Take Advantage of Social Media When Looking for Consulting Contracts (cont.)

3. Karma: Stay connected and online as much as possible. People and recruiters want to know what you're up to and if you're in the market for a new contract. Inform your network of your availability by updating your profile and status updates. Sending emails and sharing and re-tweeting opportunities is a great way of paying it forward.

4. Brand Integrity: Using varied and unique methods to show your success as an independent consultant through social media is greatly encouraged. Link your social networks together by cross-listing them on profile pages. Create blogs, videos and online portfolios to showcase your work. When a recruiter or client expresses interest in engaging in business with you, they have already been exposed to your previous successes.

5. On Your Mark: Because social recruiting is cost effective, recruiters are now likely to first post opportunities on social networks than on a job board. This is especially effective for posting jobs with quick turnaround times. Staying connected to your digital network will position yourself for a quick response should a contract opportunity present itself.

The advent of social recruiting has made it easier for recruiters to spread the word about contracts. Whether your current project is coming to an end or you are in between projects, linking yourself to as many people, groups and networks as possible will allow you to be visible to the hidden market. Employers and clients value consultants with technical savvy, so take the time to learn about the various technologies that are available online.