If you’re not active on social media, then you could be missing out on the job opportunities that can be found there.
Today’s freelancers aren’t just telemarketers or multi-level marketers. Web 2.0 and social media have created many new freelancing job opportunities. Some of the jobs people enjoy doing from the comfort of their home include: blogging, writing, creating graphic art, designing web sites, and consulting.
Although many of you already understand the concept of freelance work and know how to get clients through social media, some of you may be missing out on the opportunity to use social media to build your freelance business.
Social Media and Opportunity
Right now social media is a bank full of opportunities. Most of you probably already know about Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, and other online networking platforms, but you may not have used these sites to their full potential.
One thing that social media requires is active participation. Social media is definitely time consuming and might require quite a bit out of you, but the end result is worth the time and effort you put in.
What would you prefer? Running around the block looking for a job or browsing the web, mingling with others, and scoring the next big gig? Exactly!
How to Use Social Media to Find Jobs
Let’s look at some ways that you can capitalize on social media and land a job from a potential client:
- Twitter — Although limited by 140 characters, Twitter is a hot spot right now. How often would you get noticed by a Fortune 500 company or a top blogger if you were to send a personal email to them? Not often. Well, Twitter can connect you to these people and create an online relationship that might help your freelancing get to the next level of success.
Example:
Mr. A is an entrepreneur who runs a network of blogs. He is always looking for bloggers or web designers for his next venture. With Twitter you have the opportunity to communicate directly with this influential web celebrity. You might not be able to catch his attention at first, but with continued effort and value you certainly will. Now comes the next step. When Mr. A looks for a blogger or writer you will certainly be his choice (if you are good at what you do) because everyone likes to work with people that they already know rather than go head hunt somewhere else.
Although Twitter has seen a huge growth, it doesn’t mean that you should neglect other social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and others. Your continued participation on these platforms ensures that you are seen and heard in the online world.
Your Social Media Connections
Social media is all about making positive connections. Social Media is all about ‘networking.’ The stronger and wider your network, the more opportunities there will be for you out there. Whether you are a plumber in Texas or a graphic artist in Michigan, social media can and will land you with opportunities.
Every move you make must be carefully thought out. For example, Facebook is a place for friends to connect and network. The key there is to become a valued member of the community.
Social Media (Twitter, Facebook,etc.) puts you in the picture with two way communication and strong personal relationships. Eventually you may move to more personal platforms of communication with your contacts such as instant messaging (GTalk, Skype). Opportunity comes to you through these connections and referrals.
The Importance of Having a Portfolio
Now that we have explained the basics of social media (somewhat), let’s explore what you should have in place to maximize your freelancing opportunities.
An online portfolio is an important element to have in place if you are using social media to find prospects. Make it easy for your potential clients to see what you do and what you have done. If you are going to work online there are two kinds of portfolios:
- Work — Make sure that you have an online portfolio that summarizes everything that you have done. If you have a blog create a portfolio section that highlights your achievements. If you are a graphics designer or a web designer, don’t just create blog posts and keep on writing. Instead, do design work and display it on your portfolio, even if that design work wasn’t for a client. Make sure to have a portfolio that gives a clear picture of what you do and can do.
- Social Media — Make sure you have a social media portfolio that shows all the platforms you belong to. If you have a blog, list your social media involvement. Better yet, grab the RSS feed and give potential clients an opportunity to see how you use the space. Some people are more comfortable getting to know you first and then offering a job after looking at your portfolio. Give those people the opportunity to connect with you. Create a social media profile that shows that you are a valuable member of the community.
Share Your Thoughts
As you can see, pretty much anything you do can be tied with social media to bring you more work. The social web is huge. Many freelancers ignore it thinking that time spent on social media is counter-productive, but nothing can be farther from the truth.
Social media is the newest way to search for jobs, the newest way to hunt down the next big gig, and the newest way to capitalize and maximize on all the opportunities out there.
If you are not already using social media, give it a try. Freelancing and social media go hand in hand. You can’t afford to ignore either one.
Share your experiences with social media in the comments.
For more on career tips, check out these posts:
 Social Media and Employment |
 Stop Auditioning for Jobs! |
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