You could create a portfolio website, then advertise on the many Freelance sites around... or run a local Adwords campaign offering your services in your area. Depends what your skills actually are... if its web skills then somewhere like getafreelancer could get you work. However these sites you will find there is fearce competition for work.

To get a better advice, you'll need to say what service/s are you offering. I recommend you to make your own personal website with your data, location, work experience and Demos. Also, it's a good idea to show how you do it and what's your cost rate per hour. Then, reach your audience by social networks. Here is an intersting article about social media optimization (SMO)

You should find a service provider first and submit your requirements. Before submiting the complete info you should give providers a Non Disclosure Agreement to sign.

Before choosing between all the providers you should evaluate proposals and check their references. After you choose the service provider of your preference, he will probably demand and advanced payment of a 20 or 30 percent.

You should also keep track of their work by asking the provider for weekly reports to evaluate his performance.

You should create your site with portfolio, customer reviews, etc. But if you only start - you do not have portfolio and reviews :)

So to start - register on freelance sites like:

• guru.com
• rentacoder.com
• getafreelancer.com
• scriptlance.com
• odesk.com
• elance.com

Than start bidding on projects. Finish at least 2-3 projects and than start with your site. But at the same time continue to search for projects on that freelance sites.

but peopleperhour.com is better.. [p.s. I am not connected in any way with them]

I assume that with "offering" you refer to PROMOTING, Am I right?

If so, I think of many methods, assuming you got a small business that provides services/products in a small area you could make some cool and marketable flyers, you could also make some promotion in local community radios or even add some classifieds in some local newspapers.

Internet is a great option nowadays, build up a blog or create a free website, there are plenty of options on the net.

Here's a link with some interesting tips on How to promote products