17 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
17 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Getting Work On Elance/Odesk

by seanpbh
15 replies
I designed a few websites and business logos for local offline business's in my area but as I live in the middle of the country, there isn't a lot of demand for it so I am looking to get this kind of work online. I can design websites myself (that are not too complicated) but I outsource the logo design and basically I am just middle man for this. I am setting up a profile on Elance and Odesk and you have to put in how much you charge an hour, is there anyway of just stating a fixed price? I noticed that people log in when they do the work so they prove how many hours they have done. How would I get around this if Im not actually designing the logos myself?
#elance or odesk #work
  • Profile picture of the author WeavingThoughts
    Elance is mostly fixed price. But you will get a fraction of what you get offline.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984156].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author seanpbh
      OK, I see. Even if I could get some kind of income for now it would do. Would you have any other recommendations where I could get this kind of work online? Thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984228].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
        Banned
        Originally Posted by seanpbh View Post

        Even if I could get some kind of income for now it would do.
        Careful with that mindset. It's how a lot of people lock themselves in at horrible wages, burnout, and quit.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6985335].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mousumi
    Sean!

    There is no harm creating a profile on Odesk, Elance and Guru...Getting the first project is a bit tough task but once you have some clients, you can think of using them for long term.
    I have been Freelancing on Odesk for the past 2 years and have worked for about 3000 hours. The payout is low but there are quite a few clients that pay you standard hourly rate.
    Originally Posted by seanpbh View Post

    I designed a few websites and business logos for local offline business's in my area but as I live in the middle of the country, there isn't a lot of demand for it so I am looking to get this kind of work online. I can design websites myself (that are not too complicated) but I outsource the logo design and basically I am just middle man for this. I am setting up a profile on Elance and Odesk and you have to put in how much you charge an hour, is there anyway of just stating a fixed price? I noticed that people log in when they do the work so they prove how many hours they have done. How would I get around this if Im not actually designing the logos myself?
    Signature
    Brainprick: The Blog Read by Achievers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984404].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author pranta
      Originally Posted by Mousumi View Post

      Sean!

      There is no harm creating a profile on Odesk, Elance and Guru...Getting the first project is a bit tough task but once you have some clients, you can think of using them for long term.
      I have been Freelancing on Odesk for the past 2 years and have worked for about 3000 hours. The payout is low but there are quite a few clients that pay you standard hourly rate.
      I agree with Mousumi.

      To get first job in oDesk, you should have couple of good portfolios and a complete profile. Take tests relevant to your skills and try to keep the result top 10 or 20%.

      Also cover letter is a big point here. If you able to write a killing cover letter with previous work sample, you have a good possibilities here.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984476].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    I have some experience with elance. Put your rate on there, but most people won't read it and you can put whatever figure you want into the fixed rate bids.

    The keys to getting projects are to niche down and provide proof. You show you've gotten results for this niche time and again, and you'll get hired.
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984565].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author twinkenterprises
    Originally Posted by seanpbh View Post

    I designed a few websites and business logos for local offline business's in my area but as I live in the middle of the country, there isn't a lot of demand for it so I am looking to get this kind of work online. I can design websites myself (that are not too complicated) but I outsource the logo design and basically I am just middle man for this. I am setting up a profile on Elance and Odesk and you have to put in how much you charge an hour, is there anyway of just stating a fixed price? I noticed that people log in when they do the work so they prove how many hours they have done. How would I get around this if Im not actually designing the logos myself?
    Elance is a good place to start. I have done a couple jobs on there and also hired some people on there to do some things for me. You can state a fixed price when you bid on jobs. Just remember that you are competing globally. So someone who is not in the US is likely to post much lower bids then what you think the work is worth. You don't always have to use the "tracker" which calculates the hours worked and provides occasional screen shots as the work is being done. You can work out that detail with the individual when you are negotiating your terms.
    Signature

    Check out my blog and get a free gift!!

    Fly with Jaebek Lifestyle

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984647].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OutsourceFactor
    Not a lot of experience with Elance but I think most rates there will be fixed. On oDesk you can go for jobs that gives you a fixed price. You should remember however that in oDesk, you won't have guaranteed payment from an employer if you go for the fixed rates. They only guarantee payments with monitored login time on their team application.

    Goodluck!
    Signature
    100% Free Outsourcing Training and Resume Access.

    OutsourceFactor helps entrepreneurs GROW.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6984705].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    You can also just tell your client that you outsource certain parts of the project.

    If I was outsourcing a project like web design- I wouldn't really care who does it, as long as I like what's delivered to me.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6985327].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author icoachu
    Originally Posted by seanpbh View Post

    I designed a few websites and business logos for local offline business's in my area but as I live in the middle of the country, there isn't a lot of demand for it so I am looking to get this kind of work online. I can design websites myself (that are not too complicated) but I outsource the logo design and basically I am just middle man for this. I am setting up a profile on Elance and Odesk and you have to put in how much you charge an hour, is there anyway of just stating a fixed price? I noticed that people log in when they do the work so they prove how many hours they have done. How would I get around this if Im not actually designing the logos myself?
    You have a WINNER'S MIND SET. You are willing to start from the bottom and work your way up. I wish you much success, man. Remember, the first jobs are there to provide you with a portfolio. Freelancing is a marathon, not a sprint. Not having an ENTITLEMENT MENTALITY is a key competitive advantage you have!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6986602].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seanpbh
    Thanks folks for your thoughts and advice! This has helped me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6987087].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FIERCE IM
    Hello,

    On odesk yes you have to log in an phothoshp hours you work. But since you can not because you outsource it use other freelance like elance, freelance....

    Hope that heps
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6987774].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author techbul
    I find odesk to be a lot more opened and generally better. It is easier to establish contact via email or skype and then go from there.
    Signature
    Get Unlimited Unique Content for Just $7
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6988495].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Fredbou
      I'm a Web developer, sometimes overburdened with work and have employed people on oDesk. In 15 years, I've probably had 4 Web design contracts that I've scored online. All the rest (and I've built more than 300 sites) have been from word of mouth/referrals/walking door to door to businesses.

      Wherever you advertise your services online you are going to have stiff competition unless you are prepared to work for peanuts. There are very skilled people on Elance and oDesk working for $2 to $8 per hour.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6988603].message }}

Trending Topics