As you already probably know, I’m a big fucking fan of Upwork. It’s been an enormously awesome platform for me that’s allowed me to meet all sorts of clients and do a ton of work. It has also enabled me to make more than half a million dollars as a freelancer.
It has allowed me to work with thousands of amazing people, clients and freelancers alike.
I don’t think I need to spend more time vouching for them, I literally have an entire blog devoted to their awesomeness, and I hope they continue to dominate.
I own stock and reinvest back into Upwork every week. I’ve been using this platform everyday for the last 5 years plus. I think that grants me the unique opportunity to comment on what it’s like to be a successful freelancer on this platform.
Upwork may be pissed that I’m going to say this, but the truth is they don’t have much room for more freelancers.
Without a single doubt, it will be tougher and tougher to get noticed on the platform as time marches on.
There’s just too many freelancers.
And Upwork is not interested in attracting more talent. Their main focus is bringing medium and large size businesses onto their platform. Enterprise shit. They want very large contracts with very large businesses.
This is all they talk about during their shareholder meetings.
Don’t be bummed. How do you use this to your advantage?
Are you in the system or are you still waiting to get on?
Have you been turned down and can’t get your profile approved?
I think the most important thing that you have to think about is how you can bring value to these big companies.
And more importantly, how do you become an expert in your field so Upwork has no choice but to not only allow you to be on the platform but to promote you to these high paying clients?
After all, getting hooked up with one of these big companies could be an absolutely amazing opportunity.
Imagine the job security of a big company mixed with the freedom to work anywhere and everywhere? Sounds super dope!
This year, think about what it is that’s going to make Upwork recognize you for your greatness. What is your talent that will be attractive for some of these companies? How will you rise from being a mediocre freelancer to one of the top freelancers in your niche?
Whatever it is… amplify it. Learn everything about the niche and spend time learning. Be able to identify yourself as an expert. Be able to confidently sell yourself so people believe in you.
Seek greatness and you’ll find it.
Use this as an opportunity to not just be a VA, but be a technical VA that can develop web ecosystems for clients. Learn how to be an expert writer. Learn how to design better than everyone you see. There’s always better.
There are always areas to excel beyond the current leaders in any industry. That’s progress. It’s been happening since the beginning of time. Think about the world records in the Olympics… Every 2 years those records are shattered by men and women who believe “the best” isn’t “the best forever”.
Be better.
