Project,Broker,Experience,Self DIY My Project Broker Experience

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and

Self-employed people are consistently searching for new andinnovative methods to get clients. Inevitably, one comesacross a company or service that offers to serve as aproject broker for free agents, independent consultants,contractors, and clients. This article explains how theseservices work, the experience I had, and items to considerwhen evaluating these companies and services.Why are independent consultants, free agents, andfreelancers drawn to these companies and services? Thereare two main reasons.First, these people either do not know how or do not like tomarket their services to others. The idea of potentialclients coming to them is very enticing since it requireslittle effort. You just have to sit back and wait for theassignments to be posted. When you see an assignment thatfits your experience and expertise, all you have to do issubmit a proposal and then wait for a decision.Second, these companies offer a means to broaden yourexposure in the marketplace. The thinking goes that ifenough people are aware of the services I offer, I'll get aclient.Now, let's talk about how these services work.In order to view a list of projects, submit proposals, andultimately get clients, you need to "join" or "sign up" witha particular company or service. Generally, this processrequires 3 things:1. You provide detailed information about your expertise andthe services you offer. This information is placed on a website and is accessible to potential clients and other freeagents looking for joint venture partners or subcontractors.2. You pay a fee that is billed either monthly or annually.This fee gives you access to the database of projects thatare currently listed. For each assignment you get throughthe company or service, you may have to pay a percentage ofyour project's total cost as a "finder's fee."3. You provide references that potential clients can contactto inquire about your work. The company or service you joinmay want to verify your references to make sure you're ascompetent as you describe. There is a possibility yourreferences may have to fill out a questionnaire orparticipate in a phone survey regarding your work andprofessionalism too.Once you've provided all the relevant information about yourexpertise and services, your references are verified, andyou've paid the appropriate fees, the "sign-up" process iscomplete. You are now free to search the current projectdatabase, submit proposals, and hopefully get clients!Some years ago I signed up with one of these services forone year. I will not disclose the company's name but here'swhat I learned:1. You can sign up with these services or companies even ifyou don't meet all of their stated requirements. When I wascontemplating joining a particular company, I didn't haveenough previous clients the company required. However, whenI explained my situation, I was permitted to join.Remember, the organization doesn't make money if they turnyou away.2. Don't be fooled by the advertising hype touting thousandsof available projects. If 95% of the projects listed arenot in your area of expertise or industry, that sure doesn'thelp you get a client.3. You may not get any clients. During my year's time, onlyone project somewhat fit my skills and experience. I had topartner with another consultant in order to meet theproject's requirements. Together, we submitted a proposalbut didn't get the project.4. For each project, you compete against a group of peoplethat provide similar services. This competition furtherreduces the probability you'll get the project. However, ifyou get clients through people you know or through afriend-of-a-friend, the competition doesn't exist.5. It can take a long time to get a project. The person Ipartnered with on my lone proposal said it took him 3 yearsto get a project through this company. While his projectmore than made up for the cost he incurred up to that point,he was strongly considering not renewing his account.6. Some of the projects submitted are only ploys to test themarketplace for a particular kind of service. Others are ameans to satisfy a company's policy that requires"competition" for each project. The reality is a free agentwas selected before the "competition" search began.However, this should not deter you from submittingproposals. You never know if you'll get a project unlessyou submit a proposal.Here are some thoughts to consider when evaluating thevarious project broker services:1. Are there a sufficient number of projects listed in yourindustry that match your skills and experience? If a largeportion of the projects involve unfamiliar industries, becautious.2. Can you get your money back if you are not completelysatisfied within 30 days?3. Is there a clause that you get your money back if youdon't get a project within the first year? This way youcan't lose. The worst that happens is the company uses yourmoney free for one year.4. Does the company or service perform marketing in theoffline world? Just because you are in cyberspace doesn'tmean your potential clients reside there too. Exposure inthe real world through press releases, magazine ads inappropriate industry publications and trade journals are agood indication the company is getting the word out.If you are a new free agent or if you haven't had manyclients, it is best to spend your time strengthening yourlocal relationships. These contacts are an excellent meansto get your first few clients. Consider joining theseservices when you become more experienced, have an adequateclient list, and can afford the risk. Article Tags: Project Broker, These Companies, These Services, Potential Clients