Miss S is concerned as she encountered a lot of people who are looking for online jobs but are not in the I.T. field. They are lost as where to look for them. She asked if I have beginner articles that can be read for reference.
Here are some practical tips I can give and if you have additional inputs, do share them:
1. Post what you can do for P199 pesos.
Last January 11, I first heard of 199Jobs.com when Fitz Villafuerte shared this project in my E-Commerce Boot Camp Face-to-Face session.
I was thinking what I can do for such an amount that will be relevant and easy to execute. So I tried posting just now that I can give advise on e-commerce, blogging, social media, and digital marketing for 10 minutes over the phone - for that amount.
I based the pricing on government training rates where the typical speaker fee would be P1000 an hour.
199Jobs.com allows you to create an account using your Facebook as login. From there, you will be able to post an offer and just wait for a job order to come in. Will explore the site further and start giving jobs there. Will blog about my experience soon.
I think this is a good place to start especially for beginners in trying to find a niche that can suit them. Learn as well if there will be anyone willing to pay for it.
2. Network and introduce yourself
I remember the days where I attend events to learn and network. The best way to get airtime is by asking relevant questions in relation to the practice. Example: "I've been giving practical advise on how entrepreneurs can get started in their online business. Lately, the consultation has been focused more on dealing with attitude and mindset issues where I have done well too. I want to explore this as a possible profession. Can you give me practical tips on how to get started?"
Note that in the example I gave, one was able to share what they are into, without over-promoting, but also get advise on how to take things further. The answer to be given by the resource person not only benefits you but others too.
As you network and participate more - and show interest. Two things can happen. First, the speaker will take an interest in you and want to know you more. Two, someone in the audience will approach you and want to get to know you more. How those opportunities will turn out shall depend on you entirely.
This scenario can happen either at a live event or online forum.
3. Write about and share what you know
Blogging or writing about what you know can be a good promotional tool especially if it is very helpful. My first magazine article on "Setting Up an Email System" pave the way for my first consulting client. Remember, the more you give of value, the more you get.
Read blogs of people in your industry to have a feel of the approach that would suit you and your readers.
Create an editorial calendar, your first twenty (20) blog post, sharing what you know. Execute it and complete it in a short time like within 30 days.
Decide will you put on your "About Me" page or profile. I suggest updating or create a LinkedIn profile to see how others do it and how can you put your best foot forward.
You can add the web address of your blog or profile on your business card. You can also add keywords or services on your business card as well for immediate recall.
Get moving
The above 3 are simple tips and all require investment of resource (time, effort, money). But if you learn to do it well and consistently, you might just get a project much sooner than you think.
