Making Connections
Start a business that connects peopleConnecting people is big business. Third-party services that match folks up for personal or business purposes can make good money, and it's easily done thanks to the Internet. "I saw a need for an online marketing tool for freelancers and I wanted to help self-employed people," entrepreneur Tracy Wild says. ROGER PIERCE |
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 [ 2005-10-19 ] |
Freelance Pool
Wild's company is called The Freelance Pool (www.freelancepool.com). It helps self-employed Canadians to connect with companies seeking freelance support; for example, a copywriter may find freelance work from an advertising agency through Wild's service. Companies may also use her service to source talented people.
"Freelance Pool members go through an application and screening process so we get the best people," Wild says. "And, unlike other websites, it's free to search for freelancers and review job postings."
She learned from personal experience how challenging it can be for a freelancer to find work. "Freelancing offers a great lifestyle, because you're self-employed, can set your own hours and work for a variety of clients," she explains. "But, as a freelancer, you're responsible for both doing and finding the work, which can be a problem."
After working in six full- time jobs and freelancing for four years, Wild says she realized two things: The need for a go-between service to connect freelancers with clients, and that she was much happier working on her own. "Business inspires me," she says.
To connect people through a business service, an entrepreneur must start by identifying two groups of people who want to be hooked up. You can connect suppliers to buyers, men to women, parents to babysitters, travellers to airlines or investors to entrepreneurs. The business model usually involves charging a fee to one or both parties.
Since she's in the people business, Wild says she tries to build new relationships everywhere she goes. She also stays in touch with all of her key contacts every month.
"I like the challenge of looking for new business opportunities," Wild says. "I also enjoy working with different people. I think you've got to be a people person if you're an entrepreneur."
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