Starting Freelancing

Rohitpatel · 02-11-07, 05:17 AM

Well I worked in web-designing and have been working for some projecta and one big companies. I want join a Freelancing site where I can make some great design. I just want to know that i ahve to registerd the business to legal.

Corey Bryant · 02-11-07, 08:08 AM

Elance comes to mind... For the business registration, it depends on where you live etc. I registered a business to get a TAX ID number just to basically have it. I run a few things from it but it is just more or less a hobby

jaggiegill · 02-11-07, 11:26 AM

I have also heard of Elance a lot. I wonder what the excitement of this company is all about? Freelancing is very popular now-a-days and you should get in because web-design in an exploding industry. Freelancing might just be the golden opportunity for you RohitPatel.

Go For It.

wawamama · 02-11-07, 01:31 PM

A few other sites worth trying for freelance work are:

Guru.com - The world's largest online marketplace for freelance talent.
Managing Contingent and Project Based Workforce Spend
www. freeagent.com

Good luck!

SeeMe · 02-11-07, 04:42 PM

Thanks for the links. I have already done Guru.com, but I will definitely check out the others.

**Baby Boy** · 02-11-07, 10:55 PM

I recommend trying:

GetAFreelancer.com
GetACoder.com

You could always register for a DBA (Doing Business As) name and save yourself incorporating fees and all. I don't honestly believe it makes you an incorporated business, but you can legally use the DBA name on any bank forms, tax forms, etc.

wawamama · 02-11-07, 11:54 PM

Also, some of the regular job sites have freelance positions too. Try Dice (www.dice.com), Monster (Monster Jobs - Get work. Network. Build a better career. Today's the day.) and HotJobs (Yahoo! HotJobs - Thousands of jobs. Find the right one.) There are often some of these jobs posted on Craigslist too (craigslist: san francisco bay area classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events) You might also try doing a Google search to see what else comes up.

paperclip · 02-12-07, 02:06 PM

Some states require multiple registrations, Florida comes to mind. You need a Fictitious name registration (unless you use your name), a county registration, and if you want it, the Federal EIN.

jamespalmer · 02-12-07, 02:09 PM

I think you'll be dissapointed with the prices for jobs being offered on those sites. I know the freelance writing jobs posted there don't pay squat. You'll get into a sweatshop mentality there, and will be forced to compete solely on price, which you should never do.

Instead, take this stuff you've done for this company and select 7 to 10 of the best examples and use in your portfolio. You should also get a testimonial from the company about your work. Then go after people you know need graphic designers, as well as non-competitors who go after the same prospects, such as web designers who don't do their own graphics, and copywriters. Even other designers who are too busy to handle their workload. Join forums, your local chamber of commerce, and network, network, network. Get on the phone and call people.

Hope this helps!

James

trick-r-treat · 02-12-07, 03:39 PM

I think a lot of the jobs on Elance and similar sites are somewhat to help you get started. You probably couldn't make a living at it until you become popular with some of the companies that hire you.