Search HN, there have been a ton of these questions with great advice and feedback. Some tips though. If you are US based, avoid the elance, odesk etc sites.

Search HN, there have been a ton of these questions with great advice and feedback. Some tips though. If you are US based, avoid the elance, odesk etc sites. They are a race to the bottom and most clients on there want the world for $500, which means you get stuck in an unrealistic expectation environment from day 1, regardless of what you communicate to them. The best clients come from talking to other people and seeing what they have going and then making an offer to help them out. Also, while this is tough mentally to start with, the more specialized you are the better success you will see from the start. Yes, the initial jobs will take longer to get, but specializing keeps you from getting overwhelmed and helps people see you as an expert. Not having a portfolio isn't an issue if you can communicate and talk with people. Selling is all about being able to identify with a client and finding common ground. Once you do that your chance of sale goes up dramatically. Next would be making sure you are or can portray the expert well enough that people feel confident you are capable of solving their issue. And for every client you talk to see if there are others they can recommend you to.