Today, Sologig's management sent a letter to the White House wishing to unsubscribe from the U.S. economic recession. Sologig's management is hopeful that other companies follow their footsteps. Below is the actual letter sent to the White House...
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
(202) 456-1111
Dear President George W. Bush,
This letter is informing you that Sologig (http://www.sologig.com/) will not be participating in the country’s recession. We have fallen into this trap for too long and want to “opt-out” of the current economic recession. Please be advised that we will outperform our growth goals and that we will soon motivate other companies to “opt-out” of this recession as well. Attached is a signed form letter from the participating staff at Sologig on the “opt-out” claim. Please inform us when this “opt-out” has been processed. If you have any issues or questions regarding our “opt-out”, please contact me, James Carney, at 877-SOLOGIG (765-6444).
Sincerely,
James Carney
Product Director
http://www.sologig.com/
Sologig is the leading online job board specializing in consultants, contractors, and freelancers. With over 600,000 Unique Visitors a month and around 8,000 projects listed daily, it is a successful talent aquisition marketing company for consulting and staffing companies. If you are interested in finding out more about Sologig, please visit our website at http://www.sologig.com/ or call 877-765-6444.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Managing downtime as an independent professional
Downtime is a slippery issue when it comes to freelance, contract and consulting work. You never know when you’re going to have it, and when you do, it could be anywhere from a couple hours to a couple months. Although a steady work flow is ideal, the reality is that the amount and length of projects and time in between projects are in constant flux. In order to run a successful business, it is imperative that you take advantage and make the most of your downtime. Here are some ideas to keep you busy during all times of the year, whether you have an extra hour before a meeting with a client or a couple weeks before you start your next project.
Take a colleague out to lunch. It is always a smart career move to take a colleague out to lunch to pick their brain about recent work they have completed and get advice. You can ask if they encounter the same challenges you do with common issues like finding more work, sending out invoices and collecting payment, and dealing with difficult clients. Often times, people in the same industry struggle with the same types of problems, so lunch can quickly turn into means of bouncing ideas off each other on how to overcome these common hurdles. Don’t be afraid to also ask someone just to get to know them and their work better. I have yet to meet a person who will turn down a free lunch!
Improve client relations. When you’re constantly busy working on projects, it can be easy to ignore one of the most important aspects of being an independent contractor- staying in touch and in tune with past and current clients. Try sending thank-you notes to people with whom you have recently done business or even a quick email to merely check up on clients. It is important to establish yourself as a trusted business partner instead of someone who is always trying to sell them something.
Sending out surveys is another great way to keep in touch with clients. Not only does this show them that you value their opinion, but you can also use the data to improve your current services or offer additional ones if you find that there is a need.
Complete administrative tasks. As tedious as they are, administrative tasks are important to stay on top of so you don’t find yourself overwhelmed when they pile up. Stop procrastinating and catch up on filing, updating your website, categorizing expense receipts, and completing or getting a head start on taxes.
Learn something new. Especially in a field like IT or any industry that uses the latest technology, it is important to be in a constant state of learning. New skills can help improve your product, land new clients and make more money. Take a class or seminar on a new program that you have yet to use to make yourself more marketable. You can also get involved in community events that give advice on how to manage finances, network or improve your business strategy.
If you’re still having a hard time filling your downtime with things to make your business more successful, try one of these ideas:
· Spring clean your office
· Launch a blog
· Write and publish articles
· Research new leads
· Brainstorm new projects and ideas
· Update your portfolio
· Network
· Relax!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Niche job boards: The best job-search tool?
By Maggie Zahm
Just in case you didn’t already know, you made the right choice when you elected to search niche boards like Sologig.com to find projects that suit you best. In a recent study, 55 percent of respondents prefer niche geographic and industry job boards to more generalized job boards because they find them to be more effective overall. Why do people find niche job boards more effective? The answer is simple- they save time, provide you with quality projects relevant to you and help you land gigs faster! While it is important to diversify the methods you use in your job search, consider these concepts when deciding which online tools of which to take advantage.
