Believe it or not, there are certain projects that you probably shouldn't accept. Turning down work is probably hardest decision you will need to make when running your business, but sometimes turning down a gig is necessary. In this article I will explain to you details that you need to consider when you aren't sure which route to take. Consider following:

1. Will I Learn From This Gig? - As a freelancer, especially one in a technical field, you are expected always to be on top of new advances in your field. Therefore, taking a gig that will help you learn about something is probably worth taking on. However, it is important to make sure that you can do job well even though it is new waters for you.

2. Is The Money Good? - If gig pays a lot of money, taking money without any other benefits is probably a good idea. I am sure that you have an hourly rate, use this rate as a gauge to decide whether to take a job or not.

3. Do You Trust The Client? - If a potential client gives you heebie-jeebies then your instincts are probably telling you something. Do potential client's references check out? If you mistrust a potential client, but pay looks good, perform a background check. An untrustworthy client could cheat you out of a lot of money, and isn't worth collection efforts.

If you want to get your business name out there, nothing is better than referrals and networking. Networking is act of passing someone's name on to another person. But, in new world of technology, networking has taken on an entirely new face. Since this form of self-promotion could mean make or break for your freelancing career, I recommend you use some of following pointers.

1. Write Articles - Write articles about your expertise and submit them to heavily trafficked web sites. Make sure that you are referenced in these articles. Something like this works best:

John Smith Fake Company Expert Web Designer http://www.fake-company.com/ fake-company@server.com

Some web sites won't let you have all of this information written as a signature on article, but they will let you have a summarized version. If not, at least insist on your name and website address being added to article.

2. Become an Expert - There is a web site called All Experts (http://www.allexperts.com/). That is a great place to network. This site is a hub where people ask advice of experts. Take advantage of this marketplace where others in your field can ask advice of you. If these people are pleased with your expertise, you might receive future gigs from them.