The Complete Idiot's Guide to Elance

In the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression, a new sector has blossomed: the virtual work world. It's an oasis of sorts, one brimming with unfilled jobs. Elance.com is one of the largest and fastest-growing portals that connects freelancers who need work to businesses that need flexible, cost-effective workers in areas such as software development, creative and marketing, administration, writing and editing, engineering, accounting, legal, and more.

The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Elance holds the key to business growth in the global age, for freelancers and employers alike. Through its step-by-step, illustrated advice, readers learn how to:

• Get started and register with Elance.
• Develop a contractor profile that stands out and sells their services.
• Win clients through targeted pitches and top-notch proposals.
• Find and attract the best contractors with advanced search tools and a well-done client profile.
• Write clear job postings quickly and easily.
• Use Elance's tools to manage projects efficiently.
• Negotiate deals and project agreements that protect both contractor and employer.
• Manage earnings and expenditures using Elance's account pages.
• Develop best practices using example and template profiles, proposals, and job postings.