Elance Reviews

Pros

As a part time writer this venue allows me to take the jobs I want and work from home. It's been a great opportunity.

Cons

It can be frustrating to spend so much time working at bids, not getting them and having to follow up with clients who drop off the face of the earth.

Advice to Senior Management

Give back credits when a job ends up not hiring anyone and timing hout.

Pros

You choose your jobs. You negotiate terms and monetary compensation. Loads of jobs added every day. Safe environment to earn money.

Cons

Each client is different - some are rude and rarely respond when you are trying to get a job done in a timely manner. Others are as nice as can be. It just depends.

Also, the percentage Elance takes out of each payment is a bit high.

Advice to Senior Management

Improve the interface of the website and mobile app. Don't take such a high percentage of our pay away.

Pros

- Elance is a dynamic company with excellent job opportunities for talented people. Personally, Elance has been great for my professional growth.
- Opportunity to work with smart and dedicated people is a great benefit.
- Many employees seem to stick around for many years which is a good sign too.
- The company is moving in the right direction in an exciting industry. I am looking forward to seeing where Elance is in a year or two.

Cons

The office is getting a little cramped and getting a conference room on short notice is tricky. Fortunately, the office is getting redesigned early next year.

Advice to Senior Management

Stay the course. The leadership team is moving in the right direction in terms of growing the business. I am looking forward to seeing where Elance is in a year or two.

Pros

Some very strong and s mart people there. A go od but no lon ger unique bus in ess model

Cons

The business model is no longer unique. They'll need to do something else to create an edge and maintain it.

Advice to Senior Management

Look for more opportunities in small niche areas. Ask your people for more feedback. Don't be afraied to break out from what already doing.

Pros

- Working with bright people that love what they do
- Friendly and collaborative environment
- A lot of opportunities for professional growth

Cons

- Almost no downtime to take a breather from the rapid pace the company is running at. It's very exciting but could be taxing at times

Advice to Senior Management

More structured ways to mentor & groom employees for further professions growth

Pros

- Super smart people who work collaboratively and are fun to be around
- Challenging work
- Recognition
- Accessible management team
- Did I say super smart people??

Cons

- You have to want to work really hard and push yourself....could be a con for some.

Advice to Senior Management

More regular, one on one meetings with the team.

Pros

Flexible work environment
Work from home on Wednesdays
Using the Elance site to improve the Elance site
Talented and fun team
Open communication
Debates are constructive
Unique leader in the industry

Cons

Not enough focus
Change is driven by individual ranters on Twitter, Facebook, etc.
No one's really heard of Elance
Alot of ideas, but lack of growth in headcount where needed to make it happen

Advice to Senior Management

Focus on 5 things to excel at, not 50.
Learn from the past on how to prioritize and plan better.

Pros

If you are able to swallow your pride and not do too much to stand out, there are decent career opportunities available.

Cons

Sr Mgmt seems to have very little appetite to spend the $$$ necessary to grow the company. Overall, its an interesting business model, but the Exec team (in particular the CEO) seem satisfied with the status quo and not ever growing beyond the small 50 employee company they are today.

Advice to Senior Management

How in the world the CEO hasnt been replaced by the Board of Directors is amazing. Growth rates are flat to almost nothing, and any talented individuals last no longer than 6-12 months before they get tired of pounding their head against the wall. On top of that, if you push back on any opinions of the Exec team you might as well start polishing up your resume because you'll be labeled "against us" and they'll replace you. I'm all for riding the company line but its to the point where they quash any interesting dialogue that they dont feel warrants the discussion.

Pros

Happy with the job and flexibility provided

Cons

Management not competitive and ideas not in line with company interest.

Advice to Senior Management

no advice

Pros

Market leader which at times can fulfill promises to reward employees with company events. Decent pay and benefits, although nothing amazing.

Cons

Poor leadership, inability to reward hard work, deceptive practices when it comes to fulfilling promises it has made to employees regarding events, lunches, and other activities.

Advice to Senior Management

Elance could be a great company. The high turnover rate of management as well as the lesser employees will make Elance a company that will spin its wheels while making little progress for some time to come.