Need some opinions from working warriors, not newbies (sorry)

by Tess D
29 replies
I need to ask for your opinion from people with experience. I've been doing really well working with offline clients for about 2 years, concentrating on SEO and local search (studied intently for about 4 years now).
Before that I did well selling printing equipment 100% online.
However, I have to change my focus due to ongoing health issues creeping up again. I have solid experience in several parts of IM now, as I've been doing it a long time as well as completing courses (Hubspot inbound marketing, the Google adsense tests, Ben Hunt's design course) over the last few years.

I've got a few product creation ideas, but need to make some money while I ramp those ideas up (estimating 8 months).

I'm wondering if people with a good amount of experience either freelancing via elance or other freelance sites, or advertising "quick" services i.e. fiverr , may have any suggestions.

The part of work that I'm trying to avoid is scheduled appointments as my threshold varies greatly - some days I can work all day, others I'm stuck on the couch, and there isn't really any control over when and how long I have. I know I can generally complete tasks in the course of X time, but just can't control which hours in that time I'll be working, which is why it makes continuing in offline or "business hours" work tough.

I know a lot of fellow warriors have similar issues with health, so if you have experience with this situation and realistic advice on freelance / fiverr ideas / ebay or some other quicker cash option than product creation please let me know - I appreciate the help!
#newbies #opinions #warriors #working
  • Profile picture of the author Patrick
    Why dont you look inside yourself and see what you are good at, and then head towards freelancer, odesk or elance kind of sites, make a profile and start bidding.

    That's one of the easiest and simplest way to find opportunities to earn some quick cash.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323572].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tess D
      I don't know if writing is one of your skills but if it is, you can earn some decent money that way.
      Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions.
      Thank you, Lawrence. I have writing experience, and appreciate the offer to pm you.

      Originally Posted by schwarzes View Post

      Why dont you look inside yourself and see what you are good at, and then head towards freelancer, odesk or elance kind of sites, make a profile and start bidding.
      I have been looking at elance; if anyone with experience on any of those sites would like to share their input, I'd appreciate it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323797].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author lastreporter
        Originally Posted by AnneHouse View Post

        Thank you, Lawrence. I have writing experience, and appreciate the offer to pm you.



        I have been looking at elance; if anyone with experience on any of those sites would like to share their input, I'd appreciate it.
        My experience is this: You can get work, but expect to work for minimum wage -- or less. Sellers of services, especially from countries where a few dollars go a long way, far outnumber U.S., U.K. and Canadian providers.

        In addition, the number of providers far outnumber any good-paying gigs.

        Expect to compete with 20 to 50 other providers on each bid. Also expect most bids to be blind, so you won't know what your competitors are bidding. This leads to low bidding.

        Sorry, for the negatives. But these are my experiences with elance and guru.com. Fiverr is not worth the effort and games playing I have experienced there.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327790].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I also have severe health issues and have good days and "couch" days.
    I earn my money from writing, proofreading and editing mainly.
    I have a variety of deadlines but I don't have to be online at any particular time and so I can work at 3am if I am awake.

    I don't know if writing is one of your skills but if it is, you can earn some decent money that way.
    Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323622].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I have found vworker to be the best site. I have done over 50 jobs from that site and you don't pay if you want to ask questions, unlike elance, nor are you limited to the number of jobs you can apply for.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323808].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bretski
      There are a few folks that make good money writing PLR and also doing content writing right from the Warrior Forum in Warriors for Hire and also doing WSO's. There are a couple of ladies who sell their PLR like hotcakes when they come out with a new offer, so that might be a thought?

      I hope your health improves and a Happy New Year! =)
      Signature
      ***Affordable Quality Content Written For You!***
      Experience Content Writer - PM Bretski!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323822].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lisha5684
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      I have found vworker to be the best site. I have done over 50 jobs from that site and you don't pay if you want to ask questions, unlike elance, nor are you limited to the number of jo9bs you can apply for.
      I haven't heard of vworker. I am going to check that out Thanks for the tip laurence!
      Signature

      -Start Getting Noticed On Twitter: http://twonderwoman.com
      -Visit my blog: http://blogandretire.com/blog - Tips for blogging, social media marketing, and online business.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330973].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    If I were you I'd look no further then the WF at first. I've found this is the starting place for many ideas and sometimes the starting and finishing place.

