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.
Winning Freelance Work has even more methods guaranteed to get you more clients, more jobs, and all the freelance work you can handle. Find out more: http://www.writingstuff.com/fr01m.html This article is brought to you by http://www.writingstuff.com/fr01m.html - for all the stuff a writer needs.
recurring maid service Wilmette ..Creative Writing Tips ?It's no use coming up with a... Read More
Punctuation, when used creatively, is powerful. Note, however, that when... Read More
Is there a book inside of you? Yes? Then why... Read More
In the ten years that I've taught people how to... Read More
In the words of Aristotle, "happiness is self contentedness helping... Read More
Summer's here and the time is write for dancing in... Read More
You sink back into your favourite chair with a new... Read More
Writing a sales letter doesn't have to be that difficult... Read More
Not long ago, I went to an Internet Marketing Seminar.... Read More
If your articles aren't getting published very often, or you... Read More
All sales begin with some form of advertising whether it's... Read More
1. Write it fast, fix it later.2. Commit to writing... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?Whichever theme you choose, all the elements,... Read More
There is an image most people carry of the artist... Read More
If you dread the thought of writing, if you fear... Read More
Writers are often are greatly surprised or disappointed by how... Read More
The Blogfest 2005 Writing Contest has only been running for... Read More
Freewriting is a release from the prison of rules. It... Read More
EditingExpect, allow, and accept that every first draft will represent... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?You are plotting the story. You write... Read More
Good writing requires self-examination. Why is one writing? What part... Read More
Writing better is critical for students. But it's even more... Read More
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of... Read More
A writer writes. Bet you've heard that one... Read More
"If you're like me, than I'm sure you're pretty familiar... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Creating incredible characters can be easy if you know of... Read More
Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More
Sometimes a freelance writing career can feel very much like... Read More
When you read a letter from someone, we are immediately... Read More
Screenwriting is a competitive trade. To distinguish yourself as a... Read More
Back in the mid to late 1980s I was a... Read More
What am I going to write about?Which topic is the... Read More
Writer's Block can strike like a King Cobra, paralyzing every... Read More
All your publishing options are as follows:--Conventional publishing--Vanity or subsidy... Read More
Boost Brain Power Through WritingHave you ever noticed what happens... Read More
Short Story Writing Tips -We've established what a title should... Read More
You know you've got writing talent. Others enjoy your work... Read More
Writer's block! Even columnist Dave Berry has it. He admits... Read More
According to one of my previous articles, whenever a Southerner... Read More
Far too many inexperienced writers create flat, stereotypical characters: the... Read More
In order to be successful with a newsletter, specialize in... Read More
Working on my first humorous novel, I started with a... Read More
Choosing the wrong words can have a poor effect on... Read More
Writers often get stuck because they make assumptions about writing,... Read More
Have you given up on getting your book out of... Read More
How to Start Your Story with a BangThe purpose of... Read More
If you want to be a writer, then you must... Read More
Regardless of what sort of writer you are and how... Read More
If you're a writer, you're in business. It doesn't matter... Read More
When you get stuck for ideas, and the words won't... Read More
Writing |