Discovering Freelance Writing Opportunities Through Quora: A Success Story

Quora, a platform that has transformed the way we share and consume knowledge, has played a pivotal role in my career journey. While it may seem unconventional, Quora has been instrumental in introducing me to a world-class strategy consulting firm that eventually offered me a freelance writing or consulting position. This experience not only highlights the potential of Quora as a platform for career discovery but also showcases the power of insightful content creation.

My Journey

My foray into the world of freelance writing and consulting began on Quora, where I shared my thoughts and insights on various techno-managerial topics. The platform's vast community of readers and answer seekers provided me with a unique opportunity to showcase my expertise. Little did I know that one of the "Big Three" strategy consulting firms was paying close attention to my content.

The Unexpected Offer

One day, I received an email from a representative of this renowned consulting firm. The text read:

Dear Kasee,
I have been following your answers and blog on Quora – always very insightful and very accessible – thank you for being such a fantastic source.
I am reaching out because I am part of a team that is currently working on a venture for engineers and material scientists. It is a searchable database that helps mechanical and design engineers with their material and supplier selection, allowing to filter materials by their properties, discover new use cases, and reach out to suppliers.
We are now thinking of building up a community element around it and creating insightful content for aspiring and established engineers and material scientists, as well as professionals in the relevant industry and material fields.
I would love to discuss it with you. And maybe you would be interested in freelance writing / consulting based.

Surprised and excited, I responded positively and inquired about potential Work locations. The choice was between India and Germany, offering me a flexible work arrangement. However, the offer came with a twist: I needed to consider the financial compensation and my current work schedule.

The Negotiation and Decision

After considering the offer, I communicated my interest in a freelance role in India. The team and I engaged in detailed discussions about the compensation, which were both challenging and enriching. Unfortunately, my new job in India, extensive travel, and workload made it challenging for me to contribute to their project.

While expressing my appreciation for the opportunity, I regretfully informed them that I couldn't commit at that time. I wanted to ensure that I wasn't wasting their precious time, as we valued each other's efforts. Deciding against their offer left me with a sense of gratitude and respect for the firm's approach.

From Regret to Success

Feeling guilty about the situation, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Without expecting any financial compensation, I offered to write three articles for their project. Much to my delight, the team was very pleased with the results. This unexpected outcome not only solidified my content creation skills but also reaffirmed the value of my contributions.

The Future of Collaboration

The last communication I received from the consulting firm was a message of appreciation and a chance for potential future collaboration. Although there may be no immediate opportunities, I am optimistic about the possibilities that Quora has provided me.

Conclusion

Quora has been more than just a platform for sharing knowledge; it has become a catalyst for career growth and discovery. The experience with the consulting firm is a testament to the power of content creation and the importance of staying true to one's commitments.

Key Takeaways

Content is King: Quality and accessibility of your content can lead to unexpected opportunities. Networking Matters: Building a strong online presence can lead to valuable connections and professional opportunities. Consistency is Crucial: Keeping your commitments and delivering value can build trust and future opportunities.

So, whether you're looking to share your expertise or discover new career opportunities, Quora offers a unique and powerful platform to achieve your goals.