While I understand professionalism is obviously necessary when job (or client) hunting, I also think its absolutely critical to stand out from the masses, especially with the competition out there today.  Being unique is key to standing out in their inbox, or on top of a pile of resumes.  Gimmicky resumes may not work the majority of the time – but being original and finding ways to effectively showcase your genuine originality are critical.

If you’re actually physically mailing in a resume — what are some thoughts on how you can stand out?  Obviously, paper is key.  So many of your competitors will send in their resume and cover letter using plain old white paper.  How about a splash of color?  In the cover letter – get real, don’t drone on and sound like the rest of the letters they need to sort through.  Tell them specifically, “Here are 5 reasons why I’m perfect for this job.”  Show your personality, ingenuity and intelligence!  But – be authentic.  Enthusiastic, but authentic.  Don’t lay it on too thick and at the same time use that valuable space to highlight what is perfect about the position and what is perfect about you.

Have links to your social media profiles, like linkedin and twitter (if what you tweet about is related to the industry you’re applying for).

Definitely have an online presence.  Work at optimizing your name in search.  Write articles in your niche, blog, tweet, get on facebook — but do it smartly.  Always think about the client that will look you up, or stumble upon you.  How do you want to come across?  If I was looking for a partner in social media and seo, for example, I’d definitely be looking for someone who immersed themselves in the industry.  I’d be looking for the majority of their tweets to relate to our field interspersed with original thoughts, triumphs and general excitement about the work.

Have an online portfolio, or testimonials to direct them to.  Acquire your own domain name (johndoe.com) and build a website/blog that highlights your skills, portfolio, client testimonials and personality.  Check out some of these examples of fabulous resume/portfolio sites:

Cabedge – I love the landing page on their site which to me speaks of confidence.  The design is minimal, bold and pleasant without cramming showcasing all of their skills onto the homepage itself.  It’s also direct and concise, speaking immediately to their potential client.

Gwen Bell – When you visit Gwen’s website you immediately get the feeling that this person knows what they’re doing, is comfortable in their own skin and you’re intrigued.  She’s both professional and amiable – inviting you to get to know her while her call to action is immediately present for potential clients.

New Marketing Labs – It’s important to identify with your visitor immediately.  I love how New Marketing Labs achieves that right from the get go.  They talk to the clients needs and invite them to take action.  Tastefully, below the call to action they highlight the caliber of clients they have worked for – and that they want to attract.  It’s key to identify who it is that you want to work with, and what exactly it is you want to do for them.

We’ve all had the frustration of working for clients with whom we don’t resonate with creatively, so why not get to know them before a contract is signed and see of your ideas are going to be appreciated, or disregarded.  Always remember that you’re interviewing them, too!  The goal is to get your dream client, not the next client.  So the next time you’re approaching a prospective client — get creative and don’t be afraid to share ideas.  Get specific about the strengths and weaknesses you perceived to be in their business model (on the level in which it relates to the position at hand), and what steps you personally would take to bring their business to the next level.

Leverage your connections.  When attempting to land a client, check to see if you have any secondary connections to that client in LinkedIn that could send a recommendation or introduce you.

By far the most impressive, ludicrously simple experiment I’ve seen in attracting your dream job was Alex Brownstein’s ingenious ploy to attract the attention of key Google employees by optimizing landing pages with their names and running a google adwords campaign:

For more helpful tips to help you reveal your own inspiration to attract the perfect client check out these resources:

Job Search: Four Ways to Stand Out in Today’s Market – SEO Your Resume

Easy Ways to Stand Out when Applying for Internships

Making Your Mark: Five Unusual Ways to Impress Finance Recruiters

Please, tell me it’s not just about headstands and running

1. No commute! In 2007 the Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impact of Telecommuting and e-Commerce (PDF), conducted by TIAX estimated that telecommuters in the U.S. alone saved 840 million gallons of gas in a year.  That CO2 reduction is equal to removing 2 million vehicles from the road every year.

2. Turn off your monitor when you’re not at your desk.

One computer left on 24 hours a day will cost you $115 – 160 in electricity costs a
year and dump 1,500 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.
A tree absorbs between 3-15 lbs of CO2 each year. That means that 100-500 trees
would be needed to offset the yearly emissions of one computer left on all the time! – Tufts Climate Initiative (PDF)

3. So for that matter – turn off the computer at night!

4. Use a laptop. Laptops only use 1/4 of the energy that a desktop does.

5. Get the flat screen already. If you’re still using the now ancient CRT — consider writing off a lovely LCD monitor on your taxes next year.  LCD monitors use 1/3 of the energy that a CRT does and your eyes will thank you as well!

