Bidding at Freelance Marketplaces

Many virtual assistants enter into their new venture thinking they will be overcome with new clients almost immediately. If you are one of the two VAs on this earth that actually had that experience, then you can stop reading this post and get back to work. If you are a new virtual assistant who has been doing everything you can think of to get clients and are about to pull your hair out, grab a cup of tea and read on- this one is for you.

I have received many emails asking where to find clients. It reminds me of when I first started out and had the same question- where are all these people and businesses that supposedly need my services? I have learned a few things the hard way, and I thought perhaps from time to time, I could share some of my VA "life lessons" and make your endeavor a little less painful and a little more productive. Finding clients really isn't that difficult, although it does require persistence.

My suggestion would be to consider bidding on projects at sites such as Elance.com or Guru.com as part of your start-up strategy. There are other freelance marketplaces that you can find online as well. This is not necessarily a quick fix, as there is considerable competition out there. Yet as an emerging VA, I was able to gain my first clients this way, which opened doors to other clients and projects.

When bidding on these sites, keep in mind that the lowest bid does not necessarily get awarded the project. However, the bid that makes the potential client most comfortable does. (You are starting to notice a recurring theme in my posts, aren't you?). Bid on every project you are qualified for. Place a fair bid, and pay no attention to those $2.00/hour overseas bids. In addition, try to refrain from generic, impersonal proposals. They wouldn't win your business if roles were reversed, would they? Make sure to address their specific project and details pertaining to it.

Keeping in mind that the person reading your bid has little to distinguish you initially from the other 20-150 proposals they have received, give them a little information about you to shift the odds more in your favor. Keep it business-related, of course, and don't forget to mention why you are qualified for their project. If you have a guarantee (if not, see a few posts back) and a particularly admirable work ethic (two posts back), make sure to mention that, too. Basically, you want to give the prospective client a quick chance to get to "know" you through your bid.

Please keep in mind that bidding on these sites is also somewhat of a numbers game. That is why I suggest bidding on every job that you are qualified for. While you may feel frustrated after placing ten bids and not hearing anything back, keep in mind that if you bid fairly and present your qualifications clearly, at some point, a prospective client will probably choose you for their project. Persistence is key. I must have placed about 30 bids before I ever won one. I am glad that I never gave up because some of my best (and steady) clients have come to me through these freelance marketplaces.

If your first bids seem a little awkward at first, don't worry. As you begin to get used to writing them, you will get a feel for what gives your proposals a "natural" tone and what works best for you. You can also check the site that you are bidding at and and see what their suggestions are in creating successful proposals. These are valuable resources.

By now, you are probably at the bottom of that cup of tea, so my suggestion is to do a little research for yourself and determine if bidding at freelance marketplaces is something you want to try. Good luck and remember to stay focused!