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Ask HN: Ways to start freelancing with a weak network?

20 points by the_only_law ↗ HN
I have experience, however I haven’t developed much a network, in a few years I’d like to start freelancing. Ideally I’d like to pick up short contracts I can work on to make some side money while I do other things.

I know sites like fiverr and upworkvexist, but they seem like a race to the bottom where you are competing with people in low income countries that can work for pennies.

What can I do to be able to start picking up freelance contracts within a few years?

11 comments

[ 2.6 ms ] story [ 33.7 ms ] thread
davismwfl
You need to find a niche and specialize in something first. That will let you build out a network and as you do you will be exposed to other people in different networks.

The mistake I see many people wanting to freelance/contract do is they think they need to be a generalist in all ways. You do need to be a generalist in terms of technology (at least to some degree) but you need to specialize in a specific area or domain to get started. Your network will grow as a result of you doing good work and being recommended by the small network you develop initially.

If you just go out and say I can do anything for anyone then you are competing with the low cost labor pool overseas. In the end the way you get started is the same way you grow, build a network and utilize it. Posting on forums, or upwork etc is a losing proposition unless you are in a place where you can live on those types of low wages.

[dead] l1988
I dont know. Ass. L.H.N Brazil.
itake
I'd reach out to local dev shops and freelancers in your area to see if they have any extra work. Typically experienced freelancers have too much work and would love to throw off the work to someone else, because they may ask you for a % cut or they want people to continue to reach out to them even if they are busy, because he can connect them with work.
rgrgqrg
Another option might be to simply subcontract with local dev shops. Go to a lot of meetups, dev shops are always there, talk to them about what you can do. Don't give resumes, give business cards.

I am in same boat, trying network and take on extra work without taking on clients. Gain enough experience to go solo eventually.

admissionsguy
Toptal is basically built for freelancers who cannot sell themselves. It's like Upwork but you, for the most part, retain your dignity. Pays around $50/h for good devs.
rbrownrw8
I second Toptal, its a lot, lot more consistent than other platforms. Plenty of flexibility with the engagements. I've been working with them for over 2 1/2 years and its been an awesome experience!
brtkdotse
Are contracting brokers not A Thing outside of Northern Europe? They’re basically salespeople on commission - they do all the legwork of finding assignments and hook you up for a 5-15% cut of your invoicing. I’d spend WAY more than 5-15% of my hours if I had to do my own sales.
psikomanjak
how do you find a contracting broker?
cercatrova
Look for software lead gen agencies.
brtkdotse
I literally Google the Swedish word for it (“konsultmäklare”) and klicked on the first few results.