    With your experience you should be able to create any number of services or products within hours that would give you some cash now and later.

    Just to name a few:

    A membership site where you mentor your group/members over a period of time.
    A news letter doing the above.
    An eBook, teaching your methods.

    Every one of the above could be started or done in a day or two and could be a WSO or Classified ad right here on the WF.

    George Wright
    Signature
    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323887].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bitriot
      I don't have too many ideas on how to make quick cash but I suffer from MS myself and I am busting ass to build an empire of adsense and amazon sites to help support myself one day when I may no longer be able to work.

      I think the biggest thing is to just get started. It has taken me a year and a half but I am now making $300 a month. If you stick with it, you will find your results. It might take 10 years to see a full time income online so it is best to start as soon as possible.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5323949].message }}
  • Originally Posted by AnneHouse View Post

    I need to ask for your opinion from people with experience. I've been doing really well working with offline clients for about 2 years, concentrating on SEO and local search (studied intently for about 4 years now).
    Before that I did well selling printing equipment 100% online.
    However, I have to change my focus due to ongoing health issues creeping up again. I have solid experience in several parts of IM now, as I've been doing it a long time as well as completing courses (Hubspot inbound marketing, the Google adsense tests, Ben Hunt's design course) over the last few years.

    I've got a few product creation ideas, but need to make some money while I ramp those ideas up (estimating 8 months).

    I'm wondering if people with a good amount of experience either freelancing via elance or other freelance sites, or advertising "quick" services i.e. fiverr , may have any suggestions.

    The part of work that I'm trying to avoid is scheduled appointments as my threshold varies greatly - some days I can work all day, others I'm stuck on the couch, and there isn't really any control over when and how long I have. I know I can generally complete tasks in the course of X time, but just can't control which hours in that time I'll be working, which is why it makes continuing in offline or "business hours" work tough.

    I know a lot of fellow warriors have similar issues with health, so if you have experience with this situation and realistic advice on freelance / fiverr ideas / ebay or some other quicker cash option than product creation please let me know - I appreciate the help!
    Anne,

    Do you know ANYTHING about JV's?

    If you do, then you know what you should be doing.

    If you don't, then contact me as I have some hands-off gold nuggets that could definitely help you.

    Just PM if you need more direction/help. For FREE, of course!

    Your Helpful Warrior!

    JMB
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5325582].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author princecapri
    Hi,

    I have been using freelance marketplaces for quite some time now, but truth be told, they are saturated with low quality and cheaper workforce, and consequently employers who wish to pay less. So do try oDesk, elance etc, though know fully well that you won't earn what you are worth (you might, but it is unlikely to happen quickly).

    Someone mentioned PLR, which is a great strategy, but can take some time to materialize.

    I do hope your health gets better in the new year!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5325839].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author luane
    Originally Posted by AnneHouse View Post

    I need to ask for your opinion from people with experience. I've been doing really well working with offline clients for about 2 years, concentrating on SEO and local search (studied intently for about 4 years now).
    Before that I did well selling printing equipment 100% online.
    However, I have to change my focus due to ongoing health issues creeping up again. I have solid experience in several parts of IM now, as I've been doing it a long time as well as completing courses (Hubspot inbound marketing, the Google adsense tests, Ben Hunt's design course) over the last few years.

    I've got a few product creation ideas, but need to make some money while I ramp those ideas up (estimating 8 months).

    I'm wondering if people with a good amount of experience either freelancing via elance or other freelance sites, or advertising "quick" services i.e. fiverr , may have any suggestions.

    The part of work that I'm trying to avoid is scheduled appointments as my threshold varies greatly - some days I can work all day, others I'm stuck on the couch, and there isn't really any control over when and how long I have. I know I can generally complete tasks in the course of X time, but just can't control which hours in that time I'll be working, which is why it makes continuing in offline or "business hours" work tough.

