part time/free lance work

[ladymuck]

When they ask what you do you tell them you make their computers work better, for less money, add value to he business, and stop hem getting ripped off by con artists.
You’ll get some business from that. How much depends on what you can add.

If that was what I did, that would be a great sales pitch!

But I get what you mean, it's something that could be applied in other ways.

[Lance]

Networking is horrid, I have to say. It always starts with "what do you do" a question I can never adequately answer. A top tip I was given was to describe what I'm currently doing and then expand with the other stuff.

Most of my contacts were drinking buddies at various ex-clients who I still see for a gossip every now and then. I don't do well in formal networking events and I'm fortunate my contacts worked their way up to positions of reasonable influence where their recommendations hold weight.

When they ask what you do you tell them you make their computers work better, for less money, add value to he business, and stop hem getting ripped off by con artists.
You’ll get some business from that. How much depends on what you can add.

[Spikeh]

Networking is horrid, I have to say. It always starts with "what do you do" a question I can never adequately answer. A top tip I was given was to describe what I'm currently doing and then expand with the other stuff.

Most of my contacts were drinking buddies at various ex-clients who I still see for a gossip every now and then. I don't do well in formal networking events and I'm fortunate my contacts worked their way up to positions of reasonable influence where their recommendations hold weight.

I actually really enjoy networking - there is of course some crap that goes along with it, but I use it as training more than anything else; I'm still trying to figure it out, but being able to describe what I do to non technical people and keep them engaged is a skill in itself that helps me day to day.

Case studies are the best way to explain yourself, but it's difficult to make the work sound exciting, or sell yourself as a valuable service to clients - especially when they're small. The bigger picture is of course referrals - I might not get any all year long, but all it takes is one to change my life.

[ladymuck]

Networking is horrid, I have to say. It always starts with "what do you do" a question I can never adequately answer. A top tip I was given was to describe what I'm currently doing and then expand with the other stuff.

Most of my contacts were drinking buddies at various ex-clients who I still see for a gossip every now and then. I don't do well in formal networking events and I'm fortunate my contacts worked their way up to positions of reasonable influence where their recommendations hold weight.

[northernladuk]

Might sound like a stupid question but where do you network.

Everywhere!!!!

[MonkeysUncle]

Thanks for all the quick responses

@northernlad - Only billing them for the 3 days. Its a gig where I am writing up some business proposals for them. In a nutshell, it takes 3 days to write up and then 2 for them to review. While being reviewed I could come in and charge them but I would be sitting around twiddling my thumbs and the contract is for 75 days of work, so it is just wasted days.

Might sound like a stupid question but where do you network.

[Spikeh]

This....


Local networking. Breakfast clubs. Plenty of companies want short term IT .
You could even look to double the rate if you’re consulting/advising.

Gotta say, I've been networking the hell out of my local area recently, and everyone just looks at me with glazed eyes when I explain what I do. I've had one referral - someone needed some photos taking off their fubarred NAS, but I provide software development services

Mind, I live in well known seaside town up North that isn't exactly a hub of technological advancement :\

I expect networking in larger towns and cities is a lot more fruitful.

[Lance]

I hate it but one of the best ways to get extra work is to network. Local meetups etc may get you the odd contracts.

This....


Local networking. Breakfast clubs. Plenty of companies want short term IT .
You could even look to double the rate if you’re consulting/advising.

[ladymuck]

I went down to 3 days a week with a client I had a few years ago. Best decision I ever made as the work-life balance was great.

I have been lucky to make contacts in companies where they have a more enlightened view of contractors (because the permies I've dealt with are ex freelancers) and understand that they don't need a body 5 days a week.

It is true that networking will get you those gigs as it's hard to find them on the usual job sites.

[vwdan]

Just as an aside, have you considered pitching to your client the idea of a retainer and/or increased your day rate for the three days? They still save money, but get the advantage of your time while making it financially feasible for you.

Depends on your relationship and how they view you of course. Remember there's a difference between an ultimatum and making a mutually beneficial arrangement!

[northernladuk]

Are you saying you'll only be billing your client 3 days or you'll be billing them for a week and doing this on their time?

[TheFaQQer]

PPH or Upwork might be worth a shot.

I needed some work doing that I didn't want to do and pitched it on PPH. Got lots of cheap offshore offers (£50 max) but chose someone who could demonstrate a track record, understood exactly what they were doing, and I paid them £300 for it in the end, so you might be able to pick up something there.

[woohoo]

Hi all
I am currently in a contract where the client realistically only needs me for 3 days a week. I was hoping to do some other work with the remaining 2 days. I dont want to leave the contract as it is a great opportunity and once the project is complete will look great on the CV but just need the extra income.
Do you know any good sites for free lance work. Mostly in IT?
I tried freelancer.com but haven't got much from it and tbh I don't want to pay the subscription fee (unless someone has used it and says its worth it???).

Cheers

I hate it but one of the best ways to get extra work is to network. Local meetups etc may get you the odd contracts.

I'm sure there was a post on here a while back, one of the lads went through his experience on feelancer type websites.

From what I remember, even when he got into the knack of things he could only manage £100 pd.

[MonkeysUncle]

Hi all
I am currently in a contract where the client realistically only needs me for 3 days a week. I was hoping to do some other work with the remaining 2 days. I dont want to leave the contract as it is a great opportunity and once the project is complete will look great on the CV but just need the extra income.
Do you know any good sites for free lance work. Mostly in IT?
I tried freelancer.com but haven't got much from it and tbh I don't want to pay the subscription fee (unless someone has used it and says its worth it???).

Cheers