As everyone on this thread has pretty much said, "You can't compete with that." I was shocked to look at an Odesk ad which asked for an "Expert" Virtual Assistant for fifty cents an hour. This is no way to treat another human being.
As for what LCaroline learned from another VA, many are putting together packages.
Your feelings are valid, valid, valid with regards to these rates.
Caroline, yes those rates are shocking. But many of these people who work for those rates are excellent, skilled, intelligent people. The problem with it is that they can make ends meet with 50-cents an hour, and sadly, we can't.
Which brings us back to then not even bothering with these sites. I'm not going to say that I'll never, ever look again. You never know what's out there or waiting around the corner. You've just got to know how look, where to look, and know who to look for.
Company name: Collaborative Business Support Services
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 201
Re: How do you compete with THAT?
ODesk is the exact reason that I decided to take the plunge and start my own business! A friend recommended oDesk, and he warned me that the pay is cheap. He said that there are many qualified workers overseas, who willingly work for that amount. I was shocked at one of the jobs that I read about that paid 50 cents/hour! My friend has had great luck with oDesk; but, his skill set is different from mine. I'm so glad that I decided to venture out and that I found these forums!!
Caroline, yes those rates are shocking. But many of these people who work for those rates are excellent, skilled, intelligent people. The problem with it is that they can make ends meet with 50-cents an hour, and sadly, we can't.
There is no way to compete with these folks and there is no way that I can take that low pay. I won't take a regular job for $12 to $15 an hour either. I am worth more than that and so are you! I find that the best clients come through word of mouth and referrals. I would avoid those places...it's not worth your time.
I work pretty successfully through elance myself. I don't bid on the projects for the very low rates. I've picked up a few lifelong clients because they had already went with the cheaper person and got burned. They come to me saying please help and YES I will pay whatever you want! It's been a good marketing tool I guess.
Although I did recently accept a large research project based on a project rate and it took me days longer than I thought. So I guess that part really sucked, I should have bid higher!
I find that a lot of the times clients have experience with oDesk and are a fan of the price but not the quality of work. I started out at oDesk before opening my business and I'm much happier with the clients I have now. Also I have clients who say they would prefer to pay more and get reliability of results and consistently good work.
I just found odesk and been taking the test, filling out the information, and thank good I found this thread I really can't work or 2dls an hour just unrealistic I need a better way to find clients, event though now I live in mexico and can't do physical marketing I'll keep reading the forums sooner of latter I'll find a way.
Thank you for all of those that shared their experience with odesk
I am staying as far away as I can.
Regards
Suave
There are some people who are willing to take very low payment for jobs, but they must not have too much faith in themselves and their ability. I feel that someone who will take $1-$10 per hour really does not believe in themselves and just want to take any job that they can. While it isn't bad to build up your client base, you also want to make sure that you are making enough to cover your initial investment and your expenses! I feel that I am worth much more than minimum wage. I work hard and produce quality work. There are plenty of clients out there who will pay good money for a skilled VA.
Re: How do you compete with THAT?
I find that the best clients come through word of mouth and referrals. I would avoid those places...it's not worth your time.
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