It’s that time again – time when clients drop back on their workloads and concentrate on their holiday parties, and time when you and I are left twisting in the wind, wondering where that next job will come from. While two months ago was the best time to consider what you’d be doing in November/December, you still have options for pulling in a paycheck or two during the down time. That doesn’t mean you have to take those 50 articles for $5 jobs, either. Try these avenues instead:
Craig’s List. You’ve heard me bemoan the downfall of this site’s listings (not Craig’s fault, by the way), but there is still decent work to be had here. Just screw on your skepticism and approach these ads cautiously. Look, if they promise the moon, it’s a scam. Common sense should rule. If it sounds fantastic, step back and look for the holes.
Temp agencies. Just because some clients are slowing down their workloads doesn’t mean all of them are. In fact, now’s the time to find some interim work filling in for vacationing full-timers. It requires you to be in an office over a holiday, but it’s a steady check when you need it most.
Regular clients. Send out your emails now alerting your regulars that you’re available and you can get their projects in now before your prices go up in January. The opportunity to get you at a discounted rate will be tough to pass up. You might even want to throw in a 10-percent discount to entice them further.
New clients. Hey, why not try the same approach on a new client? Send out your brochure, postcard, whatever with your end–of-the-year discount attached.
Magazine work. Magazines need copy all the time; holidays are no exception. Might want to visit The Urban Muse’s tips on querying to get some pointers on how to impress and get the assignment.
Residual income. Thanks to writer Dana Prince for some ideas on where to find sources of residual income.
Job boards. Anne Wayman does a marvelous job bringing you free job listings a few times a week. While some may not pay what you’re used to, the idea is to generate some quick cash, right? Anne’s site is a great place to start.
Media Bistro. If you live in a major metropolitan area, there are scores of freelance or contract gigs on this board. You have to register (free), but it’s worth it.
Got any favorite ways to generate income this time of year?
I have an offer out to several existing clients for 10% off if they contract an assignment with me with a due date before year’s end and payment in full up front. A couple voiced interest, but nothing concrete yet. I also contracted for a very large project that’s due 1 February; I can do most of it in December if nothing else develops, and then try to fill in January’s schedule, which is usually easier.
Excellent idea, Eileen! Pre-payment when we need it most must be encouraged. :))
Great suggestions as always, Lori! I love my temp agency, and you’re right–tis the season to fill in for vacationing employees. In addition to looking for project work on Craigslist, consider placing an ad there yourself. I’ve done it a few times and gotten a few nibbles, though admittedly none that have ever come to fruition.
Awesome suggestions!
Ka-ching! That 10% offer worked, I’ve got about a week and a half of work lined up now that I didn’t before. I’ll have to remember it when the usual summer slump hits.
Great post, Lori and thanks for the link love 🙂
Good list, and thanks for the mention… I’m going to look closely at the residual income link.
Anne Wayman, now blogging at http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com
Wonderful list of possibilities and resources, Lori. Thank you!
Kristen
Another possibility is to work as an agent of a VA in India. For the same job that we do for $ 6 an hour you can get much more in the west. Get the job and pass on to us
Ashok
ashok1082@yahoo.co.uk