The answer to that question? Get experience!

Most of you freelancers aren’t interested in working for free. If your field of freelance isn’t already your fulltime job, you want it to be. (Honestly, I didn’t mean for that to rhyme.) The fact that you may be serving drinks down at the local watering hole, or cleaning hotel rooms to put food on the table, is irrelevant. You are writers/photographers/designers/(insert your freelance business here), and you want to be paid for your services.

Having said that, developing both a resume and portfolio that showcase your best work is somewhat difficult if you only accept paying jobs - this is especially true for those freelancers who are just starting out. Ever heard the phrase, “You gotta start somewhere.” Starting at a nonpaying somewhere doesn’t mean you’re selling yourself short. On the contrary, by accepting nonpay gigs from up-and-coming or already established, reputable companies, you are not only gaining valuable experience in your field, but you are also building strong work relationships and contacts. You can add these solid additions to your resume and portfolio - they show your skills, regardless of whether or not you were paid for them. You may also have the opportunity to work with the companies again.

Ideas to Help Build Your Freelance Resume and Portfolio

Whether you design websites or write, use these ideas to help you find freelance experience.

1. Work with Nonprofit Groups

Nonprofit groups rely on the goodwill of volunteers for their success. Local chapters of groups like March of Dimes, American Lung Association and The American Cancer Society often seek volunteers to write feature stories for their newsletters, and they’re often ready to empower writers with story ideas and contact information for interviewees. If you offer to write for a nonprofit group, there is a good chance that your work will be published in a professional-looking document with the logo of a respected organization.

2. Work with New Businesses/Websites/Authors

Contact your state business development office to learn about businesses that are in the process of launching. Find one (or more) that appeals to you, contact the owner and express your desire to help. Be willing to sign a release that defines your role as a volunteer, and your stories as “free.” Do a good job, and your efforts may lead to regular paid work. Also, regularly check freelance classifieds such as FreelanceWriting.com for advertisements. I gained my first ad-copy writing experience from handling an new eBook author’s promotional website and sales letters, and I found her in a freelance classifieds listing.

3. Blog

Most businesses know about blogs, but many don’t have the knowledge or resources to make blogging work in their favor. Publish your own blog on a topic that allows you to establish credibility. Solicit feedback, especially from professionals who might value your efforts. Keep records of the positive comments you receive and print the comments and your strongest posts for your portfolio. Offering editors proof that you are contemporary and savvy with regard to the Internet will help your cause. You can find free blogging space on the Web. Try LifeJournal, GreatestJournal, or Blogger.