@Amanda J wrote:
Hello fellow freelancers!
I am looking for tips from experienced freelancers on how to be safe and sucessful here on Upwork. Here are my questions:
-Is it safe that I put what college I go to on my page, as well as where I am employed? Does everyone else do this?
Yes, it is safe and ok to put your college name as well as where you are (and have been) employed. Most of the freelancers do this.
-Is it okay to provide samples directly to clients? Or should I keep all of my samples on my page? I write poetry and I have a fictional short-story that was published in my school's journal. Should I worry about people "stealing" my work?
You can include samples (2 or 3) attached to your proposal. You can also put a few samples in your portfolio. As for stealing your work -- It could happen. Freelancers have been known to copy another freelancers profile, or to copy various things they find on the internet and claim them as work THEY have done.
Do NOT provide mockups, samples specific to the clients job, or take tests (unless you are paid for doing that.)
-I am in the process of creating a blog, is it a good idea for me to provide a link to my blog once it is finished? I also plan to post my poems/stories on the blog.
There's nothing wrong in providing a link to your blog --- as long as there is NO contact information located anywhere on that blog.
-How can I avoid scammers?
The best way is to know the scams.
1. you don't pay ANY money to clients, not for computer/software, not for registration fees to work in clients country, not for taxes, not for anything no matter how legitimate it may sound.
2. Do NOT accept checks to be sent to you, or money deposited into your bank/checking/Paypal account. ALL financial transactions Must take place on this site.
3. Any mention of Google Hangouts. = scam. Don't even go there.
4. Do not give out any personal information such as drivers license number, bank or credit card accounts, passport info, social security numbers, or even mothers maiden name.
5. Make sure clients financial account is verified, and escrow FULLY funded before working.
Take some time and in this forum and in the freelancers discussion section search for SCAMS. so you can educate yourself.
-What are some of the best ways that I can improve my profile page and cover letters to clients?
-What are some general things that you have learned in the past that you think a new freelancer could benefit from?
Learn how to use this site. (click on the question mark on the top right of the home page and choose help and support and read all the information under all the links.
Use common sense and remember - you are dealing with a stranger located worldwide, that you just met on the Internet.
I know some of these questions may seem dumb, and I probably seem a little anxious about all of this (because I am), but I would greatly appreciate advice from all of you successful freelancers! I have so much ambition and motivation to get my writing to take off, and to hopefully make a living as a freelancer and blogger!
Thank you!