Eliminate search result overload and save time
Job searching on common, generalized job boards can prove to be time-consuming and tedious. The process often starts out by the job seeker (you) creating a fool-proof (or so you think) search string and entering your location. As soon as you press the “find jobs” button, common job titles and skills flood the screen, even if you are only looking for a specific project. Sometimes a wealth of job opportunities is a good thing, but for those that specialize in a particular niche, unrelated results can be frequent and obtrusive. Sites like Sologig.com provide contractors and consultants with only projects that are relevant to them- no weeding through full-time and salaried jobs here!
Although large job boards generate more traffic and have more postings to choose from, they are also overloaded with resumes in their resume database. What does this mean? Employers that want to look for resumes have to sift through more potential candidates than ever before making it easy for your resume to get overlooked. Niche job boards provide employers with a smaller, more qualified candidate pool. Not only is this beneficial to them because they have less, more quality resumes to look through, but it is also favorable for the job-seeker because your resume will have a better chance of standing out.
Land gigs faster
Employers on niche job boards are looking for candidates with a specific skill set, and when they find that person, they want to hire them as soon as possible. Because employers have such a specific goal in mind, it is easier for them to fill positions immediately after they discover someone with the qualities and talents necessary to complete the project. This means when you apply to a job, you will get snatched up faster than if you applied on a general board.
Don’t forget…
While after reading this it may seem that if you simply register on a niche board you will have jobs falling into your lap, it is important to also remember these tips when searching for projects:
Just in case you didn’t already know, you made the right choice when you elected to search niche boards like Sologig.com to find projects that suit you best. In a recent study, 55 percent of respondents prefer niche geographic and industry job boards to more generalized job boards because they find them to be more effective overall. Why do people find niche job boards more effective? The answer is simple- they save time, provide you with quality projects relevant to you and help you land gigs faster! While it is important to diversify the methods you use in your job search, consider these concepts when deciding which online tools of which to take advantage.
Eliminate search result overload and save time
Job searching on common, generalized job boards can prove to be time-consuming and tedious. The process often starts out by the job seeker (you) creating a fool-proof (or so you think) search string and entering your location. As soon as you press the “find jobs” button, common job titles and skills flood the screen, even if you are only looking for a specific project. Sometimes a wealth of job opportunities is a good thing, but for those that specialize in a particular niche, unrelated results can be frequent and obtrusive. Sites like Sologig.com provide contractors and consultants with only projects that are relevant to them- no weeding through full-time and salaried jobs here!
Although large job boards generate more traffic and have more postings to choose from, they are also overloaded with resumes in their resume database. What does this mean? Employers that want to look for resumes have to sift through more potential candidates than ever before making it easy for your resume to get overlooked. Niche job boards provide employers with a smaller, more qualified candidate pool. Not only is this beneficial to them because they have less, more quality resumes to look through, but it is also favorable for the job-seeker because your resume will have a better chance of standing out.
Land gigs faster
Employers on niche job boards are looking for candidates with a specific skill set, and when they find that person, they want to hire them as soon as possible. Because employers have such a specific goal in mind, it is easier for them to fill positions immediately after they discover someone with the qualities and talents necessary to complete the project. This means when you apply to a job, you will get snatched up faster than if you applied on a general board.
Don’t forget…
While after reading this it may seem that if you simply register on a niche board you will have jobs falling into your lap, it is important to also remember these tips when searching for projects:
- Make your resume stand out by creating a title that will inform employers. Instead of using your name as the heading, try titling it something like “Experienced Graphic Designer looking for logo development projects.” Anything with relevant key words will help employers find you more quickly.
- Search wisely. Vary your search terms by using different industry terms to garner the most results. Also, include the location in which you are looking to help weed out projects that do not work with your situation. Don't forget, you can always browse by category to find an array of open projects in your area of expertise.