6. Invoice electronically. Encourage your clients to accept your invoices electronically and let them know there is no need to print it out on their end to send back to you with the check.

7. Sign contracts digitally. These pesky contracts and proposals that go back and forth are generally quite a few pages.  Use .pdf’s and sign them electronically.  It’s legal and saves paper.

8. Reduce printing. If you absolutely must print (viewing pdf’s while on a conference call can be just as effective folks!) — use both sides of the paper and eliminate unnecessary images (or make them smaller).

• About 85 million tons of paper and paperboard.
• Each year, more than 2 billion books, 350 million magazines, and 24 billion newspapers are published.
• The average American uses approximately one 100-foot-tall Douglas fir tree in paper and wood products per year.  – epa.gov

9. Use an earth friendly signature. Add a line to your email sigs encouraging people not to print out your emails if it’s not absolutely necessary.

10. Recycle — and pass it on! Make sure you’re doing all that you can to reduce, reuse and then recycle.  I love the idea of making household recycling efforts part of our kids chores.  Kids love helping the Earth and it helps them to learn good habits right from the get go.

Some great Earth Day resources:

1. Earth Day 2010 Action Center
2. Pick 5 actions for the world
3. What’s Your Ecological Footprint?
4. What’s Your Transportation Footprint?
5. Earth Day Network

Do you have other ideas on how Freelancer’s can save the Earth?  Speak your mind!

Some conscientious users attempt to make their #followfriday tweets more useful by explaining why you might follow a certain user — what is follow worthy about them?  I like these kinds of tweets actually and do look for new people to follow on Fridays.  Especially from sources whom I admire.

Last Friday @chrisbrogan suggested a new #followfriday tradition – where we blog our #ff recommendations and have a single tweet linking to our blog post.  I think the idea has merit.  I love the concept of #ff, genuinely enjoy sharing resources and letting people know that I think highly of them.  At the same time, each week I’m more and more hesitant to spam the twittersphere with yet another #ff.  Plus – I’m not limited in the amount of characters I can use to extol the virtues of my twitter friends!

So in the spirit of generosity I offer you these awesome folks to follow on Twitter.

@openskye – Kevin is new to Twitter, but old hat to marketing wit and insight.  His web design firm has handled branding and design for some pretty large companies.  Follow him for engaging conversations on corporate branding and marketing strategies.

@onemomsworld – I like Jen.  She’s a work at home Mom who is both successful and affable.  She’s the type of person that you know would make a good friend.  If you’re a WAHM – check out her blog too for a fun look into another Mom’s busy world.

@jillwhalen – I RT and FF Jill often.  She’s been a mentor to me on my SEO journey.  One of the few elite SEO’s that I have found to be approachable and willing to help new SEO’s so I’m always looking for a reason to pay it forward back to her.  But friendliness aside — Jill is also a thinker and tester in the field of SEO so what she says is valuable.

@gretchenrubin – I’m reading her book, “The Happiness Project” and its right in alignment with other studies I’m immersed in such as Quantum Physics, Feng Shui, Deepak Chopra & Tony Robbins.  Her memoir is engaging, inspiring and human… and she actively blogs and twitters which brings the relationship of reader & author to life in a uniquely 2010 way.

@smashingmag – A must follow for web designers.  Many smart and inspiring tweets throughout the week to keep you on top of your game.

That’s all for the week!  What do you think?  Who are your follow friday recommendations?  Let me know in the comments!

I have found women entrepreneurs to be a generous and helpful group.  They are savvy company to keep and we all can genuinely relate to each other which is precious because working from home can be isolating.

Here is a great list of women who both blog and are on Twitter that I have found to be approachable, particularly insightful or creative, or just plain fun to be around:

@MyMessyParadise – A Coffee-addicted SAHM to 2 girls shares her life to an avid following over at My Messy Paradise. Latest Post: 97 Years Young

@RootsandFlowers – Annica is a writer, mother, herbalist, gardener, and homeschooler who loves animals and growing & using herbs. Her blog, Roots & Flowers contains herbal articles, recipes and tips on growing and using herbs. Latest Post: Making Herbal Vinegars

@confidentmom – Susan describes herself as a coffee lovin’ runnin’ mom of 3 who loves GOD & Hubby,empowering Moms, strengthening families and reviving the Art of Home & Family Managment.  You can find her blogging at her website, The Confident Mom. Latest Post: Your Roll as “Keeper of the Home”

@mombizcoach – Lara is a mompreneur coach who helps moms create businesses they (& their families) truly love! Forbes included her in their list of the Top 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter. Lara blogs on her website over at Mom Biz Coach. Latest Post: One of Those Mompreneur Days

@AllTheJonesMen - A mom blogger who aspires to be a photographer.  Her blog is And All The Jones Men where she journals about her life as a wife and mom of two boys. Latest Post: Do-Over

@PpcMom – Jennifer is a mother, entrepreneur, Internet Marketer, and blogger over at PPCMom where she writes about affiliate marketing, PPC, social media, seo and life.  Latest Post: Can You Learn Internet Marketing?

