Work Sample Hints

The work sample is the key element of TryMyWork and giving a good sample will bring you more customers.  Instead of sitting through another interview or making another sales call you spend the same amount of time showing an interested Customer what you do best.  Giving a good sample is the best way for you to convince the Customer that you are the right person for them there on the spot.

When thinking about your sample put yourself in the Customer’s place and ask yourself the following questions.  What kind of sample would help you make an informed decision?  What kind of sample would make you want to click the request button right away?  The average reader of a web site has an attention span of 8-10 seconds, how can you hook them quickly?

Finally, remember that the Customer always has a choice and that you need to encourage them to choose your sample.  You can do this both by making sure that your sample is clearly defined and that it offers a clear and attractive value to the Customer.  A consultation or estimate is not effective.  If there is a single service that you know your existing customers always need or want, that is a good place to start.

The work sample is your chance to shine in front of a customer, but it doesn’t end there.  Reviews of your samples will show up on the site and tell other Customers why they should seek you out.  Nothing speaks for your abilities like a job well done. 

5 QUESTIONS for J.P. Bauman, spokesman for TryMyWork - Boulder Daily Camera

5 QUESTIONS for J.P. Bauman, spokesman for TryMyWork - Boulder Daily Camera

How to Create an Effective Profile

The basics:

Make sure all your contact information is up-to-date and accurate and that the service area and categories you have chosen are correct. Last, but certainly not least, make sure to check the number of samples you have authorized. Remember that you need to authorize at least 8 samples to be eligible to be promoted in our special emails.

Describing your services:

Here you should describe the full range of services you can offer to customers as well as any special qualifications or experiences that you possess. Promote yourself here and explain what makes your service unique and attractive. Your descriptions should not include contact information or your business name because we are committed to protecting the privacy of your information.  Listing information like full names, email addresses, and phone numbers on the web is an invitation to spammers and web scrapers.  Our process ensures that the only people who get your information are TryMyWork Customers whose sample request you have reviewed and authorized. 

Describing your sample:

This should be a clearly defined description of the service you are willing to offer to Customers as a free sample. You’ll want to make sure 1) that the Customer will read the description and know what to expect and 2) that the sample is something at which you know you excel and that will leave the Customer wanting more.

Want more information on how to develop a winning work sample?  Click here. 

Describing your bonus deal:

We encourage you to offer a bonus deal in addition to your sample.  The bonus deal gives the Customer an extra incentive to hire you on the spot.  Think about the bonus deal as an introductory offer that will help convert your work sample requests into long-term paying customers.  You might offer a 20% discount off of your regular rate or a package deal in which the fifth or sixth service is free.

Uploading your photo:

This picture should only be of you. Please DO NOT upload images containing your business logo, your business name, other individuals, or objects. Photos that include information about your business make you vulnerable to scrapers and spammers. One again, we never share your last name, business name or contact information with customers until you review and accept their request. We also want customers to know who to expect at their door when the time comes to provide the sample. This keeps both parties safe.