- Get noticed by employers by using industry buzz words in descriptions of past projects in your resume. By using a variety of key words, your resume will most likely appear in more employer searches. For ideas on what types of words to include, search for projects in which you are interested and tailor your resume to fit the skills and experiences for which employers are looking.
Why not take advantage of the benefits of niche boards and check out all of the new projects on Sologig.com today. >>
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Freelance Writer: Is it right for me and how can I find jobs?
By Mackenzie Rose
Almost anyone can do it, but only few excel at it; the job of a writer is to create a wide variety of written materials for an audience in any of a number of ways. Many professional writers are freelance. They are self-employed and sell their work to publishers, publication enterprises, manufacturing firms, public relations departments, or advertising agencies. Sometimes, writers contract with publishers first to write a book or an article. Others may be hired to complete specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing about a new product or contributing to an organization’s quarterly newsletter.
Writers fall into two main categories—writers and authors and technical writers.
Writers and authors develop original written materials for books, magazines, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Their works are classified broadly as either fiction or nonfiction and writers often are identified by the type of writing they do—for example, novelists, playwrights, biographers, screenwriters, and textbook writers. Some freelance writers may be commissioned by a sponsor to write a script; others may be contracted to write a book on the basis of a proposal in the form of a draft or an outline. Some may construct materials for publication or performance, such as songwriters or scriptwriters.
Recently, lucrative writing fields include those professionals known as Copy writers. Copy writers are a very specialized type of writer. They prepare advertising copy for use in publications or for broadcasting and they write other materials to promote the sale of a good or service. They often work with the client to produce advertising themes or slogans and may be involved in the marketing of the product or service.
Technical writers, on the other hand, put technical information into easily understandable language. They prepare product documentation, such as operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, assembly instructions, and project proposals. Technical writers primarily are found in the information technology industry writing operating instructions for online Help and documentation for computer programs.
Most writers and editors have at least a basic familiarity with technology, regularly using personal computers, desktop or electronic publishing systems, scanners, and other electronic communications equipment. Many writers prepare material directly for the Internet. For example, they may write for electronic editions of newspapers or magazines, create short fiction or poetry, or produce technical documentation that is available only online. These writers also may prepare text for Web sites. As a result, they should be knowledgeable about graphic design, page layout, multimedia software, and even some basic HTML. Additionally, it is helpful to be familiar with interactive technologies of the Web so that they can blend text, graphics, and sound together.
A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer. Good facility with computers and communications equipment is necessary in order to stay in touch with sources, editors, and other writers while working on assignments, whether from home, an office, or while traveling.
Writers must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should enjoy writing. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable. Writers must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. In addition, the ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure often is essential. High school and college newspapers, literary magazines, community newspapers, and radio and television stations all provide valuable—but sometimes unpaid—practical writing experience. Many magazines, newspapers, and broadcast stations have internships for students. Interns write short pieces, conduct research and interviews, and learn about the publishing or broadcasting business.
Advancement for writers, especially freelancers, often means working on larger, more complex projects for better known publications or for more money. Building a reputation and establishing a track record for meeting deadlines also makes it easier to get future assignments. Experience, credibility, and reliability often lead to long-term freelance relationships with the same publications and to contacts with editors who will seek you out for particular assignments.
In 2007, writers and authors held about 135,000 jobs and more than one-third were freelance and some made upwards of 100,000 dollars. Writing can be a very lucrative job and makes for an exceedingly flexible work schedule. If you are serious about pursuing a writing career, take an unpaid internship somewhere and get the experience you need; who knows, maybe one day you’ll have a book on the shelves and an article on the front page of the New York Times. You will never know unless you try it, so visit Sologig.com now and find freelance writing opportunities today!
