What's the best way to get started on Guru. As a newbie here, I'm having a difficult time getting a gig since I don't have any reviews.

Work on your profile a little more, such as instead of requiring the employer to contact you find out the software you are experienced in, list the software. Take a look at some of the profiles of other freelancers here, to see how they are written, but do NOT copy them, Create one uniquely yours.

Then write the best proposals you can, tailored specifically for the job you are submitting a bid for. In the proposal, less of "you" and more of what you will do for that employer. Your profile is about you, Your proposal is about what you will do.

Don't bid too high, nor too low.

Try and find a nitch of what you are best in and look for jobs in that category.

It takes time. Sometime you might land a job in a week, and sometimes it may take months. And sometimes, it takes a lot of luck. Don't give up and good luck

Simple Mantra,

1.Have some links up on your profile and Website Portfolio

2.Bid Bid and Bid (Do not get Lazy)

3.Lower your price range (later adjust with your ratings)

4.Analyze which jobs you can take do not unnecessarily go on bidding which you cant do (will be waste of time)

http://5.DO not showcase more than 3-4 links in your bid unless you really think (no body has time)

6.Please do see performance of other high bidder go to their profile study it (will motivate you also so you will do second point)

7.Give realistic timeline (may write less than 24 hrs turnaround if the job is small)

If you are on ZERO job, for a kick start bid lowest or even give free things with some ideas to client so that they should give you a chance.

Let me know how did it go, cheers

You guys are awesome. I appreciate all the advice. I am so glad I decided to join Guru.

I agree that it's good to look at other profiles for some things, but to keep my creativity and originality in my profile. I think it's good to have a balance of the too. Looking at others, and then thinking of how I can do something better is helpful in many of things in business.

If anyone else has any ideas, I'm open to hear them. I'm sure this will help all the other new members of Guru as well.

Thanks again everyone!

Hi Marcelina,

You have some great advice here! There are two things I want to add. Firstly, if you have samples of work that you've done and have permission to use them, do that. As a new freelancer, it can go a long way toward showcasing your skills and give employers a better sense of whom they are dealing with. Let your work speak for you.

Secondly, don't give up! It isn't easy trying to get started and it might take a few weeks or even a month or two for things to happen, but every experience you have along the way will teach you something if you're open to it.

Adding to what Kathleen said about reading other freelancers profiles, pay attention to their bidding practices. When you see projects that are of interest or ones that you have bid on, revisit them later via your proposals page or watchlist, to see who was hired, what their profile is like, their work samples too, and what they were eventually paid. It won't tell you every detail about the job they did, because sometimes work changes a bit after the award is given, but doing this little study will allow you to gauge what the average bids are. The numbers can be the hardest thing to figure out when you're new! It was for me!

I hope this helps. :)