You got yourself hired as a contractor, and the job is almost complete. So, where do you go from here? Back to the drawing board? (Or the freelance job board as the case may be.) While it’s always smart to be on the prowl for another gig, there is another option. It’s called getting your first client/employer to be a returning client/employer, and it means asking for another project.

So, without further ado, here are …

THE 4 S’s OF SUCCESSFULLY ASKING FOR MORE WORK

Say Thank You: Express your pleasure working for the employer in a polite email at the completion of the first job. No need to go over the top here — nobody likes a kiss-up — just state that you are thankful to have been given the project, because you really enjoyed working for the company/individual and look forward to doing it again.

Suggest a Second Project: In the same email, briefly share any ideas for future collaborations that might benefit the employer. Get creative. Were you thinking: “Gee, it’s great I rewrote that brochure, but what they really need is a website rewrite.” If so, mention it casually, without being insulting. (And how’s that done? Easily. All you must say is: If you decide you’d also like me to update the website content, just let me know.) Less is more. Dangle an idea for a second project — let them imagine the details.

Seem Busy. (But not too busy.): Mention your upcoming availability and willingness without appearing desperate. In other words, play a bit hard to get, but — just as in dating — don’t play too coy or you’ll lose the game. Mention that you will have some time the following week or the following month, but never the next day. (Of course, just as in dating, if the employer asks you to jump back in the next day, just say that you can make it work with your schedule!)

Stay in Touch. Continue to contact the employer/client at regular intervals, but never more than once in any given month. The employer might not bite the first time you ask for more work, but give them a second and a third opportunity to turn you down. These follow-up emails should go a little something like this:

Hi, Mrs. Employer. I hope you’ve been well and that everything at Company X is going smoothly. Just wanted to let you know I have an opening in my schedule at the end of the month if you’d like me to take on another project for you or if you’d like to discuss those ideas I mentioned the last time we spoke. Let me know if you are interested, and I’ll set the time aside for Company X. All the best, Mr. Contract Worker

If the client hasn’t taken the bait after the third point of contact, wait six months and try again. Still nothing? Wait another twelve months and try again. Measure the need to ask again by how they respond each time.  If at any point they tell you they no longer require your services, do take the hint and stop contacting them. If you are getting no response and it seems like they don’t want anything to do with you, then move along politely and don’t look back.

Tell us: Were you able to make that first job last? How have you kept employers as ongoing clients?

Tamara Rice is one of several freelance writers on the oDesk Blog team. She joined the oDesk marketplace in 2009, after more than six years on staff at an award-winning national magazine.