Career Resource Utilization

I found more freelance gigs on WhatsApp than anywhere else. Most freelancers are busy sending cold pitches or posting daily on LinkedIn. But the real action is happening quietly inside WhatsApp communities. Here’s why they work so well. Every group is filled with people who are already hiring. They don’t need long introductions. They need quick solutions. That urgency makes it easier for you to pitch and close faster. The best part is that these aren’t random people. They’re founders, marketers, creators, and startup teams. They talk openly about projects, ideas, and urgent tasks. You’re basically sitting inside a live marketplace of opportunities. And here’s the smart way to stand out in these groups: → Don’t spam your services. → Offer help when someone asks a question. → Recommend other freelancers too. → Stay consistent in conversations. When people see your name pop up with value, they remember it. And that’s how referrals begin to flow. One small introduction can lead to a long-term client. One quick reply can turn into a project. Freelancers often look for complex ways to find clients. But sometimes, the simplest platforms bring the biggest results. Start joining WhatsApp communities in your niche. Design, writing, editing, marketing—there’s one for everyone. Your next client might already be typing in one of them right now.

Most people only check 2 or 3 job sites. That's a mistake. After 20 years of running a consulting company, I've used dozens of platforms to find great talent. The best opportunities aren't always on the most popular sites. If you're job hunting, expand your reach. Here are the top platforms to find full-time, part-time, fractional, remote, and freelance work: ➡️ 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 / 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 These dominate global job searches and have the largest employer base. • Indeed – General jobs, global, full-time and part-time 🔗 indeed.com • LinkedIn – Professional networking, full-time roles, career growth 🔗 linkedin.com/jobs • Google Jobs – Aggregates listings from many sites, all job types 🔗 google.com/search?q=jobs Best for: General exposure and mainstream hiring ➡️ 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲-𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 Purely remote or hybrid-friendly by design • We Work Remotely – Tech, design, marketing 🔗 weworkremotely.com • Remote.co – Curated remote roles, flexible hours 🔗 remote.co • FlexJobs – Paid access, vetted remote and hybrid jobs 🔗 flexjobs.com • Jobspresso – Remote jobs in tech, marketing, and UX 🔗 jobspresso.co • Pangian – Global remote community and listings 🔗 pangian.com • Virtual Vocations – Telecommute roles across industries 🔗 virtualvocations.com Best for: Professionals seeking verified remote or hybrid work ➡️ 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Ideal for senior talent looking to go fractional and for side project work • TalentLoft – Top executive and technical fractional talent 🔗 talentloft.com • GoFractional – Fractional leadership roles 🔗 gofractional.com • Toptal – Premium freelance network for vetted experts 🔗 toptal.com ➡️ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 & 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵-𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 Geared toward innovation, product, and early-stage companies • AngelList – Startup jobs, equity options, tech and growth roles 🔗 angel.co • PowerToFly – Focus on diversity in tech, remote work 🔗 powertofly.com Best for: Startup environments and mission-driven work ➡️ 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 / 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 • FlexJobs – Strong focus on flexible or reduced-hour roles 🔗 flexjobs.com • Virtual Vocations – Many part-time remote listings 🔗 virtualvocations.com • Upwork – Freelance gigs often short-term or hourly 🔗 upwork.com Best for: Those seeking side income or reduced schedules I hope this list helps you find your next job. 💡 Share if this helps others ➕ Follow Jason Moccia for more tech and leadership insights

There are remote job boards… And then there are job boards that actually lead to offers even if you're applying from Nigeria or anywhere in Africa. If you’re tired of submitting applications with no feedback or wondering where others are getting these legit remote jobs, this is for you. There are tons of websites out there but not all of them are worth your time. Some are outdated and some are full of fake listings. But a few stand out consistently because they list authentic roles, hire across borders, and Nigerians have landed real jobs from them. These platforms list opportunities that span various fields: tech, admin, writing, customer service, etc. Top Picks (High Trust & Nigerian-Friendly) - https://lnkd.in/dJPxPnX5 – Consistent remote roles, often open globally - https://remoteok.com/ – Great variety, used by many Nigerian freelancers - FlexJobs – Curated, scam-free jobs (requires a small fee) - https://wellfound.com – Startup-focused roles - Jobspresso – Legit companies & roles in tech, marketing, and support - Remotive - Curated remote jobs across industries - https://lnkd.in/dUEiDYb9 – Global-focused listings - Outsourcely – Remote-first companies hiring worldwide - https://www.toptal.com/– High-end freelance talent (vetting required, but worth it) - Upwork – Freelance marketplace (competitive, but many Nigerians win jobs) - Fiverr – Great for creatives, marketers, writers - LinkedIn – Use the “Remote” filter + optimize your profile! Trusted companies that hire 100% Remote These organizations are remote-first or remote-friendly meaning they don’t care where you live, just that you get the job done. Companies where Nigerians have landed roles or interviews: - GitLab - Automattic - Canonical - Doist - Shopify - Buffer - Uplers - Turing (via screening) - DuckDuckGo - Contra - Upwork (corporate) These companies often have global hiring policies and don't restrict talent from African countries. But like I always say your positioning matters too. The opportunities are there. The key is not just finding them, it’s being ready when you do. And most importantly, don’t disqualify yourself before they do. I'll share the things you need and require to put out a good application. There are other companies in Nigeria and outside of Nigeria that offer remote opportunities but you need to look and do your research. If you know other sites that are genuine and authentic, please share in the comments. For more career and recruitment tips, follow Boluwatife Ojo, PHRi for more.