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Almost anyone can do it, but only few excel at it; the job of a writer is to create a wide variety of written materials for an audience in any of a number of ways. Many professional writers are freelance. They are self-employed and sell their work to publishers, publication enterprises, manufacturing firms, public relations departments, or advertising agencies. Sometimes, writers contract with publishers first to write a book or an article. Others may be hired to complete specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing about a new product or contributing to an organization’s quarterly newsletter.
Writers fall into two main categories—writers and authors and technical writers.
Writers and authors develop original written materials for books, magazines, trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television broadcasts, motion pictures, and advertisements. Their works are classified broadly as either fiction or nonfiction and writers often are identified by the type of writing they do—for example, novelists, playwrights, biographers, screenwriters, and textbook writers. Some freelance writers may be commissioned by a sponsor to write a script; others may be contracted to write a book on the basis of a proposal in the form of a draft or an outline. Some may construct materials for publication or performance, such as songwriters or scriptwriters.
Recently, lucrative writing fields include those professionals known as Copy writers. Copy writers are a very specialized type of writer. They prepare advertising copy for use in publications or for broadcasting and they write other materials to promote the sale of a good or service. They often work with the client to produce advertising themes or slogans and may be involved in the marketing of the product or service.
Technical writers, on the other hand, put technical information into easily understandable language. They prepare product documentation, such as operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, assembly instructions, and project proposals. Technical writers primarily are found in the information technology industry writing operating instructions for online Help and documentation for computer programs.
Most writers and editors have at least a basic familiarity with technology, regularly using personal computers, desktop or electronic publishing systems, scanners, and other electronic communications equipment. Many writers prepare material directly for the Internet. For example, they may write for electronic editions of newspapers or magazines, create short fiction or poetry, or produce technical documentation that is available only online. These writers also may prepare text for Web sites. As a result, they should be knowledgeable about graphic design, page layout, multimedia software, and even some basic HTML. Additionally, it is helpful to be familiar with interactive technologies of the Web so that they can blend text, graphics, and sound together.
A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer. Good facility with computers and communications equipment is necessary in order to stay in touch with sources, editors, and other writers while working on assignments, whether from home, an office, or while traveling.
Writers must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should enjoy writing. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable. Writers must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. In addition, the ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure often is essential. High school and college newspapers, literary magazines, community newspapers, and radio and television stations all provide valuable—but sometimes unpaid—practical writing experience. Many magazines, newspapers, and broadcast stations have internships for students. Interns write short pieces, conduct research and interviews, and learn about the publishing or broadcasting business.
Advancement for writers, especially freelancers, often means working on larger, more complex projects for better known publications or for more money. Building a reputation and establishing a track record for meeting deadlines also makes it easier to get future assignments. Experience, credibility, and reliability often lead to long-term freelance relationships with the same publications and to contacts with editors who will seek you out for particular assignments.
In 2007, writers and authors held about 135,000 jobs and more than one-third were freelance and some made upwards of 100,000 dollars. Writing can be a very lucrative job and makes for an exceedingly flexible work schedule. If you are serious about pursuing a writing career, take an unpaid internship somewhere and get the experience you need; who knows, maybe one day you’ll have a book on the shelves and an article on the front page of the New York Times. You will never know unless you try it, so visit Sologig.com now and find freelance writing opportunities today!
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Reader’s Perspective
By SologigFreelance Reader and Sologig user T. Crump
We typically receive quite a few responses to SologigFreelance and appreciate your continued interest in our blog. While we do not traditionally accept outside submissions for our blog, one recently caught our interest and we thought we would share it with you. Thanks again and enjoy!
“I have been reviewing Sologig for some time now and I was enthusiastic about the direction and objectives Sologig had in mind when it started the website. Innovation is essential when you want to be the leader and set the standards for the rest to follow. I have been doing a majority of my contract work through agencies in the accounting field, which was the norm after the surge of mega-mergers and the expansion of corporate giants and alliances. Prior to that, most hiring went through HR and I was generally requested and interviewed by the hiring manager. Now with the monopolies, restructuring and various other corporate reorganizations, employers are wondering how to best suit their hiring demand.
