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brokering services

by blueonblue
2 replies
Hello:
I am trying to learn brokering services and I have some questions;

I have a WSO that I got a while back that I have been rereading several times and have come to the realization that THINGS are MISSING;

It talks about using forums for clients and then getting freelancers from Freelance sites and customers from freelance sites also,

The biggest thing though is that some of the freelancers that I have spoken to are reluctant to do work for you. I approached one, said I was getting started and wanted to know if I put up a disclaimer on a website like this is work our crew does can I use some of his samples on a portfolio on a website I was building?

His response was let me see your website first. I am trying to build one but how do you build one without a portfolio?

So my getting started question are...

how do I approach people on forums---that includes ones that do and don't have market place sections?

How do I work properly with prospective clients on freelance sites?

Do I ever let them know I am a newbie and if so how?

How is the best way to approach outsourcers--Fiverr, Odesk, Guru, etc.. How do I approach them?

Thank you for your assistance.
#brokering #services
  • Profile picture of the author Margo Tuul
    Originally Posted by blueonblue View Post


    His response was let me see your website first. I am trying to build one but how do you build one without a portfolio?
    Before you approach someone, make sure you have everything ready. Your portfolio etc. As you are outsourcing everything, get samples from a guy who you are thinking to hire later. And just tell your other guy that this is your own portfolio.




    Originally Posted by blueonblue View Post


    Do I ever let them know I am a newbie and if so how?
    No you don't need to let them know that you are a newbie. If they are serious about their business they know after few emails that you don't know what you are doing. Get things ready before you start or you fail.
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    • Profile picture of the author digifydesigns
      I'm doing this as well after reading through some WSOs and some threads. I'm still getting started, so I might not be much help but this is what I've learned so far...

      Originally Posted by blueonblue View Post

      His response was let me see your website first. I am trying to build one but how do you build one without a portfolio?
      I've never had a potential freelancer/outsourcer turn this down (and no, I don't have a website yet), so perhaps it was the way you phrased it? I did have one outsourcer that didn't understand exactly why I was asking for permission (since I already had a link to his portfolio), but I think that was more due to a language barrier. This is what I tell any potential freelancer:

      "Our company is requesting your permission to use various examples from your portfolio to present to prospective clients. This will give our clients an idea of the quality of your work and style."


      And this is completely true. It doesn't matter if I'm the best designer in the whole world, I won't be the one designing or working on the client's assignment, it will be them. It makes sense to show the client what type of work they do so that they can get a "feel" of how their design will turn out.



      Originally Posted by blueonblue View Post

      Do I ever let them know I am a newbie and if so how?
      No. That doesn't mean that you say something like "Oh, I have 10 years of experience in this field." You just don't mention it. What I've learned is that if you sound like a professional, people will treat you as a professional and think you are a professional.


      Originally Posted by blueonblue View Post

      How is the best way to approach outsourcers--Fiverr, Odesk, Guru, etc.. How do I approach them?
      I haven't tried approaching outsources on Odesk,Guru, etc. If I remember correctly from one of the WSOs I've read, the best way to get a good response from one of the outsourcing sites is to post a job first.

      I haven't done this method yet, so far I've been approaching outsourcers through forums. There's usually a "marketplace" or "hiring" section. I make a post, make it sound somewhat professional (not too professional though, most forums have a tendency to be a bit laid back) and tell any freelancers interested to PM me with rates, their portfolio and to list any skills that they have.

      Also, I second what Margo said: Make sure to get everything ready as best as you can before you start "hiring" people and looking for clients. Hire your freelancers first, get the portfolio ready and then start getting clients. And stay organized at all times.
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