What do you do if you want to enhance your brand development portfolio through temporary and contract work?

1 Identify your niche and goals

Before you start looking for temporary or contract work, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of brand development work you want to do, and what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to focus on a specific industry, market, or type of brand? Do you want to develop a certain skill, such as logo design, copywriting, or strategy? Do you want to build your network, reputation, or income? Having a niche and goals will help you narrow down your search and target the right opportunities.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

Once you have your niche and goals, you need to update your resume and portfolio to reflect them. Your resume should highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements in brand development, as well as any certifications, awards, or testimonials you have. Your portfolio should showcase your best work, with a brief explanation of the project, your role, and the results. Make sure your resume and portfolio are easy to access, share, and update online, and that they are consistent with your personal brand.

3 Search for opportunities

There are many ways to find temporary or contract work in brand development, depending on your preferences and availability. You can use online platforms, such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, to bid on projects posted by clients. You can also join agencies, networks, or communities that specialize in connecting brand development professionals with clients. Alternatively, you can reach out to your existing contacts, such as former colleagues, clients, or mentors, and ask for referrals or recommendations.

4 Negotiate the terms

When you find an opportunity that matches your niche and goals, you need to negotiate the terms of the contract with the client. This includes the scope, timeline, deliverables, feedback, payment, and ownership of the work. You should also clarify the expectations and communication methods for the project, and address any potential issues or risks. Make sure you have a written agreement that covers all the details, and that you review it carefully before signing.

5 Deliver quality work

Once you start working on the project, you need to deliver quality work that meets or exceeds the client's expectations. This means following the brief, adhering to the deadline, and producing creative and effective solutions for the brand. You should also communicate regularly with the client, update them on your progress, and seek their feedback. By delivering quality work, you will not only satisfy the client, but also build your reputation and credibility as a brand development professional.

6 Showcase your work

After you complete the project, you need to showcase your work in your portfolio. You should ask the client for permission to use the work as a sample, and for a testimonial or review of your performance. You should also document the project, including the brief, the process, the outcome, and the impact. You should highlight the skills, techniques, and tools you used, and the results you achieved for the brand. By showcasing your work, you will not only update your portfolio, but also demonstrate your value and expertise to potential clients or employers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?