Understanding How to Use Elance

When you want to start a new home based business, you should first start by thinking about the different skills you already possess. You might just be able to put them to good use in the freelance marketplace. Elance.com is one example of these marketplaces. Below is a brief explanation of how to use Elance to get your home based business off the ground.

燬tep #1: Sign Up
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When you first arrive at Elance.com, you’ll need to sign up for an account. Free and paid plans are available so even if you’re low on cash at the moment you’ll still be able to register and maybe get a project. To sign up, you’ll have to complete a couple of steps.
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窢牋牋牋 Enter your email address
窢牋牋牋 Choose a type of plan - you can be an individual or a business. You do receive a few extra features as a business, as well as some additional credits for bidding but you have to pay higher membership fees.
窢牋牋牋 Choose a membership plan - no matter whether you want to start your home based business as an individual or a business you can opt for the free membership. However, you’ll only have three “connects” per month (connects are used to get projects). Other plan options range from $9.95 to $39.95 per month.
窢牋牋牋 Choose a category - when you learn how to use Elance you also have to decide what types of projects you want. Eight options are available, including writing, web design, administrative support, and legal.
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Step #2: Create a Profile
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When you begin learning how to use Elance, you will also need to develop a great portfolio. This will help you win over clients. You can add samples of your work, a brief description of your qualifications, and anything else you think the clients might need to know to choose you over the competition.
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Elance also requires you to take a test over their rules and procedures before allowing you to begin bidding. You can also take skills test on the site for free if you’re a paid member. These tests demonstrate to clients that you are knowledgeable and experienced.
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Step 3: Start Bidding
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To get your home based business off the ground, you need to begin bidding. Elance uses an auction system in which you bid on projects that have been posted by buyers. The buyer doesn’t automatically choose the lowest bidder instead they get to select based on the quality of your portfolio, your bid, your price, your feedback at the site, and other elements. The number of connects needed for each project varies by the budget listed by the buyer.

The days of finding a job and staying there for 40 years and then retiring are over. Take control of your destiny today.
And that’s all it takes to get your home based business started. Now you know how to use Elance.
Resource Box: You can learn more about how to use Elance and similar sites to start a home based business at http://www.simpleinternetopportunity.com

Jerry_Cantrell