You can try going to industry events (check upcoming.org for startup related events in your town.) I found my first real contracting gig by meeting and chattin

You can try going to industry events (check upcoming.org for startup related events in your town.) I found my first real contracting gig by meeting and chatting with the CEO of a startup at such an event. I later checked the company's Web site and saw that they were looking for development help. You can also try asking friends or acquaintances who are contracting if they have any overflow work or need a hand on any current projects. Offer to subcontract at a lower rate than the friend charges his/her client. (Just make sure the friend is allowed to hire subcontractors for the given job.) Finally, try looking for part-time / contracting gigs on Craigslist.