Raising Start-Up Capital In A Pinch (Part One)

Business ideas are great, but they are nothing unless you have the funds to start it with.  At that point, it turns into a "chicken and the egg" debate... do you need the money first or the idea?  A great business idea is fantastic... but you need the capital to start the business.  Having the funds to start a business is nice... but really nothing without an idea!  They are two major sides to the start-up coin and I have a couple of ideas to help you take care of one so you can focus on brainstorming ideas or getting started on that home-based business.

Part One - Freelancing

Mindset

Before we get started here, it's important to note that no matter what you are wanting to get involved in, you need the proper mindset.  With this, nothing is impossible.  Now, don't misunderstand me... I don't mean that you won't fail - actually far from it.  I mean that if you have the right mindset, failure will be nothing more than a stepping stone to your goal.  You'll shake the mud off, learn from the mistake and continue on.

So how do you get this right mindset?  Basically, you consider everything... but take everything with a grain of salt:

• Friends or family poo-pooing your idea to work from home?  If they aren't currently working from home or have never worked from home, what do they know?  Take what they say, consider it, and if there are no valid points, toss their criticism out.  Yes, you can do this!  It's up to you whether you allow their words to affect you.
• Receive awful negative feedback?  This may be upsetting, but don't let it sidetrack you.  Consider what the writer says.  Is there anything you can gain from said nasty remarks?  If so, great.  Learn from those remarks and move on.  We are all different and do not all share the same opinions!
• Having difficulties with a project?  The root of your job is helping someone solve a problem.  No, really... think about it.  Someone needs a brochure designed... why?  Maybe they can't sell on their own (problem).  Or they are looking for a ghost writer for their story... why?  Perhaps they can't write creatively (problem).  Just remember when working on a project that it's all about solving a problem.  When you do, value will be provided to your customer/client and they'll love you for it!

With that said, stay positive.  Watch out for certain words in your everyday vocabulary, words such as can't, impossible, and never.  When you use words like this, saying things such as "I can't", "It's impossible", and "I'll never be able to do...", you are limiting yourself right there.  You MUST stay positive!

Make $500+ per week with UpWork

If you've never heard of Upwork.com, perhaps you've heard of Odesk and Freelancer.  These two websites brought together people that needed a service completed and people who could complete the service for them.  Not too long ago, these two sites merged and we have UpWork today.

Now, some of you may be thinking "I have no skill to peddle on a freelancer website!"  Again, remember your mindset!  You're shooting yourself in the foot before we even begin here!  Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has something they can offer on UpWork, whether answering phones, taking calls, or compiling spreadsheets to graphic design, coding, or writing.  Don't believe me?  Take a look at the most recent job postings and browse for a while.  I'm positive that after you scan a few pages of jobs you'll see several that you think "I can do that" to yourself.

Landing your first 'gig' isn't very complicated, but it is very important to your success on UpWork.  I'm not going to hold your hand here, but I do have a couple of tips to help you get started:

1. Make sure your profile is 100% complete.  This means filling out your bio, work history, taking a few skills tests, etc.  (Bonus: some of the tests you take can earn you top marks on your profile if you do well!)
2. When filling out your bio, avoid making it about you, you, you.  Instead, focus on how your particular skill set can solve problems for the client.  Instead of saying "I have blah blah blah experience with blah", say something more like, "Needing to hire a top-notch freelancer?  You'll need someone that will understand the importance of your project and reach high standards."
3. Your avatar is important and should show your smiling face!
4. Don't apply to every gig!  Choose a few each day that really speak to you.
5. Apply for the lower-paying gigs at first to build up your feedback.  You must build a level of trust before you can land the top-paying gigs.

The amazing thing about UpWork is that once the gig is closed out successfully, you'll have access to your funds in a matter of days and the funds can be transferred to your bank account by means of ACH transfer!

Now take action!  Head over to upwork.com and get started today!

Note: I will be putting together a step-by-step guide on freelancing in the future.  The guide will show you the best way to structure your profile and how to get the job posters to ignore all other freelancers the moment you apply.