Dream Walking

For the past month or so I’ve been hunting for a part time gig for some extra cash.  Specifically, I want to save up some money toward the downpayment of a new car.  My search has proved to be a challenging one.  I have a full time job, am owner of a web design start up company, and am invovled with HYPF.  This is all in addition to being a home owner in a bachelor pad that requires constant attention.  Needless to say my schedule is tight.  There just aren’t many part-time nights, no sundays, 10-15 hour a week jobs out there…outside of retail.  Nevertheless, I got my hustle on and hit up Craigslist.

Craiglist is an internet classifieds filled with items to sell, goods and services to trade, personals, local community events…and gig listings!  “Gigs” are a want ads of sorts posted by indiviuals and not companies that need freelance work done.  Anything from artwork to an article for a blog.  I focused my search on the “computers” and “creative” section under Gigs.  I was looking for any kind of tech support or web design gig.  I didn’t limit my search to just Houston.  We live in the internet age of home office jobs right?  I sent e-mails to a few posts that were decent fits with no response.  No worries. 

In Craigslist Chicago I found a simple gig posted by a freelance writer.  The request asked for a person to provide phone support on a as needed basis and asked for information regarding experience, rates, and a contact number.  I responded with the requested information and shared my issues of limited availblitiy.  I also attached a copy of my resume minus address information for reference.  In short order I heard back from Jennifer, a freelance writer orginally from Houston and a graduate of UT Austin!  How cool!  I had her sold because I actually responded with answers to her request.  I’m looking forward to working with Jennifer and getting some extra dough in my wallet in the process and I’m going to keep hustling on Craigslist for ways to make some extra cash.

Some advice on what to look for and what to watch out for: 

- Be wary of get rich schemes.  If its too good to be true, it is!  Stay away from “data entry from home” gigs.

- Keep correspondance to e-mail only until you feel comfortable to talk over the phone.  You may want to create a seperate e-mail account to use for craigslist, just to protect yourself against the possiblity of spam to your main account.

- Be persistent.  New gigs come up all the time, just keep checking for new posts and don’t be frustrated if you don’t land a gig or if no one e-mails you back.  If you can complete a gig without meeting the client in person, do not limit yourself to your locale…search in other cities.

-  Create a resume that just has your e-mail address as contact info.  and attach that to any gigs you inquire about.  This makes you look more professional and keeps you protected at the same time.

- Network through leads.  If a gig doesn’t work out, leave your contact with information aobut yourself that may lead them to come to you in the future or recommend someone to you for a potentional oppurtuinity.

Do you have a Craigslist Hustle story?

If you give Craigslist a try, I’d love to hear how it worked out.  Remember your skills are worth something!  But, its not just about the money, its a great way to network and meet people from all over while increasing that all important commodity of experience. 

More stories to come!