Joy Langtry

Writing was always a means to an end.  I did it because I had to, and I did it as best I could.  Only recently did I recognize that I love to write; I need to write.  I keep writing, and the more I write, the more I want to write.

Building websites was an excuse to do it.  Posting in forums was another excuse.  But I’ve always felt limited; held back.  I’ve been limited by the fear that nobody will find what I have to write worth reading.

I have dismissed that thought.  I have been told enough times that people like what I write that I am not going to question it anymore.  I have also recently removed some subconscious blocks that had me afraid to share my perspective, my unique, personal point of view.  Maybe I was afraid of criticism, or disagreement, or embarrassment or humiliation.  Pshaw!!!!  I have as much right to have an opinion as anyone else!

I have started a few Blogs with different topics.  I’ll link to them soon.  For now I want to devote the rest of this article to Elance.

Elance has helped me develop the confidence to sell my writing, and is a great option for a self-employed individual who wants one more market for his services.  It’s not just for writers; there are 8 categories of work:

* Web & Programming
* Writing & Translation
* Design & Multimedia
* Sales & Marketing
* Admin Support
* Legal
* Engineering & Manufacturing
* Finance & Management

On the Elance Home page, there is a ticker listing stats “Today on Elance”.  As I write this, there have been 28,606 new jobs posted in the past 30 days, 100832 Providers active – expert professionals offering their services, and $229,782,391 provider earnings have been paid.

There is a wonderful feeling of power that comes from selling one’s services directly to a party that needs them, without being employed by some additional entity.

I wrote a trio of recommendation letter templates for a medical student.  I was humbled by his scholarship and his many awards and honors, but as gifted a doctor as I believe he will be, he needed my writing skills.

I typed a transcript of a teleconference for a MLM introductory session, and boy, what fast talkers these folks were!  It was a challenge, but I enjoyed it.

These assignments help me rev up for writing my own content.  I get warmed up by them.

Now, some Elance providers are frustrated competing with folks from overseas, who have a much lower cost of living and can offer work for $5 per hour.  I believe that the market will support all of us.  Some clients can use programmers who are fluent in JavaScript and Klingon rather than English.  Many clients hiring writers want an American native speaker and the particular voice that comes from US providers.  The marketplace will swing back and forth, but it all works out in the end.

I have just accepted a new job, writing keyword-optimized, web-content articles on automotive topics.  Since my husband is an automotive enthusiast, I figure I’ll tell him each topic, let him share his thoughts on it, and that will be my outline.  I’m excited!

It you think that Elance may fit with your skills, interests and needs, sign up!