Proposals are the connection between businesses and freelancers. A good proposal means that freelancers can really showcase their value and get the work that they deserve. However, many freelancers fall short in this area – whether they are aware of it or not. The way to write proposals that are successful (and even how to market themselves) is something that most freelancers are never taught or learn directly; yet, it is so vital to their success.

There are some key methods that freelancers can employ to display their value, impress potential clients and get the work that they want. My book, The Winning Proposal: Online Freelance Success, covers these important concepts and methods. It is a step-by-step guide which teaches freelancers how to show businesses their true colors and promote themselves in a professional and successful way. The book covers topics ranging from creating magnetic profiles and writing winning proposals to strategies for online freelance success and personal branding.

Here is a bite of some of the subjects that are explored in a detailed and practical way in the book:

Elements of Exceptional Profiles

One of the key elements to an outstanding profile is for the freelancer to highlight why a client should hire them. This is not about experience or qualifications; it is about the freelancer’s uniqueness and their special offering.

What this means for you as a freelancer: You need to go through a thorough process of delving into your career and past successes as well as your goals to determine your value proposition and what sets you above the rest.

Proposals and Client Focus

Proposals are not about the freelancer they are about the client and the client’s needs. Yes, a freelancer should talk about their credentials in the proposal but, more importantly, they should talk about how their talents and expertise can bring value to the client’s project. Details of skills and experience belong in the profile and portfolio. A proposal is where the freelancer provides the client with the confidence that they are the perfect person for the job; it is about showing what they can do that will be of benefit to the client.

What this means for you as a freelancer: You must learn how to understand the client’s needs; from there you must be able to integrate your experience and skills into these needs; and, finally, identify where you can fulfill, not only the client’s specified requirements, but more. Each proposal must be customized for the client. Don’t send out generic proposals.

Professionalism and Personal Branding

Freelancing is business. Freelancers are service providers and, as such, need to display professionalism. It is surprising how many freelancers fail in the area of professionalism. It’s mostly common sense and a platform such as oDesk makes it easy to implement these principles. Professionalism is a quality that must come through clearly in profiles, portfolios, proposals, communications, work ethic and standards. Professionalism is the cornerstone of personal branding.

What this means for you as a freelancer: Here are three (of numerous) pointers -

• Proposals must be clear, error-free, well-presented and have a business tone. A proposal is a reflection of you and your work. A sloppy proposal lowers a potential client’s confidence in you. It brings your abilities and quality of product into question.
• All schedules and agreements must be met. If you are difficult to work with, a client will be hesitant to hire you again.
• Take care with all correspondence. Check emails before you send them. They must be well-written and businesslike.

Profiles, portfolios, proposals and personal branding all form part of a bid for work and that is why oDesk is ideal as a freelancing platform for both freelancers and the businesses hiring them. You don’t have to go any further than the oDesk website; all of the tools are available for flourishing online freelancing interactions. All it requires is a little learning and applying the key factors of success.

Juliet du Preez is the author of The Winning Proposal: Online Freelance Success. She has experience in various industries ranging from banking to wellbeing and has worked in both the corporate world and private practice.
During her six years with the top management consultancy, McKinsey & Co., she was involved with the inner workings of organizations across board.
Although she explores and covers numerous areas, the arena of freelancing is one of her focus points.