Sunday, September 28, 2008

Working Freelance jobs on the web

Working Freelance jobs on the web?
I'm very interested in working as a freelancer for site like guru.com or elance.com. What is a good way to compete with so many people? I'm very good at designing and building websites but would I need to setup a portfolio for my self to be competitive? Are there any other suggestions? Thanks
Technology - 2 Answers
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1 :
I use guru.com and have found it's works great. What you need to do is to build your portfolio along with your resume and other items that "sell" you above others. You'll need text descriptions as well - e-commerce sites, informative sites, service selling sites. Get a list of what they call solutions - websites you've built, others you've assisted building, what languages you understand, etc...... Keep it compiled for any potential employer to preview when you bid on jobs.
2 :
If you want to make money online and wanted to work from home, go for freelancing jobs. They are only one, that will pay you and its free to become a freelancer. The Internet has opened up many freelance opportunities, expanding markets and helping to build it into one of the largest economic segments for many economies. You dont need to pay to get the job. Development for freelancing has been especially high for software development, website design, information technology, and business documentation. Freelance practice varies greatly. Some require clients to sign written contractsbased on the perceived value of the results to the client. By custom, payment arrangements may be upfront, percentage upfront, or upon completion. For more complex projects, a contract may set a payment schedule based on milestones or outcomes

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Practicality/Logistics of taking on Freelance positions while on Unemployment

The Practicality/Logistics of taking on Freelance positions while on Unemployment?
Has anyone taken on a freelance project, week or month-long, while getting unemployment? Do you: 1.) On my State's (wa) claim website, do I click the "I worked freelance this week" radio button while making my online weekly claim or 2.) Do I just simply not do my weekly claim for the weeks I worked? And final question: The unemployment money that you didn't receive in lieu of doing freelance work - do you get this money back to you anyway? The U.I. statement I just got from the State says I've been approved for no more than something like: $9,012 over some months. And I might need that full amount, if, even earning the freelance money, my unemployment still drags on after that. The thing is: The freelance jobs I'd be working *won't* turn into a full time job. So if I'm not going to be recouped the U.I. checks that I'm "losing" during the freelance work week, I'd rather not freelance at all, and use that time instead to job-search. And, I would also rather use that freelancing time to learn new programming languages for better full-time job marketability! Thanks, Steve It's possible to misunderstand 2.) if you don't read carefully. When I say, "don't file a weekly claim", that means, "don't try to get money from the state, because I've worked freelance".
Other - Careers & Employment - 2 Answers
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1 :
Answer number 2. The unemployment $$ that you did not claim will be available at the end of your unemployment claim. Whether you freelance or not is your decision. If you do not claim $$ in that week, it doesn't matter to UI what you are doing. Remember that your benefit claim year is different than the regular year. So always file another claim when your first one runs out. You may have worked enough time in the required quarters (or earned enough money) to be able to open a new claim for another benefit year.
2 :
Hmmmmm Sounds like you want to go to jail. Well, I meant prison since you will be convicted of theft and fraud. And that is what will happen if you are caught not claiming you work. Unemployed means no job-----freelance is a job, so you are not unemployed. You may be underemployed, but not unemployed. It depends on your state laws on whether you can claim for the difference between work and unemployment. Best Answer is go to UPS and try to get a job. The shifts are 4 hours long, they pay for medical, 401K and tuition reimbursement. This is the time of the year to do it. You could almost work around the clock. Again- do yourself a favor, stay out of prison

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Saturday, September 20, 2008

Can a freelance storyboard artist make a good living

Can a freelance storyboard artist make a good living?
How much money does the average storyboard artist make annually? I know most storyboard artists work on a contract basis with film directors and/or DP's on a per film basis, but is the work steady or should one not quit their daytime job?
Drawing & Illustration - 1 Answers
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1 :
You posted this question 3 times! You're absolutely right! Don't quite your day job! Median annual wages of salaried multimedia artists and animators were $56,330. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,710 and $77,010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,390. Median annual wages were $65,600 in motion picture and video industries, and $52,530 in advertising and related services. Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely. Some charge only a nominal fee while they gain experience and build a reputation for their work. Others, such as well-established freelance fine artists and illustrators, can earn more than salaried artists. Many, however, find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling paintings or other works of art. Like other self-employed workers, freelance artists must provide their own benefits. Demand for multimedia artists and animators will increase as consumers continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies. Employment of Multi-media artists and animators is expected to grow 14 percent through 2018, about as fast as the average for all occupations

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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

I have two degrees from a major college however am not finding a job. Any help

I have two degrees from a major college however am not finding a job. Any help?
Three years ago I translated from a major university in America. I have two degrees Japanese and Asian Studies with a minor in International Business. I have had a job as a project manager for an international company however I quit after the employer stopped paying employees and started paying himself (to put it nicely). Now, it has been over one year and I can't seem to find a job. The area I live in doesn't have much need for a Japanese translator, therefore I have been applying for other positions. I get a lot of responses back from potential employeers however with my deep background and education, I am consistently being told I am over qualified or I will get too bored for this "simple" job. I would like to change careers however can't go back to college since I am still paying loans as it is. Plus, I don't have the money to start my own business or be a freelance translator. Any ideas of what I can do? Extended information, I am married and cannot move to a new location because my husband has a high paying position in our location. My intentions for work after college were to work for an international company in the communications department - which I have previous experience. My location does not have a high level of international corporations although it is a large city. Therefore, a new career choice is needed.
Other - Education - 2 Answers
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1 :
I know it sounds weird but maybe try an dumb down your resume so you don't seem over qualified and use your own judgement on if the work will be to easy for you. or you could simply look in other locations for work not so close to home although you may have to move which sounds to me like the best option Not to sound mean or cruel but what were you thinking of doing after college with those degrees anyway. not very useful in the general work world International companies would be in major cities try looking there if you really want to use your schooling
2 :
Check this out http://www.pcworkathome.net/freelancewritingjobs.html