I’ve been freelancing since October 2020. If all that experience disappeared and I had to start again from scratch, here's step-by-step what I'd do: Phase One: Knowledge Time to learn how to write. This is the number one thing you must do before anything else. Read... • “The Adweek Copywriters Handbook” by Joseph Sugarman • “The Boron Letters” by Gary C. Halbert • “Writing Tools” by Roy Peter Clark (Free PDF in the comments!) Next, you have to know what you’re selling. What is an article, exactly? How is it structured? What’s the difference between a case study, newsletter, landing page? Semrush has a solid article explaining it all (link in comments)! Post what you learn on a Twitter or LinkedIn account to start building your personal brand. 💡 Phase Two: Practice It’s time to put into practice what you’re learning. → Choose three topics you’re interested in writing about. → Create a Medium profile. → For one month (minimum) post one article a week on Medium. For ex: In my case, I was interested in digital marketing, remote work, and influencers. A few articles I wrote... • How Onlyfans is Ushering the Creator Economy into a Prosperous New Era • How Chloe Ting Became the Queen of Home Fitness • “Skinfluencers” Won’t Make it Easy for the Luxury Skincare Industry Phase Three: Pitch Let’s get some clients. Step 1) → How to Find Them: • TechCrunch’s “Recently Funded” • LinkedIn’s “People Also Applied To” • Newsletter Sponsors (Ex: If your target client is crypto, subscribe to Milk Road and pitch its sponsors as the audience demographic overlaps) Plus, subscribe to these newsletters dedicated to surfacing freelance gigs: • Kat Boogard’s Newsletter • Peak Freelance’s Newsletter • Sonia Weiser’s Opportunities of the Week Newsletter • Superpath Content Marketing Slack Community • Kaitlyn Arford’s Newsletter As you sift, create a list of clients that are in relevant to the topics you chose earlier. Step 2) → How to Pitch Them: The final step is to cold pitch. The rules: • The email is 80% about them, and 20% about you. • Bring a gift by pitching articles that are relevant to their target audience. • Link to your Medium articles to prove you can write. • Follow-up twice over the span of eight business days (roughly). Reminder: Stellar articles and personalized cold emails are *all* you need to start freelancing. I was earning ~$5,000 a month before I had a newsletter, website, Twitter, or LinkedIn. The next phase will be building the little parts: Contracts, website, etc (will explain in a future post 😌 ). Did I miss anything? Let me know! (Pictured: My setup working remotely for the first time ever in Paris 🌱 it felt v special :') ! )

