You guys have probably seen our featured contributor area that we update every so often. We want to add a little twist and make this area and our superstar contributors more prominent, because you guys are really awesome!
So, we thought it would be cool to not only add your photo in the featured contributor area, but add a BIG photo of you and some fun and interesting information in a post that we can share for everyone to see. We will be posting more information about this in the coming weeks. If you know of someone that you would like to recognize send us a private message.
We have some really awesome users in our Community and we want to make sure that everyone knows them!
Wassim has been recognized this month as someone who has really stood out. He is very active and knowledgeable, and has helped a lot of Elance users with the whole merging process. Though he has only been on Upwork for a few months, he has quickly made his presence known and we are happy that he is a part of our Community!
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started as a freelancer?
My name is Wassim- 29 years old from Lebanon. I've been freelancing since 2002 (before college) and that helped me build my own company in 2011. Throughout my career I completed over 500 small & big projects. What I like most about freelancing is the fact that you get to meet people from other countries.
How has your experience been on Elance and now Upwork?
Elance & oDesk were really great platforms so I can only image Upwork to be an amazing one when the final merger takes place. I know some people are complaining but the big picture isn't there yet. Upwork is making huge improvements to the platform every week and the Messenger App (for mobile & desktop) which was recently released is a BIG thing. It has never been easier to respond & communicate with clients. You get an offer from someone and in few seconds you receive a notification on your phone and you get to accept/reject the offer with a single click.
On Elance I reached a great level where I ranked in top 20 contractors in Middle East & Central Asia.
Do you have any advice for other freelancers who are just getting started?
I always receive questions from other freelancers on how do I get lots of work from sites like Elance & Upwork, and the answer is always the same:
- Make sure you understand your client's needs
- Make sure you have 100% of the skills needed to complete the job
- Make sure you write a dedicated proposal to every job, including the ones that look similar
If you follow these three rules, you'll succeed here. Period.
I also think contractors will have a great success when they decide to acquire new skills. I mean everyone seems to know Wordpress, but have you thought that there's other things you can learn out there too? Technology is evolving rapidly & you need to keep learning before you're left behind. I personally decided to build my entire business based on new technologies. I dedicate at least 2 hours everyday to learn a new thing. I've been doing this for years so it's part of my personality now.
What do you like to do for fun? Hobbies?
I spend most of my time at work coding & building websites & APIs - but when I am away from my computer, I prefer to walk across the coast & watch the sea. I am often serious (epsecially at work) but I also have crazy moments... I am not a funny person, but almost everyone I know recognizes my laughter :") I think being funny is a gift, and if you don't have that gift you shouldn't try to be funny otherwise you will look naive.
My hobbies are: Fishing, Walking & Watching comedy series/shows.
**** This is our first of many spotlight threads, if there is someone that you would like to recognize send us a private message ****