Suraj Giri

To earn a living in this pandemic situation, you can start freelancing or consulting as job creation is not rising, whereas job seekers are. You can do this on the side while you work your current job. I did it for about ten years before going full-time as a software development consultant.

Ok, I know, you already know this, probably. Let's get to the good stuff. To get that extra $$$, you're going to need to get some clients.

The #1 thing I get asked other than how much should I charge is: "I don't know where to get clients." I get this question all the time. The first thing I do is perform a search for that person's name on Google. Then I see what comes up or, unfortunately, and more often, what DOESN'T come up. Meaning, there's no search result other than a LinkedIn profile (with no posts) or maybe a Twitter handle (also with no posts). There's problem #1. No one knows who you are or what you can do.

Here's the thing, I'm doing what everyone else is going to do when they hear your name - I'm going to Google you. Let us assume I'm talking to Raveesh (if your name is Raveesh, this is not meant to be directed to you, this is just an example). Raveesh is an Android Developer who's looking to do some freelance work on the side. He can't find clients. When someone hears that Raveesh is a good mobile developer, the first thing they're likely going to do is Google his name. If nothing comes back, that's not good. Why? As a business owner who will spend money on your services, I want to make sure you know what you're doing. When there are no search results for you or what you've done, that's a bit of a red flag.

Let us flip that on its head. Let's assume I Googled Raveesh's name and saw several results:

• An Active Twitter Handle
• A fully fleshed out LinkedIn Profile with posts
• Many blog articles
• A GitHub repository with some sample code
• Maybe a video online of him explaining how to do something in Android/etc.

As a business owner or even hiring manager, this will give me a much warmer feel towards Raveesh. Why? He has proven that he has some clout in the field. While he may not be the most senior or best developer in his field, this clout is a form of social insurance that he says he is - an Android developer. Who would you instead hire? The person with no online presence or the person with an active online presence? I'd hire the one with an active online presence (and most business owners would too).