@sharonmostyn – Sharon is a marketing management professional who blogs about internet and affiliate marketing and blogging about it all over at SharonMostyn.com. Latest Post: Putting the Social Back in Social Media

@HeathAll - Helping mom entrepreneurs build a business w/out breaking the bank or their spirit, Heather shares her inspiration over at MogulMom. Latest Post: 8 Ways To Work Smarter and Be Happier

@kellidaisy – Kelli is a Mom, blogger, home business owner, wife, and runner.  Kelli blogs with honesty over at the Yummy Mummy Club on pop culture. Latest Post: Grace under Pressure

@FireMom - A freelance writer & editor and part-time photographer.  She has a lively blog over at Stop, Drop and Blog where she writes candidly about her life.  Latest Post: Hope Yet. Maybe.

@CarlaYoung – Carla is a Mompreneur who founded MOMeoCommunity.com & is Publisher of MOMeo Magazine.com.  Latest Post: Weekend Warrior: Once in a Lifetime Olympic Experience

@kimreddington – Kim’s work involves teaching mothers to turn their skills and talents into a successful home-based service business. She blogs about running a business over at Blog Cereus Women. Latest Post: Business Baby Shower and Partnerships

@SimplifyHome – Selena is co-owner of Simplify Home Solutions, Silicon Valley home concierge. She is a mom of 2 interested in work-life balance, time management, outsourcing, organizing, and parenting.  Here Home and Lifestyle blog is over at Ready to Simplify.  Latest Post: Caring for Your Elderly Parents, What They Need from You

@nugglemama – Mom to 5, photographer and seamstress. This high tech Mama with old school values blogs her thoughts over at Nuggle Mama’s Handful. Latest Post: Rare Disease Day

@MomSpark – Amy is a blogger, social media maven & founder of MomSpark.net and MomMadeThat.com. Latest Post: A Great FREE Hosting Deal for Moms

@QuirkyMommaSite – Mom to three pre-schoolers, Rachel blogs on tips for moms and activities for kids at Quirky Momma.  Latest Post: Fantastic Friday: Babies, Time Capsules, Car seats & Slings

@techmama – Beth is a social media strategist and founder of Techmamas.com, where she discusses technology and gadgets for families.  Latest Post: A Disturbing New Term: CyberBlackmail

@onemomsworld – Jen is a Mom, Wife & Social Media Geek! She works for BabyCenter.com and blogs about life as a mom over at One Moms World.  Latest Post: Spring Looks and Giveaway from Children’s Place

I couldn’t possibly name all the wonderful women I’ve interacted with via social media, but you can find more on my twitter list of Mom Bloggers or Mompreneurs.

Have fun!

Thrilled

My next step is to write a Retainer Proposal and I confess that I don’t have much experience with this.  Over the years I’ve written many business proposals and contracts (my very least favorite part of my job) and some loose retainer proposals — but this one is a more significant milestone in the span of my freelance career and I want to get it right.

I’ve been doing some research to uncover all the good advice on retainer proposals out there.  Here are the best resources I’ve found:

1. Retainers and Other Forms of Payment

Andrew Lam-Po-Tang shared some good thoughts on what a client might expect in terms of added value by retaining a contractor’s services.  He pointed out that many times, because they are pre-paying – they expect some type of discount on your rate.  I hadn’t considered this and in this instance don’t feel it applies.  But it’s good to know for future reference as I’d never thought of a retainer in this way from the client’s perspective.  Although I will say that I’ve always given more than my fair share to a client who pays me a retainer and know they get a good value.

2. Developing a Proposal to Close the Sale

A former About.com guide, Shannon Belew provides good information here on the specific components that belong in a proposal.  While not specific to a Retainer – I still found value in reviewing these to be sure I had all my bases covered.

