This is a guest post by CAD Consultant Brian M. Curran @ www.draftingservices.com

So the economy has pulled back, you’re a Drafter, and you’re looking for part-time or full-time income. The thought of doing freelance work has crossed your mind, but you’re not sure where you would start. Well, I can provide some tips on how to get started with CAD freelance work, based on my personal experience of doing just that.

First you’d need to identify the types of drawings that local or national businesses have a need for. I’d focus on your local market first, because I believe most businesses that hire freelancers, hire local ones. I wouldn’t rule out long distance relationships though, because much if not all of your work could probably be done through email and web conferencing. And during this discovery process, you should also make a list of companies that potentially have a need for such drawings. These two things go hand-in-hand, and you can’t have one without the other.

Once you have identified the types of drawings you’d like to offer services for, then you’d need to assemble a portfolio of those types of drawings, if you don’t have one already. It’s not likely that someone would send work your way, without you first providing them with samples.

Next you’d have to make sure your resume was in order. Along with this, would be your references. A good reference could set you above your competition. – Yes, there’s going to be competition. There’s always competition!

Now that you have identified a need, have identified companies that potentially have that need, can prove your competency via your portfolio, resume and references; you’d need to get in touch with the decision makers who can give you work. Do a little web research on your list of companies, and try to identify who the decision makers are.

If you could identify the decision makers, or at least the next best person, get ready to call them. Before calling, do some reading on cold-calling, and then make your calls. A simple phone call could be the start of a wonderful business relationship!

Thanks for the article Brian!

You can contact Brian at his website address listed above.