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You may have been blessed with writing or artistic ability or other valuable skills, but if you don't know how to market your talents, you won't get work. If you view your work as your "product" you will understand why it is so important to use marketing techniques to convince a prospect to buy what you are selling.

So, how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd? The Internet has made a freelancer's job a lot easier and more interesting. Here are a few ideas:

• Determine what your potential client needs to achieve and then demonstrate how they will get exactly what they need when they use your services.

• Be sure to follow the standard practices that professionals use. For example, don't write a complete article and submit it before you have an assignment. Instead write a query that demonstrates your skill and then ask for the assignment.

• Keep your rates within accepted guidelines. If you ask for too much, your client may not be able to afford your services. If you ask for too little you will be perceived as a novice.

• Emphasize what distinguishes you from your competition.

There are two new services that will help you showcase your abilities and attract potential clients.

1. ELANCE - FOR FREELANCE JOB AUCTIONS

   "Written by the editors of HomeWorkingMom.com, a mom's first step to working at home. Here's what one mom wrote about her experience."
   
   "I came to your site (HomeWorkingMom.com) in June 2000 after doing a web search for ways to make money at home. It was at that time I found a link here for eLance.com. I have always been very computer savvy and did a lot of desktop publishing and websites for family members. I decided to do a LOT of online studying and went into graphic design. Thanks to you and your information, I have now made $30,000.00 in my first year of business, and all from the comfort of my home! My children thank you and so do I! You gave me the tools to succeed in doing something I love. Thanks again!"

   Joanne Waser,
   JOW Graphics
   http://www.jowgraphics.com

   Have you ever participated on an auction site like Ebay? Well, there is a new site that uses auction techniques to list freelance work and freelance services. Post your skills and let others bid on them, or bid on listed jobs.

   An auction site for freelance jobs? Yes - and it is very effective! We were so impressed when we found this site that we decided to offer a special version of it just for visitors to homeworkingmom.com.

   You can bid on listed projects or list a fixed price service you would like to provide. Just like other auction sites, there is a place for both the employer and the freelance worker to leave feedback. A message board and other features give you a feeling of community with other freelance workers.

   Here are two freelance jobs recently featured here:

   JOB: Write a 500 word description of a new Web site/service. Current bid: $80.

   JOB: New Web site needs html design help. On going work is possible. Current bid: $178.50.

   It will take approximately 5 minutes to register to participate in this innovative world of elance workers. To get started now, register for eLance here.

2. FLIPDOG

   FlipDog delivers the Internet's largest job collection—all direct from the source—employer Web sites. All the services at FlipDog.com are free of charge to you as a job seeker but you must complete the registration form to take advantage of the full range of FlipDog.com's services, such as being able to post a resume, applying for a position, using the job center and JobHunter. Click on "Open your FREE account and put your resume online" under the photo of the dog.