    I know a lot of fellow warriors have similar issues with health, so if you have experience with this situation and realistic advice on freelance / fiverr ideas / ebay or some other quicker cash option than product creation please let me know - I appreciate the help!
    Anne, I suffer from chronic migraines and have the same concerns that you do. I have found after 4 years online that having multiple streams of income is best, since Google and online technology changes quicker than I can read! I have settled on my passion of writing books for Kindle and have taken advantage of all the free resources in the War Room - See Ed Lewis and bought many WSOs on the Kindle craze as well as listened to seminars that had enough gold nuggets in it that I began to upload books immediately. I like to write so that is the route I chose. I also have found several free resources online that have helped me as well. PM me and I will send one to you. Also, I searched in the WF and found several inexpensive WSOs that tell how to make money in a myriad of ways. I would suggest choosing one way and focus there when you have the energy to do so.

    I think the wisest thing for all of us to do is to leverage the internet the way that we all know deep down in our gut that we can do. It is why I and thousands of others got online in the first place. We know this is a gold mine if you use your talents to mine it. I think that is the key. Use your best assets mentally and go for the gold that lies in these hills. Hope that helps!

    Kristie from Georgia
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327704].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
      It seemed to me that U will have prob to deliver in time if U r in couch period. :rolleyes: But in freelancing, U have to deliver on time (2-3 or even 15days is ok with old customers but new ones wont wait.

      So I think IM is best 4 U since there is no such a so called rush to deliver on time else U get bad profile.

      Thnx
      Signature

      I can convert your Non-Responsive website to Responsive website ... How sweet is that? :)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327780].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I agree with Luane. I find it best to write or proofread as they are my 2 strongest skills. I am building a reasonable business and reducing stress because it's what I enjoy too.
    Remember that you have my email if you want to chat or need more help too.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327742].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    It seemed to me that U will have prob to deliver in time if U r in couch period. :rolleyes: But in freelancing, U have to deliver on time (2-3 or even 15days is ok with old customers but new ones wont wait.
    I disagree. I always talk with my customers about deadlines and I have never missed a deadline. In fact, I am always ahead and can usually handle extra work as well.
    As long as you are organised, you don't have to stress about deadlines unless you're dealing with morons who have unreal expectations.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327792].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Michael Ehlert
      I built a legitimate business starting with Elance several years ago and know for a fact that there is still serious money being spent for experienced English speaking professionals in the fields of writing (sales copy, web copy, email campaigns), marketing consulting, selling and web design. You'll need to prove yourself first so you may have to over deliver to get the high feedback. Once you get a few testimonials and high marks you'll probably have a few clients ready to go off Elance with you. I would say give that two or three months and you'll have a well of work you can go back to when you need it. Sign up to the Rss feeds so you can have all new postings related to your interests sent to you daily.

      If you're good at IM, writing ads or sales copy or know someone who is (whom you can outsource to), one killer method is to go to the yellow pages in your area, look at the larger ads (businesses spending lots o money), point out the errors in the ads like horrible calls to action, no benefits, poor use of space, etc. Check their websites and look for poor monetization strategies, cut out the ad, mail it to them with your comments and they will call you back. You offer to fix it. This is something you can set your own schedule to.

      There's a lot more ideas - hope this helps a little
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327917].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Tess D
        Wow - I want to thank all of you for the great ideas. Even after years of up and downs with MS and Arthritis, I still freak out when I'm heading into a "down" period and have to change my "plans".
        I was all ready to hit it hard and start with local mobile sites when I got whacked. I truly value all of the information you have shared with me, and feel much more clear about things.
        Thanks again to all of you - this place is great.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5328380].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author lastreporter
          God bless you and I pray for your quick recovery.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5329979].message }}
        • Originally Posted by AnneHouse View Post

          Wow - I want to thank all of you for the great ideas. Even after years of up and downs with MS and Arthritis, I still freak out when I'm heading into a "down" period and have to change my "plans".
          I was all ready to hit it hard and start with local mobile sites when I got whacked. I truly value all of the information you have shared with me, and feel much more clear about things.
          Thanks again to all of you - this place is great.
          Anne,

          And you still can, as per all the information that I provided you with.

          It's ALL GOOD!

          Cheers,

          JMB

          P.S. As long as someone has the right tools, they can achieve ANYTHING whether they have debilitating health issues or not!

          P.S.S. Anne, you NOW have the tools to do what you choose to do and when. NOTHING is stopping you now or ever.

