I am sorry that you had a difficult time landing your first project on Elance.com. I know that it can be tough to land that first project but once you do and do a phenomenal job, you will see that you can get a ton of other projects. I personally have completed over 800+ projects to date and consider Elance, my favorite place to market myself online. Here’s some tips to help you, if you decide to go back:

1. Carefully scrutinize buyers and only bid on providers that have a history of paying providers and ones that typically leave positive feedback for providers that they’ve worked with in the past as you will need this feedback to boost your reputation.
2. Submit many different proposals on projects that you find interesting and ones that you can complete in a satisfactory manner. Steer clear from difficult projects.
3. Consider submitting a lower priced proposal in order to “land your first one.” Just make sure that it isn’t so low that you don’t feel motivated to do the work.
4. On each proposal, clearly identify what makes you unique and why you feel as if you are the perfect provider for the project. Only submit individualized bids and follow up with the private message board. If you don’t win a project, ask the buyer “why” and the improve upon your skills so that you can land the next one.
5. Don’t give up and keep at it.
Good luck!

Kristi

I am also subscribed to Elance… Having a basic package allows you to have 3 connects. Once used up, they then encourage you to buy more connects or upgrade your package.

I do hope that I can at least get a project from Elance.

**fingers crossed**

Thanks for this post at least I have a better idea of Elance

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