling to get ideas for the articles you need to write? If so, you are not alone. It takes time and practice for any writer, no matter how good or how well trained, to learn to come up with good article ideas quickly. So do not be discouraged. Instead, learn from the advice of other writers. I can give advice about article writing because it is what I do.
My first bit of advice is simple: write about what you love. Any time I come to a stand still about things to write about I go back to the things I am passionate about. I may not be able to write a very convincing article about why all children should watch professional wrestling (because I don't believe it is true) but I may be able to write an amazing article about the importance of families eating dinner together at the end of a long day (because I believe it is true and important). Article writing must come from things that matter to you. Reflect upon the things you value and let those give you ideas for writing.
Another simple piece of advice I'll give about writing articles is to read. That's right: read. Every single good writer I know is a consistent reader. Why? Because we can learn from reading the work of other writers. It is one of the most valuable things any writer can do. Reading keeps us involved in language and even fuels new ideas for article writing. So when you're stuck just pick up a magazine and read an article or two. Don't be afraid of copying. The more you read the less chance you have of copying something you've read
It is important to think about your audience before you begin writing an article of any kind. It is always wise as a writer to try to write articles that will somehow connect with your audience and affect their lives. Just as you want to write about things that matter to you, so you should write about things that matter to them. No one will read articles that they could care less about. So look for ways to learn what people care about most. Do surveys or talk to your friends that read articles. Readers are the best source for writers.
Article writing can be fun and exciting. Just take your time, relax, and enjoy it. You will never last long at something you hate.
in Writing and Speaking
Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic
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.
in Writing and Speaking
Write An Article About Almost Anything
Are you a new writer struggling to get ideas for the articles you need to write? If so, you are not alone. It takes time and practice for any writer, no matter how good or how well trained, to learn to come up with good article ideas quickly. So do not be discouraged. Instead, learn from the advice of other writers. I can give advice about article writing because it is what I do.
My first bit of advice is simple: write about what you love. Any time I come to a stand still about things to write about I go back to the things I am passionate about. I may not be able to write a very convincing article about why all children should watch professional wrestling (because I don't believe it is true) but I may be able to write an amazing article about the importance of families eating dinner together at the end of a long day (because I believe it is true and important). Article writing must come from things that matter to you. Reflect upon the things you value and let those give you ideas for writing.
Another simple piece of advice I'll give about writing articles is to read. That's right: read. Every single good writer I know is a consistent reader. Why? Because we can learn from reading the work of other writers. It is one of the most valuable things any writer can do. Reading keeps us involved in language and even fuels new ideas for article writing. So when you're stuck just pick up a magazine and read an article or two. Don't be afraid of copying. The more you read the less chance you have of copying something you've read
It is important to think about your audience before you begin writing an article of any kind. It is always wise as a writer to try to write articles that will somehow connect with your audience and affect their lives. Just as you want to write about things that matter to you, so you should write about things that matter to them. No one will read articles that they could care less about. So look for ways to learn what people care about most. Do surveys or talk to your friends that read articles. Readers are the best source for writers.
Article writing can be fun and exciting. Just take your time, relax, and enjoy it. You will never last long at something you hate.
in Writing and Speaking
posted by Unknown at
Friday, November 26, 2010
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home