Market Researcher, Consumer Insights, Powerpoint, Presentations, Desktop Publishing - starting work today. Next steps?

[gladis]

I have put my son into nursery part time to give me about 20 hours I can work from home per week. Probably more if I needed to.

I am qualified to do all these things I mentioned in the title - market researcher, consumer insights, report writing etc as well as on a more administrative level I am a highly competent powerpoint/excel/dtp user. I've worked for large multinationals and have 20 years experience, 2 degrees etc etc.

Today is the first day I am contacting people and companies to let them know that I am available, on a casual, per hour basis, for jobs big and small.

Does anyone else do this, or know someone who does? Are you aware of any pitfalls or things I should bear in mind?

Also, are there any professional online groups I should join, either for moral support or for to promote my services?

UK Business forums
Twitter
Linkedin

and remember - sell yourself like a bloke would

Am intregued ( as a market researcher) by your mix of skills - are you selling yourself as a researcher (qual? quant?) or an administrator. Very, very different roles...

Get onto Skillfair and PeopleperHour

Agree with DDW though - how are you positioning yourself - you need to be clear waht you can deliver for clients, rather than just offering a 'bag of skills'!

Yes, I am skilled at both and would not advertise my services for both to the same audience.

Very intrigued by peopleperhour however so many people on there who have never had a job through it. Does anyone know the history to this company, or how long they have been operating?

Gladis

My DH has used PeopleperHour with great success for his business, which involves website design and SEO work.

I have also contacted a couple of suppliers about jobs on there, but didn't win them (I am a bit expensive for people per hour I think @£500 - £1000/day!)

I think there ARE jobs to be had through the site, and I think quite a lot of activity happens 'off-site' e.g. DH is now employing a couple of contracters directly after they started off on PPH for him.

I'm on PPH as a qual researcher for a couple of years & have never seen any suitable jobs!

I'd really recommend the ICG - independent researcher - very helpful egroup, and people often team together on projects. I've never had any work through it, but have had lots & lots of helpful support. HAve seen lots of postings asking for short term support with DP/charting etc...