Validate Job Lead Now: Only 4 Questions

Every Lead a Possibility: 4 Questions to Efficiently Find Your Perfect Freelance Fit

New message alert!  A job lead in your inbox signals another opportunity to connect with a great client.  The Personal Job Pipeline isn't about landing every single project, but rather finding the ideal fit for your skills and goals. This happens by filling your inbox with Job Leads.

So how do you efficiently navigate these leads and identify the real gems?  Here's a simple 3-step process:

Step 1: Gather Key Details with a Clear Email

Before submitting your profile, take a moment to clarify some important details with a friendly email.

Here is my current template:

Thank you for reaching out about the role.
I have a few questions about this role.  

- Who is the client?
- What is the rate range?
- Is this a remote role?
- What is the expected duration? 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,  

Here are the 4 questions to consider:

Who is the client? (Understanding the client can reveal project scope and potential budget.)

What is the rate range? (This ensures your expertise is valued accordingly.)

Is this a remote position? (Location flexibility is important for many freelancers.)

What is the expected project duration? (Short-term gigs or long-term engagements can both be valuable.)

Pro-Tip:  Customize this template to match your specific needs and preferences.

Step 2: Align Expectations for a Winning Match

Once you receive the answers, assess how well this project aligns with your ideal client, rate expectations, and desired work style. Does it seem like a good fit? If so, move on to Step 3!

Step 3: Confidently Pursue the Perfect Project

With all the necessary information, you can confidently agree to be submitted for the project. This increases your chances of securing a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Remember: Treat each lead with professionalism and respect. By carefully evaluating each opportunity, you'll be well on your way to finding projects that align with your goals and fuel your freelance success.

Ready to build YOUR Personal Job Pipeline and discover a network of potential clients? 

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed by the constant search? (Optional: The next Personal Job Pipeline Webinar is coming soon) There are ways to streamline the process, giving you more time to focus on what you do best – delivering exceptional work!

Keyboard Shortcuts for X (Formerly Twitter) - Who Knew

X.com Keyboard Shortcuts 

The following are a list of keyboard shortcuts to use on x.com.

 

Actions

• n  =  new post
• l  =  like
• r  =  reply
• t  =  repost
• m  =  Direct Message
• u  =  mute account
• b  =  block account
• enter  =  open post details
• o   =  expand photo
• /  =  search
• cmd-enter | ctrl-enter  =  send post
   

Navigation

• ?  =  full keyboard menu
• j  =  next post
• k  =  previous post
• space  =  page down
• .  =  load new posts
   

Timelines
 

• g and h  =  Home timeline
• g and o  =  Moments
• g and n  =  Notifications tab
• g and r  =  Mentions
• g and p  =  profile 
• g and l  =  likes tab
• g and i  =  lists tab
• g and m  =  Direct Messages
• g and s  =  Settings and privacy
• g and u  =  go to someone’s profile

Keyboard shortcuts for Gmail

 From: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6594?sjid=11060015591129537489-NC

Turn on keyboard shortcuts

Some keyboard shortcuts only work if you've turned them on.

Note: Keyboard shortcuts aren't supported on all keyboards.

1. On a computer, go to Gmail.
2. In the top right, click Settings   See all settings. 
3. Click Settings.
4. Scroll down to the "Keyboard shortcuts" section.
5. Select Keyboard shortcuts on.
6. At the bottom of the page, click Save Changes.

Shortcuts you can use

You can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate your inbox and messages, format text, and complete actions like archiving and deleting.

To see a complete list of keyboard shortcuts, including which need to be turned on, type ? when you have Gmail open.

Note: Keyboard shortcuts work differently on PC and Mac computers. On PCs, you'll use Ctrl instead of ⌘.

Compose & chat

Action	Shortcut
Previous message in an open conversation	p
Next message in an open conversation	n
Focus main window	Shift + Esc
Focus latest chat or compose	Esc
Advance to the next chat or compose	Ctrl + .
Advance to previous chat or compose	Ctrl + ,
Send	⌘/Ctrl + Enter
Add cc recipients	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + c
Add bcc recipients	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + b
Access custom from	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + f
Insert a link	⌘/Ctrl + k
Go to next misspelled word (Mac only)	⌘ + ;
Open spelling suggestions	⌘/Ctrl + m

Formatting text

Action	Shortcut
Previous font	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + 5
Next font	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + 6
Decrease text size	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + -
Increase text size	⌘/Ctrl + Shift and +
Bold	⌘/Ctrl + b
Italics	⌘/Ctrl + i
Underline	⌘/Ctrl + u
Numbered list	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + 7
Bulleted list	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + 8
Quote	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + 9
Indent less	⌘/Ctrl + [
Indent more	⌘/Ctrl + ]
Align left	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + l
Align center	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + e
Align right	⌘/Ctrl + Shift + r
Remove formatting	⌘/Ctrl + \

Actions

Note: These shortcuts won't work unless keyboard shortcuts are turned on.