3. Consulting Retainer Agreements for Ongoing Situational Access

The discussion here interested me as the consulting firm, Dynamic Innovations Squad, was drawing a line between a consulting retainer and having an actual project.  For this firm the two are totally separate fees.  I’m not approaching this project in that way but it’s interesting to me.  For myself, I’m being hired on a retainer for this firm to manage their online reputation.  The work will include all levels from research, consulting, social media, link building, potentially PPC – whatever else it takes to achieve the end result – a positive image in the first page results for their company name.  It’s a challenge to say the least because the company is so large and prevalent that there is constantly new negative press circulating.  I can’t view the job as I have other similar assignments where I was hired to remove a single derogatory review from the first page of search results.  This is an ongoing effort of monitoring SERPS, highlighting positive press and staying on top of the negative.

4. Examples of a Retainer Proposal

Here’s a very helpful example of a monthly retainer proposal.  Exactly what I was hoping to find.

Another example of a marketing retainer proposal.  Really nice approach with the competitive analysis included.  I might incorporate this in the future for an SEO bid, but for this project it isn’t necessary.

Here’s an innovative approach to a retainer proposal.  Interesting that they give tiered options based on hours work and have a 6 month committment.  Personally I’m not planning to put a time limit on my proposal – I’d like to see the work go on for quite a long time and wouldn’t want to purposefully set an end date.  On the same token I’m not wanting to imply that they are even considering using my services for less than 6 months.

6. Discussion – How to Evaluate Agency Proposals

I always appreciate MarketingProfs (twitter: @marketingprofs) – the experts there are fabulous and real thinkers in the industry hang out there so I was pleased to find this conversation.  Although taking place from the angle of hiring a firm – the insight here gave me things to take into consideration while crafting a proposal.

7. The Small Business Start-Up Kit

Excerpt from The Small Business Start-Up Kit by Peri Pakroo – Interesting and solid information on billing options, bidding and creating proposals, retainer arrangements and more.  Looks like a great book!

So those are some of the resources I came up with.  I’m off to write the proposal now and take great comfort in knowing that all of this fuss is simply a formality.  The lead was already a warm one with a terrific referral who has been their PR firm for almost a decade and they have already seen the value of my work!

Still – everything we present represents our business and our professionalism and I want to get it right!  I hope this is helpful to some of you — please feel free to share your own related resources as well!

Because of the piece work way that we get paid (no weekly paycheck, and some companies taking over a month to pay an invoice!), it can be tempting to be overkill and take on any project that comes your way.

Be careful — you don’t want to be rushing through projects (aka – this one won’t be on my portfolio!), nor do you want to be making clients wait past their deadlines for your deliverable.

Sometimes the professional thing to do is say no. Let the client know that while you hate to turn work away or let them down – you’d really be doing them a disservice by accepting the job because you just have too much on your plate.

Often times you’ll find that the client knows just where you’re coming from and appreciates your integrity. They just might be willing to wait! But if their project is urgent — be sure to have a colleague or two that you can recommend to them. Check back in with them the following week to see how its going and to let them know if you have some open time. I promise you, it does sometimes pay to say no!

I’ve had a client for several years now that I feel a certain degree of loyalty to.  This client has seen me through two pregnancies and is always flexible.  The pay is retainer based and significant – so we’ve come to count on it.

One of the scary facts about freelancing though is that sometimes money is simply not flowing.  When my clients aren’t being paid by their clients… well – who pays the price?

In this instance it’s been me! And my husband who’s also recently come on board to do some database work for this client.  So in total I think we’re nearing nine weeks of no pay.  Ugh.

I’m sure some of you think I’m nuts – to just continue working like this with no pay right?  Some of my colleagues for the client just refuse to lift a finger until their payments are up to date.  I’m always a little bit envious — but I still do the work.  Mainly because I know the guy, and know he’s good for the money and that all and all I have a good thing going that I am not mentally prepared to jeopordize.

So my solution?  Take on several other gigs and juggle. them. all! 

So right now I have a few design projects and a couple SEO projects on my plate that I’m weaving into my regular work days.  The good news is – it’s a ton of work in a faltering economy which I’m genuinely grateful for.

On that note, we always keep our eye on the local paper.  Every so often during times like this (non paying clients) my husband goes through moments of ‘weakness’ when he wants to go out and get a ‘real’ job.  But it’s funny – there is really never anything worth applying for in our local paper (small town) and so then we’ll head over to elance, and are always so heartened to see the incredible amount of freelance jobs available!  In this economy I actually thing unemployed people ought to consider freelancing as a serious viable option!

So – that’s why you haven’t heard much from me lately… Feel free to give me your advice on my current predicament!  Or let me know I’m not the only ‘softy’ freelancer out there!