If you’ve ever asked: “Where else can I show up and sell my data skills as a beginner?” This post is for you 👇🏽 “I don’t like posting contents on LinkedIn.” That’s what someone told me yesterday after I shared a post on the power of showing your work. And honestly.. Fair. LinkedIn isn’t for everyone. But who told you people you see posting like to post. lol most are doing it for the community and what they tend to gain from it. So you don’t have to like it to start you just have to start. Yeah Now Here are some lowkey but powerful places where you can land your first paying data gig even if you’re just starting out: 🔹 LinkedIn Don’t sleep on it. It’s not just for 9-5s. Freelance gigs, part time roles, and “urgent help needed” posts live here. Use your search bar well. Tip: use the search bar judiciously 😊 🔹 Twitter (X) Believe it or not, X is a goldmine for gigs if you're visible. Tech bros are always tweeting “Who can build a dashboard?” or “Need help with data cleaning.” So you can get gigs there too. 🔹 WhatsApp Groups A lot of you sleep on your WhatsApp community. Let your friends and family know you’re a data professional, referrals from close connections hit different. Tip: Share your wins. Post small projects. Someone always knows someone who needs help. 🔹 Churches, Mosques, NGOs, & Small Biz Tip: Reach out to them and pitch, Start with who you already know. Offer to help. Ask for a testimonial when you're done. 🔹 Fiverr & Upwork Yes, they’re saturated but smart positioning still works. Niche your gig. Tip: Focus on a problem, not just your tool. 🔹 Facebook Groups Yes, even Facebook. There are groups for small business owners, e-commerce, startups all needing someone to help them “make sense of the numbers.” Tip: Search for groups with “startup,” “business,” or “tech” in the name. 🔹 Cold Outreach Scary, but effective. Check out websites of small businesses in your area. Is their reporting clunky? Offer to help them build a better report or dashboard. Tip: Keep it simple short and straight to point. 🔹 Your School, Community, or Department Universities, student clubs, or community projects always have messy data nobody wants to touch. That's your chance to shine. Tip: Clean it. Visualize it. Turn it into a case study for your portfolio. 🔹 Your Personal Network You’d be shocked who needs data help, a cousin’s small biz, your neighbor’s school, your friend running an online store. Tip: Don’t underestimate word of mouth. Let people know what you do. You don’t need 5 years of experience to land a gig. You need visibility, a mindset of service, and the confidence to say, “I can help with that.” 📌 Be helpful 📌 Share what you know 📌 Keep showing up - even when it’s awkward If you’ve landed a gig through one of these “non traditional” routes, drop it in the comments. Let’s help others discover more ways to monetize their skills. P.S. I have something for you in comments. ♻️ Repost to educate your network

Laid off? Don’t wait for the next job! If the recent tech layoffs have impacted you, here’s a perspective shift… Your experience is worth more than just a paycheck. The same skills you used to excel in your job can be leveraged to generate income on your own terms. Freelancing isn’t just a temporary fix, it could open doors you never expected. Here are 5 websites where you can start offering your services today: 1. Upwork: Perfect for project-based work in tech, design, and beyond. https://www.upwork.com/ 2. Fiverr: Great for packaging niche skills into bite-sized gigs. https://www.fiverr.com/ 3. Toptal: Ideal for experienced professionals seeking high-end freelance opportunities. https://www.toptal.com/ 4. Freelancer: A platform with a wide range of opportunities in tech, marketing, and more. https://lnkd.in/dAGm8STq 5. LinkedIn Services Marketplace: Use your LinkedIn profile to connect with businesses needing your expertise. https://lnkd.in/d6ikfTkX Who knows? You might decide freelancing beats the typical 9-to-5 altogether. What are your thoughts on freelancing?

I spent most of 2024 trying to make sense of the job market. Everywhere I looked, the advice felt either outdated or out of touch. Apply here. Network more. Learn to code. Build a brand. It all felt like noise. And then one day, I stopped scrolling and thought to myself, What am I doing? That was the moment the teacher in me took over: the problem-solver and critical thinker. So, I went to work. I analyzed labor trends. Looked at projections. Dug into hiring data. I researched where industries were growing and what roles were in demand. Then, I cross-referenced it with what I am good at, what energizes me, and where I could grow. Because if I were going to move forward, I needed alignment, not just another job. I started taking in-depth courses to explore the possibilities. And I will be honest. Passion was missing at first. But once things started clicking again, it came back. With all that digging, this is what I have found so far. And why not share it? There are others in the same boat. Here are the 10 platforms I found most promising for real opportunities: Jobspresso – https://jobspresso.com Virtual Vocations – https://lnkd.in/eGufeH6k Upwork – https://upwork.com Freelancer – https://freelancer.com Toptal – https://toptal.com Fiverr – https://fiverr.com NoDesk – https://nodesk.co RemoteHabits – https://remotehabits.com Remotive – https://remotive.com Glassdoor – https://glassdoor.com Each one is worth exploring. Some are better for freelancers. Others for full-time roles. Next, I built a 6 to 9-month skill-building plan, including but not limited to courses: • Coursera – I chose certifications from Google, IBM, Meta, and Microsoft • Trailhead by Salesforce – I will be completing certification soon • edX and Verizon Skill Forward – Free, guided programs with a real-world focus https://lnkd.in/e-N2y6_6 Almost everything I am taking is free to audit. These are the certifications I am focused on: Complete list: https://lnkd.in/gB85jDYS Some standouts: Google AI Essentials – https://lnkd.in/gtH8ts-Y Google Data Analytics – https://lnkd.in/gsNiSn9z Microsoft Power BI – https://lnkd.in/gCYSi8Ey IBM Data Analyst – https://lnkd.in/gPiuupFB Google Project Management – https://lnkd.in/g2p-583c Salesforce Trailhead – https://lnkd.in/eJ4iZaUg These are not resume fillers. They are skill builders. Each one was chosen based on data, trends, and long-term potential. Here is what I know now that I did not know then: You do not have to guess. You do not have to wing it. There is a more thoughtful way forward if you take the time to figure out where you fit. So I am sharing this for anyone else trying to build something meaningful in 2025. What helped you stop spinning and start gaining clarity? #careerclarity #careerdevelopment #upskill #learninganddevelopment #salesforce #coursera #freelancejobs #digitalcareers #skillforward #trailhead #edX #careerstrategy #thoughtleadership