Previously it was cost effective to minimize the tax burden of direct hire and use an agency; saving the time involved with sifting through thousands of applications/resumes to find, hopefully, five suitable candidates. Times are changing. Now there are more job boards/sites, outsourcers and more agencies than you can shake a stick at; who vie for the revenue of placing their candidate for the position. Agencies are coming out of the woodwork and it seems that there are as many agencies as there are job seekers, who will get them the right or perfect candidate?
I've been in the accounting field for some 15 years, and I have yet to find an agency that can sell my skills better than myself. Generally, the recruiters have brief or no knowledge of the accounting field and their competitiveness is only driven by their expected income, which leads to a decline in trust by individuals they need to fill the position. That's when Sologig becomes the solution to the problem. There are a lot of accountants seasoned to utilize their experience without guidance to work through a 1099 agreement, tax saving benefits remain the same, and most accountants that provide business and employment references will only seek opportunities that will succeed in and strive to deliver the best. They are representing themselves, and they are rewarded with completion bonuses, business referrals and the direct communication and daily contact with the person who matters the most, the client.
Should agencies be a thing of the past? Absolutely; it’s our time to prove that the independent contractor/freelance does not need a voice piece or middleman - that's so nineties. All the agencies who go through Sologig are proof we the Independent Contractor/Freelancer are the future; sites like Sologig will be the conduit that will make agencies obsolete.”
Source: T. Crump-Houston Free Press
We typically receive quite a few responses to SologigFreelance and appreciate your continued interest in our blog. While we do not traditionally accept outside submissions for our blog, one recently caught our interest and we thought we would share it with you. Thanks again and enjoy!
“I have been reviewing Sologig for some time now and I was enthusiastic about the direction and objectives Sologig had in mind when it started the website. Innovation is essential when you want to be the leader and set the standards for the rest to follow. I have been doing a majority of my contract work through agencies in the accounting field, which was the norm after the surge of mega-mergers and the expansion of corporate giants and alliances. Prior to that, most hiring went through HR and I was generally requested and interviewed by the hiring manager. Now with the monopolies, restructuring and various other corporate reorganizations, employers are wondering how to best suit their hiring demand.
Previously it was cost effective to minimize the tax burden of direct hire and use an agency; saving the time involved with sifting through thousands of applications/resumes to find, hopefully, five suitable candidates. Times are changing. Now there are more job boards/sites, outsourcers and more agencies than you can shake a stick at; who vie for the revenue of placing their candidate for the position. Agencies are coming out of the woodwork and it seems that there are as many agencies as there are job seekers, who will get them the right or perfect candidate?
I've been in the accounting field for some 15 years, and I have yet to find an agency that can sell my skills better than myself. Generally, the recruiters have brief or no knowledge of the accounting field and their competitiveness is only driven by their expected income, which leads to a decline in trust by individuals they need to fill the position. That's when Sologig becomes the solution to the problem. There are a lot of accountants seasoned to utilize their experience without guidance to work through a 1099 agreement, tax saving benefits remain the same, and most accountants that provide business and employment references will only seek opportunities that will succeed in and strive to deliver the best. They are representing themselves, and they are rewarded with completion bonuses, business referrals and the direct communication and daily contact with the person who matters the most, the client.
Should agencies be a thing of the past? Absolutely; it’s our time to prove that the independent contractor/freelance does not need a voice piece or middleman - that's so nineties. All the agencies who go through Sologig are proof we the Independent Contractor/Freelancer are the future; sites like Sologig will be the conduit that will make agencies obsolete.”
Source: T. Crump-Houston Free Press
Monday, July 21, 2008
Careers: Is Free-Lancing for You? (From The Wall Street Journal)
"If you feel like you've hit a dead end with you employer and aren't having any luck finding a telecommuting friendly new job, one of the quickest remedies is to strike out on your own as a free-lancer.