Action	Shortcut
Move focus to toolbar	,
Select conversation	x
Toggle star/rotate among superstars	s
Archive	e
Mute conversation	m
Report as spam	!
Delete	#
Reply	r
Reply in a new window	Shift + r
Reply all	a
Reply all in a new window	Shift + a
Forward	f
Forward in a new window	Shift + f
Update conversation	Shift + n
Archive conversation and go previous/next	] or [
Undo last action	z
Mark as read	Shift + i
Mark as unread	Shift + u
Mark unread from the selected message	_
Mark as important	+ or =
Mark as not important	-
Snooze Note: This shortcut isn't available in classic Gmail.	b
Expand entire conversation	;
Collapse entire conversation	:
Add conversation to Tasks	Shift + t

Jumping

Note: These keyboard shortcuts won't work unless keyboard shortcuts are turned on.

Action	Shortcut
Go to Inbox	g + i
Go to Starred conversations	g + s
Go to Snoozed conversations	g + b
Go to Sent messages	g + t
Go to Drafts	g + d
Go to All mail	g + a
Switch between the Calendar/Keep/Tasks sidebar and your inbox.	⌘/Ctrl + Alt + ,  and ⌘/Ctrl + Alt + .
Go to Tasks	g + k
Go to label	g + l

Threadlist selection

Note: These keyboard shortcuts won't work unless keyboard shortcuts are turned on.

Action	Shortcut
Select all conversations	* + a
Deselect all conversations	* + n
Select read conversations	* + r
Select unread conversations	* + u
Select starred conversations	* + s
Select unstarred conversations	* + t

Navigation

Note: These keyboard shortcuts won't work unless keyboard shortcuts are turned on.

Action	Shortcut
Go to next page	g + n
Go to previous page	g + p
Back to threadlist	u
Newer conversation	k
Older conversation	j
Open conversation	o or Enter
Go to next Inbox section	`
Go to previous Inbox section	~

Note: These keyboard shortcuts won't work unless keyboard shortcuts are turned on.

Action	Shortcut
Compose	c
Compose in a new tab	d
Search mail	/
Search chat contacts	q
Open "more actions" menu	.
Open "move to" menu	v
Open "label as" menu	l
Open keyboard shortcut help	?

You can change your default keyboard shortcuts in Gmail.

Step 1: Turn on custom keyboard shortcuts

1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
2. At the top right, click Settings   Settings. 
3. Click Advanced. 
4. Next to “Custom keyboard shortcuts,” click Enable.
5. At the bottom, click Save Changes.

Step 2: Change your keyboard shortcuts

1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
2. At the top right, click Settings   Settings. 
3. At the top, click Keyboard Shortcuts.
4. Next to the action, type the keyboard key to make a new shortcut.
5. At the bottom, click Save Changes.

Note: One key can refer to only one action.

Speedy Replies to Recruiters: Catch the Best Jobs!

In todays market, speed of response is VERY IMPORTANT

Here is a transaction from earlier this week..

  10:14am - Recruiter sends job request email
  11:18am - Candidate Responds
  11:21am - Recruiter responds with details
  11:23am - Candidate say good, lets go
  11:25am - Recruiter provides rate
  11:27am - Candidate asks a questions
  11:29am - Recruiter confirms question
  12:36pm - Candidate agrees
  12:53pm - Recruiter says too late, all submission spots are filled.

In the job hunt world, things move fast. The quicker you answer a recruiter, the better chance you have of landing a great role.

Imagine this: You get a message from a recruiter who likes your stuff. You want to write a perfect reply, so you take some time. You pick the best words to show you're excited and qualified. But by the time you hit send (like 90 minutes later!), it's too late! Another person who answered fast got submitted instead.

Recruiters get tons of messages, and they need to fill roles quickly. When they reach out, they're not just saying hi, they want someone to recommend to the client. If you take too long to answer, they might think you're not interested or not sure. That means you might not get the contract.

Here's how to be a reply champion:

Ready-made answers: Write some quick replies ahead of time. This way, you can answer fast without sacrificing quality. Like having an interview outfit already picked out, and ready!

Be on the lookout: Check your messages and emails often, especially from recruiters. Treat every message like it's important. Even if you can't chat right away, a quick "Thanks for reaching out!" shows you're interested.

Quick replies are key: In the job world, timing is super important. By answering fast, you show you're professional and serious. It also helps you stand out from the crowd!

Remember, don't wait! Respond quickly to recruiters. It shows you're eager and might just land you your next contract. After all, your perfect role could be just a reply away!

Unemployment Hell

 From Austin Belcak, austin@cultivatedculture.com

To all my people going through unemployment hell right now, please remember this:

Your employment status does not define you as a person.

Your happiness and mental health are separate and more important than any job.

Please prioritize them and find time for self care as you navigate this period.

Sitting in front of your computer refreshing email / LinkedIn all day isn’t healthy. Do this instead:

First, set goals:

This week you will email X number of contacts & apply to Y number of jobs.

Next, find ways to optimize & automate the process:

1. Find a daily 2-4 hour block that fits your schedule

2. Find one new company, find new contacts, apply to X companies, and email Y potential referrals

3. Track your metrics (apps, outreach, replies, coffee chats, referrals, interviews, etc)

4. Find the right tools (e.g. use tool like ResyMatch to quickly update your resume, or Yesware to see if people opened your emails)

Put in the time, meet your daily goals, then focus on YOU:

1. Go for a long walk/run and explore somewhere new

2. Take a book and a beer to the park, maybe skip the biz books and read something for pleasure

3. Learn to cook a new dish and surprise your partner

4. Take courses on things you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had time for

I know this isn’t easy but I promise it’s not permanent.

Don’t neglect your health and happiness because of it.

Be well,

Austin