Today’s takeaway: Freelancers are NOT leveraging LinkedIn to its full potential. Your next big client is probably lurking on LinkedIn—are you making it easy for them to find you? This morning at L11 Creative Morning Club with Leland Grossman, I met several dynamic freelancers in event production, design, directing, and photography who are available and ready for work. However, many of them aren’t maximizing LinkedIn’s capabilities. Here’s how to change that: ✅ Optimize Your Bio – Be clear about what you do, the industries you specialize in, and the types of projects you take on. Make it easy for potential clients to say yes. ✅ Showcase Your Work – Use the Featured section to highlight case studies, portfolio pieces, or results-driven success stories. ✅ Engage & Post Regularly – Share insights, work updates, and industry trends. Visibility = opportunity. ✅ Network with Intent – Connect with decision-makers, recruiters, and fellow freelancers. A simple "Let’s connect" can open doors. ✅ Stay Updated & Adapt – Platforms evolve, trends shift—your profile should too. Freelancers, don’t just exist on LinkedIn—leverage it. Your next opportunity could be one post away. Who else has seen LinkedIn work wonders for freelancing? Drop your experience below! 👇

Becoming a freelance writer is an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent and earn a living doing what you love. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your client base, here are 15 actionable strategies to find freelance writing jobs: 1. Leverage Freelance Platforms Join websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. Create a compelling profile showcasing your skills, niche expertise, and portfolio. 2. Pitch to Online Publications Research magazines, blogs, or websites in your niche. Reach out to editors with personalized pitches and writing samples. 3. Network on LinkedIn Optimize your LinkedIn profile for freelance writing by listing your services, work samples, and key achievements. Connect with businesses that need content. 4. Cold Email Potential Clients Identify companies that align with your interests and send tailored cold emails offering your writing services. Highlight how you can solve their content needs. 5. Join Content Agencies Apply to content writing agencies like Scripted, ClearVoice, and WriterAccess to gain consistent work opportunities. 6. Leverage Job Boards Browse specialized writing job boards like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs, and Contena for daily listings. 7. Tap Into Social Media Use Twitter and Facebook groups to connect with potential clients or find job postings. Follow hashtags like #freelancewritingjobs. 8. Start a Blog Showcase your expertise and attract clients by creating a blog where you write about your niche or industry topics. 9. Ask for Referrals Reach out to past clients or colleagues and let them know you’re available for writing projects. 10. Offer Free Samples Write a few samples to show potential clients the quality of your work. If you’re targeting specific industries, tailor your samples accordingly. 11. Build an Online Portfolio Create a personal website featuring your best work, testimonials, and a clear call to action for hiring you. 12. Attend Networking Events Join industry events, conferences, or meetups to connect with potential clients and establish relationships. 13. Collaborate with Other Freelancers Partner with graphic designers, web developers, or marketers. They can refer clients who need writing services. 14. Utilize Local Resources Contact local businesses, nonprofits, or organizations that might need help with brochures, blogs, or newsletters. 15. Stay Consistent Success comes from persistence. Dedicate time every week to pitching, networking, and enhancing your skills. Finding freelance writing jobs takes effort and strategy, but with persistence and creativity, you’ll build a thriving career. With love, J.💋 #FreelanceWritingTips #FindWritingJobs #FreelanceSuccess #WritingCareer “15 Ways to Find Freelance Writing Jobs” by Jae Duran

I notice so many #freelancers only marketing through cold outreach. If you're doing this, you're missing opportunities!! Here's what I'd recommend instead: The 3-prong method 1. Cheerleaders: Share the kind of work you're looking for with the people in your network who will always have your back (old colleagues, mentors, friends), and ask them to spread the word. 2. Warm leads: Regularly check in with potential clients who haven't signed up for your offers *yet.* Sometimes it can take years for these opportunities to convert. Pop back into their inbox on occasion to say hi, share updates, and just generally keep the conversation going. 3. Finally: Add some cold outreach to the mix. I like for my clients to keep a running list of potential clients they'd be STOKED to work with. Then, email 1-2 of those folks each week. Eventually, these people will become warm leads, then perhaps cheerleaders.