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Friday, September 12, 2008

Should I hire people to help me in my freelance work

Should I hire people to help me in my freelance work ?
I can't really afford it right now, but there seems to be people like my friends and relatives who need a job. I'm hiring one of my friends now but I can afford to hire anymore. There not much work anyway, but I feel bad and it would be nice if I can train them up and give them a job. Maybe if I advertise more, more work will come in then I can hire them and they can help me to cope with the workload. What do you think ? Should I upgrade my business so I can hire them ?
Small Business - 2 Answers
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1 :
if you have enough business go ahead and hire them part time.
2 :
My first rule of thumb, and many other business owners as well: NEVER hire friends or family. It's always a huge mistake. Are you wanting to upgarde you business just to hire someone? That's not a good motive for business expansion. If you can't afford an employee, then how can you afford to expand your business? It's always nice to have a business plan before taking the next step (it's best to have a written business plan before you even start a business), but if your motivation is to help other then you may want to file for a non-profit status, as that's what will happen. Good luck.
3 :
This very much depends on if they want work. If not, or if they don't want to work in your line of work, then you'll just be wasting time and money. Find out what they want, if they want to go on board, then upgrade the business and hire them based on their strengths

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Monday, September 8, 2008

How do I become a succesful freelance photographer

How do I become a succesful freelance photographer?
I am 25 and want to start on my own in the world of photography. I currently hold a HND in applied photography and have 7 years experience working as a proffesional photographer. Recently my firm went bust and I now find myself in a construction job just to pay the rent. I feel I want to start out on my own but need some security/fairly decent income. Please Help!!
Careers & Employment - 6 Answers
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1 :
Take good pictures
2 :
take good photos
3 :
Buy a camera, take photos and send them to some editor of a magazine.
4 :
start going out and meeting lots of connections, from hot girls to other photogs. from there you just gotta whore yourself out, be creative and work hard! good luck :)
5 :
I think you need a camera.
6 :
A friend of mine is a freeland photographer / journalist for over 10 magazines / newspapers. She started out by taking lots of pictures of people, places, etc and writing up articles about them. After loads of interviews, etc, she finally landed her job as freelancer once a few of her photographs were noticed. It's basically the only way to do this. Oh, and buy a camera of GREAT picture quality

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Thursday, September 4, 2008

What kind of job can I get with a computer aided design/architectural drafting degree

What kind of job can I get with a computer aided design/architectural drafting degree?
I am fresh out of college and I am having trouble getting a job. I know i'm bairly trying to put my foot in the door but I've been looking for quite a while. Should I be looking at staffing agencies or go straight for the big leagues? Should I try freelancing? I live in Colorado.
Technology - 1 Answers
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1 :
Why don't you try freelancing? All you need to do is check out plenty of legit freelance sites on the web, sign up ( some are free ), create your profile, upload your portfolio, and bid for jobs. Do you have a portfolio/samples of work? A website? This will help you. The future of work is freelancing and it may not be for everybody, but you might just as well land that dream project. You may also take advantage of social media networks like Twitter or Facebook to get a job. Don't go the traditional route in applying for jobs as competition is tough these days. Good Luck

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Monday, September 1, 2008

How do I become a freelance writer

How do I become a freelance writer?
I love to write and would be interested in starting this as a side job/hobby.
Other - Arts & Humanities - 2 Answers
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1 :
ha ha ha ha... good luck!! writing is one of the hardest careers to get an entrance into, but if you want to try, try going to a local small time newspaper and asking if you can write some articles for them. They are the most likely to say yes, and if you do good enough work, you might be able to move up in the world. Enter contests (ligitimate ones) in reputable magazines and with reputable publishing/other companies. Many times winning those comes with a job. Plus, even if you only get an honorable mention, it looks good on a resume. If you want to go big tho, get a professional writing, english, or journalism degree. At a decent school.
2 :
First, my answer is tainted because I've only been published on the web and have never formally been paid. But I'd like to offer an answer anyway. First, you dont start writing as a hobby, you have already been writing and now are choosing to do something with your percieved skill. If this is true, continue writing, Finish something, and submit it to as many publishers as you can. Don't ignore magazines or other periodicals. Second, dont build palaces in the sky with all the money you are gonna make. As I understand, the writers get very little reward from published works and only the masters can make a serious living from it. Writing is more about the art and less about the dollar. I am opining here of course. Third, go for it. If you love writing then write. Dont be bashful jump "write" in. When you finish something small, show the world. When you finish something bigger, show the world. But finish something. Good luck

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