In their new book 'The Work from Home Handbook: Flex Your Time,' due out next month, attorneys Diana Fitzpatrick and Stephen Fishman cover the nuts and bolts of becoming a free-lance at-home worker.
First, the authors say, evaluate whether free-lancing is for you. While free-lancing can be a wonderful opportunity to earn a living from your home and enjoy the freedom that comes with choosing only projects that you find appealing or financially worthwhile, the lifestyle is not for everyone. It means losing many of the comforts of being someone else's employee, such as regular paychecks, paid vacations, and health insurance benefits. Even long-time, successful free-lancers can't say for sure how much they'll earn in any given month. You'll also give up the peace of mind and promotion potential that comes with a steady job at a stable employer.
Then, if you've already made that decision but are having trouble identifying the type of work that a company or a client would be interested in outsourcing to you, consider projects that are labor-intensive or that require specialized knowledge. Common types of free-lance assignments include architectural drafting, bookkeeping, preparing public relations materials, proofreading, writing and editing, illustrating, researching, even assisting with international agreements."
"But scoring quality assignments is only half the battle. You'll also need to set appropriate free-lance rates sothat you earn a fair profit after paying all of your business expenses. Negotiating a good hourly rate is the safest bet, because you won't bear the risk that the project will take longer than expected. By contrast, fixed-fee arrangements can prove lucrative if you're an unusually speedy worker as well as reassure the company that hires you that your services can be written into a predictable budget.
No matter how you charge, Fitzpatrick and Fishman caution, be careful not to undersell yourself. Remember, the hours you spend on a project don't represent your whole investment in it -- you still have to pay your business expenses, cover your own benefits and factor in the unpaid time spent on billing, marketing, and bookkeeping. (You should figure that 25% to 35% of your working hours will be spent on nonbillable tasks.)
Finally, whenever you take on a free-lance assignment, be sure to get the terms in writing. Discussing and drafting a written agreement will avoid misunderstandings and differing recollections regarding issues like project scope and pay. A basic letter agreement should include a detailed description of the project or services you'll perform, a deadline for completing your assignment, the schedule of hours you'll work each week (if applicable), the hourly rate or fixed fee you will charge, and how and when you will be paid."
Source: Loeb, Marshall. "Careers: Is Free-Lancing for You?" The Wall Street Journal 11 Mar. 2008, Online edition
In their new book 'The Work from Home Handbook: Flex Your Time,' due out next month, attorneys Diana Fitzpatrick and Stephen Fishman cover the nuts and bolts of becoming a free-lance at-home worker.
First, the authors say, evaluate whether free-lancing is for you. While free-lancing can be a wonderful opportunity to earn a living from your home and enjoy the freedom that comes with choosing only projects that you find appealing or financially worthwhile, the lifestyle is not for everyone. It means losing many of the comforts of being someone else's employee, such as regular paychecks, paid vacations, and health insurance benefits. Even long-time, successful free-lancers can't say for sure how much they'll earn in any given month. You'll also give up the peace of mind and promotion potential that comes with a steady job at a stable employer.
Then, if you've already made that decision but are having trouble identifying the type of work that a company or a client would be interested in outsourcing to you, consider projects that are labor-intensive or that require specialized knowledge. Common types of free-lance assignments include architectural drafting, bookkeeping, preparing public relations materials, proofreading, writing and editing, illustrating, researching, even assisting with international agreements."
"But scoring quality assignments is only half the battle. You'll also need to set appropriate free-lance rates sothat you earn a fair profit after paying all of your business expenses. Negotiating a good hourly rate is the safest bet, because you won't bear the risk that the project will take longer than expected. By contrast, fixed-fee arrangements can prove lucrative if you're an unusually speedy worker as well as reassure the company that hires you that your services can be written into a predictable budget.