          P.S.S.S. Wishing you massive success for 2012 and beyond!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330989].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    My experience is this: You can get work, but expect to work for minimum wage -- or less. Sellers of services, especially from countries where a few dollars go a long way, far outnumber U.S., U.K. and Canada providers.

    In addition, the number of providers far outnumber any good-paying gigs.

    Expect to compete with 20 to 50 other providers on each bid. Also expect most bids to be blind, so you won't know what your competitors are bidding. This leads to low bidding.

    Sorry, for the negatives. But this is my experience.
    No need to apologise because most of what you say is true. But you have to be persistent in anything you do and writing is the same. I persist and find the golden nuggets along the way.

    Keep positive or you'll never succeed, no matter what you do.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5327798].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    Are your health issues preventing you from working 10 hours a week like in your sig or $24,000 a month dont cover your lifestlye? Even if you switch what you are doing you'll still have to work 40 hours a month right? I am not understanding.:confused:
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330014].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tess D
      Theory Expert - Buy the wso and you won't be confused!!!
      Its nearly impossible understand unless you deal with the same things, but thanks for trying. I'm not whining about my situation, just looking for advice from others that I know deal with the similar situations.
      Best-
      Anne
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330735].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    @Anne, It is amazing how many others think they know what chronic illness is like, even if they haven't gone through it, and try to offer strange advice.
    I usually shake my head, grin and keep doing what I am doing.
    I find that, next to laughter, that's probably the best medicine for that situation.
    Just take things a day at a time.
    As I said, I am happy to help if I can as, although my issue is not MS, I do have other issues that are just as frustrating and debilitating at times.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330926].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author oda
    Why not Start a membership site for people with chronic illness that want to work at home?

    Tips on getting through tasks, managing your day etc etc.

    It could be a great opportunity for you to create a community that knows exactly what your going through and that are trying to achieve the same or similar goals.

    Together.Everyone.Achieves.More

    You may be able to create a TEAM of freelancers and advertise your services together. By Pooling your resources it won't matter if your having an off day as you could email another member to step in and help.



    Oda
    Signature
    Are You Missing Out on an Opportunity?
    AGED .COM Domains $37 Each or make offer from $9 Grab a Bargain HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330966].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Hey Oda. That is not such a bad idea either.
    I know lots of people who have medical issues but work from home and am sure Anne does too and there are plenty in here and in other forums.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330983].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Great Lisha. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5330990].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Sounds like you have a wealth of knowledge there. JMB
    I love the positive attitude too. I maintain one myself 98% of the time.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5331006].message }}
    • Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      Sounds like you have a wealth of knowledge there. JMB
      I love the positive attitude too. I maintain one myself 98% of the time.
      Thanks for the kind words, Laurence.

      I do try to live life on the POSITIVE side!

      In addition, I really do enjoy sharing what I've learned with others here -- for FREE! I know, I know! I should charge for my knowledge. However, I have such a great paying job, that I don't feel comfortable charging for my time or knowledge. However, ya never know, that may change in the near future!

      So, Laurence, with that said, how can I help YOU?

      Please feel free to PM to discuss, if you prefer.

      Sincerely,

      JMB
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5331032].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chris-
    oDesk is extremely competitive for many areas of work, ie. anything that can be done in a 3rd world country! Just a quick example, for a data-entry job I have there currently, I've got more than 400 applicants, and sometimes get offers of workers to do 5 hours work for 1 cent just to get a positive feedback (hundreds will do 5 hours work for $1).

    Of course, you can test this for yourself easily enough, maybe you have a very specialist and high-value area, or can compete effectively in some way, but it might be better selling services directly here for example, rather than on somewhere like oDesk. Having said that, it certainly is possible to get work on oDesk, and Fiverr etc. Some areas like graphics, you can do the work already when you apply, just put "sample" accross it, and once you've done one job for someone, you are likely to get more work from the same person. On Fiverr it is generally easier to find work by replying to requests, rather than just putting a Gig up there and waiting for people to find it.

    There are some good threads here on making money from services, so do a search and have a read For example JV's can get lots of clients for services if you do it right, so a little research here might work wonders!

    chris
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5337954].message }}

Trending Topics