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There’s been much made of the state of the economy, and for pretty good reason - it’s scary out there.  But there are some benefits to the situation for the entrepreneur or freelancer.

Companies and corporations are cutting back. Yet,  there are certain things they can’t do without.  For the freelance consultant, writer, photographer, or any of the varied talent-based disciplines this can be a boon because companies are now outsourcing those jobs to freelancers.

This is nothing new to our astute readers.  It’s becoming something of a mantra among entrepreneurs navigating the current economy.  As with any transitional time in history, there are plenty of ways to grow by setting a clear aim on getting ahead of the newest trends.

So, maybe you’re one of the many who’ve turned to freelancing, either by want or by changing circumstances.  How do you find your clients?  How do you get your name out there into new places while building relationships that will last?

There’s a myriad of platforms and networks online to connect clients and freelance providers.  Many of them give providers a place to plug their own web presence or show off their portfolio. The fees and terms range (so never forget to read the entire user agreement before signing up).  Many freelancers work solely online today and, depending on the type of work you do, that may be an option.  But the best model I’ve seen thus far combines a bit of the old with the new.

One thing is certain -local clients still matter. These are people who you can meet face-to-face, connect in person, even work in their offices on a freelance basis. This helps you build long-term connections that can become your biggest asset in growing your business and connecting on a local level.

What is your greatest challenge as a freelancer?  Have you hopped on the social media bandwagon and is the online marketplace a good venue for you?

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