No matter how you charge, Fitzpatrick and Fishman caution, be careful not to undersell yourself. Remember, the hours you spend on a project don't represent your whole investment in it -- you still have to pay your business expenses, cover your own benefits and factor in the unpaid time spent on billing, marketing, and bookkeeping. (You should figure that 25% to 35% of your working hours will be spent on nonbillable tasks.)
Finally, whenever you take on a free-lance assignment, be sure to get the terms in writing. Discussing and drafting a written agreement will avoid misunderstandings and differing recollections regarding issues like project scope and pay. A basic letter agreement should include a detailed description of the project or services you'll perform, a deadline for completing your assignment, the schedule of hours you'll work each week (if applicable), the hourly rate or fixed fee you will charge, and how and when you will be paid."
Source: Loeb, Marshall. "Careers: Is Free-Lancing for You?" The Wall Street Journal 11 Mar. 2008, Online edition
Monday, July 14, 2008
Network now, land new gigs later
By Maggie Zahm
As a freelancer, contractor or consultant, one of the best strategies to implement in your daily routine is networking. Jeff Altman, also known as The Big Game Hunter, attests that this strategy is invaluable when trying to land new gigs. Altman works as an independent head-hunter and has had years of experience placing contract workers.
“Networking now is a full time job- it is 365 days a year, whether you’re on-going or you’re off-assignment, you’ve got to network constantly.”
The idea of continually networking is not a new idea, but at Sologig.com we have a few tips for you to make it a little easier.
Stay in Touch
Networking can be as easy as staying in touch with past clients. Writing newsletters and sending them out to your professional contacts can be a great way to keep everyone up to date on your skills and new types projects you are working on. Feel free to take the newsletter a step further and include personal notes in the mail to past clients. Altman suggests always addressing your contacts and past clients as a friend would. It is important to ask what they are up to, while concentrating on your ability to help them when they are in need. The key aspect of networking is being generous and genuine.
Keeping in contact with past clients will deliver significant results to you, although it may take time. From experience, Altman knows that people often change jobs, and the likelihood that a past client’s new work will also entail outsourcing is high. If you keep in touch with them, even when you are not necessarily looking for new work, they will be more likely to remember you when projects arise.
At the end of the day, Altman stresses, “You can’t wait until you need your next assignment to start working on finding it.”
Jeff Altman in an independent head-hunter, and is also associated with Concepts in Staffing. His websites http://www.jeffaltman.com and http://www.thebiggamehunter.net further explain his career and give advice to those currently seeking jobs.
As a freelancer, contractor or consultant, one of the best strategies to implement in your daily routine is networking. Jeff Altman, also known as The Big Game Hunter, attests that this strategy is invaluable when trying to land new gigs. Altman works as an independent head-hunter and has had years of experience placing contract workers.
“Networking now is a full time job- it is 365 days a year, whether you’re on-going or you’re off-assignment, you’ve got to network constantly.”
The idea of continually networking is not a new idea, but at Sologig.com we have a few tips for you to make it a little easier.
Stay in Touch
Networking can be as easy as staying in touch with past clients. Writing newsletters and sending them out to your professional contacts can be a great way to keep everyone up to date on your skills and new types projects you are working on. Feel free to take the newsletter a step further and include personal notes in the mail to past clients. Altman suggests always addressing your contacts and past clients as a friend would. It is important to ask what they are up to, while concentrating on your ability to help them when they are in need. The key aspect of networking is being generous and genuine.
Keeping in contact with past clients will deliver significant results to you, although it may take time. From experience, Altman knows that people often change jobs, and the likelihood that a past client’s new work will also entail outsourcing is high. If you keep in touch with them, even when you are not necessarily looking for new work, they will be more likely to remember you when projects arise.
At the end of the day, Altman stresses, “You can’t wait until you need your next assignment to start working on finding it.”
Jeff Altman in an independent head-hunter, and is also associated with Concepts in Staffing. His websites http://www.jeffaltman.com and http://www.thebiggamehunter.net further explain his career and give advice to those currently seeking jobs.
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