As the Internet develops, more and more web related freelance
employment, contracts and tenders are being advertised via this
medium rather than traditional print - which only goes to make
sense. Employment sites usually contain their fair share of
Information Technologies based employment; but so much of this
work is now being outsourced by companies - especially web and
graphic design/development, eCommerce implementation and
software applications programming.
Many
sites, such as ours, are now geared up to act as an
affiliate networking point for developers, programmers and
designers to locate freelance work or contracts for their
companies. It's become a highly competitive marketplace where
a
client can offer a project to the entire world. Interested
parties bid and compete against each other to gain projects.
Details of these types of services later in this article. Not
all would-be clients are aware of these services. Some don't
even have an Internet connection, let alone a web site. How do
you reach these people? As much I hate to admit it, the best
solution is to use your feet (physical exercise ... hmm, now
there's a concept!). This is one exercise where "walking"
through the telephone directory just won't cut it.... As
I stroll around the Central Business District of Adelaide
(capital of South Australia), I am still surprised at the number
of businesses that don't have an online presence; especially the
ones directly involved in Information Technologies. I have
called several computer stores asking for their web address,
only to be told that it is "currently under development"
which
tends to mean "we haven't had time to even start on a web
site"
- or I've visited their sites only to find that they haven't
been updated since 1999. It
would be well worth the effort to research the stores in your
home town to ascertain which businesses do have web sites, and
those that do - perhaps they need updating? With
your list of businesses, you could then research them
further by investigating the products and services they sell -
getting to know them as intimately as possible. Then find the
appropriate contacts within those businesses and introduce
yourself via a professional letter, telephone conversation or
meeting. During your initial communication, relay the fact that
you have knowledge of their product line. Don't go too much for
the hard sell. Basically state who you are, your background and
what you offer. Too much technobabble may frighten prospective
clients off and too much hype will probably have the same
effect. A well worded letter may not see you with a torrent of
contract and project offers initially, which is probably a good
thing. But you would have sown the seeds for future work.
Businesses that grow too quickly face as many problems as those
that don't grow. Here
is a sample of an initial contact letter: <Business
contact Name> <Business> <Business Address> <Date> Dear
<Person's name, not "To whom it may concern">, I
visited your store today, <name of store> and was impressed
by your product range. I mainly purchase via the Internet and was
surprised to find that your business did not yet have an
Internet presence - especially since the products/services
<perhaps name a few products or services on offer by the
business> would prove to be very popular in such an environment. I
am a web developer of x years experience, and am the
proprietor of <your business name>; specializing in assisting
businesses such as yours in establishing a financially viable
Internet presence. My experience covers many sectors including:
<name the industry experience, both web based and non-web -
as
any work history does count in these situations as it is
relevant industry experience> We
work closely with our clients, helping them to avoid the
traps and pitfalls that are associated with taking a business
online and have a number of referees who would be happy to
attest to that. The
Internet is an excellent medium by which a business such as
<name the business again> can increase it's profitability.
Many
other reputable businesses in your industry are enjoying a
greater market share through an international audience; such as: <name
a few high profile destinations selling the same type of
products and services>
If
you are interested in learning more of how our services can
benefit your business, please contact me at your convenience.
My
rates are extremely reasonable and we pride ourselves on
excellent client support, both during and after contract.
Utilizing our services, <name the business> will discover
that
"going online" can be a hassle free and profitable experience. Sincerely, <your
signature> <your name> <contact details> The
idea is to keep the letter short and sweet - business people
traditionally do not have a lot of spare time on their hands.
Make sure that you pitch the letter in accordance with cultural
guidelines. A letter format such as the above may meet with
success in one country, but not in another. If
possible, send the letter on your business letterhead and
better still, attached a business card. People tend to throw
away letters after reading them, but not business cards. Many
business people are only just starting to realize the power
of the Internet and eCommerce. But when the time comes for them
to go online or to update their web sites, your name may be the
first that comes to their minds - especially if you follow up
your original contact periodically, to keep your business and
Internet development skills fresh in their minds. As
mentioned earlier, sites such as ours are affiliated with
project databases, where freelancers and design companies can
compete for development work in a global arena.
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Michael Bloch michael@tamingthebeast.net
http://www.tamingthebeast.net
Tutorials, web content and tools, software and community. Web Marketing, eCommerce & Development
solutions.
Michael is an Australian Information Technologies trainer and
web developer. Many other free web design, ecommerce development
and Internet articles, tutorials, tools and resources are
available from his award winning site; Taming the Beast.net
( http://www.tamingthebeast.net)
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