Posted by Maya Smart on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
by Maya Payne Smart
Sometimes freelance writers make the task of drumming up new business harder than it needs to be by overlooking the resources right in front of them. Before you spend a lot of time chasing editors you've never met, why not tell the most trusted people you already know that you're looking for work? That's right: Talk to your friends and family.
You don't have to be Rupert Murdoch's next of kin or Arianna Huffington's BFF to use personal connections to your professional advantage. Your inner circle may not include any media moguls, but one of your friends or family members may know someone — or know someone who knows someone — who needs a story you're ready and willing to write.
Explain what it means to be a "freelance writer."
We tend to view friends and relatives as the people we hang out with when we're
not at work. But as freelancers, we have to bring our networking A-game all the time. This includes casual and recreational situations. Start by clearly explaining your work, goals and interests. It's shocking how easily the uninitiated can equate "freelance writer" with "slacker."
Avoid this (and other frustrating situations) by providing examples of what you do — and don't do. Want to meet Lucy Lou who runs the pet daycare and needs someone to put together her Web site? No. Tell people what you specialize in, who your ideal clients are and which types of sources you like to cultivate. Help your friends and family help you.
By letting everyone know how hard we work, what exactly it is that we do and what we're looking for in terms of jobs, we enable them to share that information with others. Then, if they know or meet people who may be helpful to us, our names come to mind. The best part: Our new connection comes with a personal reference.
Keep everyone in the loop.
Once your friends and family know what you're up to, remind them again later. The easiest way to do this is to send them links to new stories periodically. The people who support you like to see what you're up to. If you belong to Facebook or another social network, post the link there, too. Encourage loved ones to forward or repost your work.
When my husband and I relocated to South Carolina several years ago, he told a local beat reporter he met that I was a writer, too. The reporter's wife happened to be an editor, and she got in touch with me when she was seeking writers for the launch of G Magazine, a lifestyle publication in Greenville. The connection led me to some interesting assignments, such as profiles of local celebrities, including bluesman Mac Arnold and Tour de France veteran George Hincapie.
Pursue leads — and follow up on them.
Recently, I was sitting next to a friend of a friend at a basketball game. He asked me what I do and I told him, very specifically, that I was a freelance writer who specializes in covering business topics for print and online media. As it turned out, he had a good friend who was the publisher of a national business magazine and said he would introduce us.
I sent the acquaintance a letter of introduction (for more on these, check out First Impressions: The Letter of Introduction), which he forwarded to his publisher friend. By the end of the month, I had a freelance assignment for the magazine.
Posted by Admin Team on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 01:02 PM
For the past two weeks, I've been interviewing freelancers who'd like to participate in Writing Coach PRO, a group coaching program that starts Feb. 15. I'm truly impressed and inspired by their stories--not just the ones that they've penned for publication, but their personal tales of how they've navigated tough economic times. They shared the triumphs and setbacks they've experienced while working amid media industry consolidation, declining pay rates and other editorial changes. Despite the turmoil, they all expressed confidence in their potential for long-term freelance success.
In response, I shared my vision for the way forward: a small community of skilled writers working together to implement proven business strategies and hold one another accountable for taking action. Today I invite you to join our circle and commit to taking your freelance business to the next level. Only 15 spots remain.
Want more information? Check out the frequently asked questions below or visit www.writingcoach.com/gopro for details. Or, if you're ready to go PRO now, e-mail margaret@writingcoach.com to set up a time to chat with me. I look forward to hearing your stories!
Why is this program six months long?
Writing Coach PRO is designed to help writers transform their businesses. This takes time, support and accountability--something that shorter programs don't provide. Upgrading your Web site, honing your business sense, building a support team and getting your finances in order simply can't be done in a couple of days or weeks. I'm committed to seeing you through and will only work with writers who are dedicated to building their success over the long haul.
Why is the price so low?
I know that many freelancers are struggling right now to cope with declining pay rates and publication closures. I wanted to offer a high-quality course that was accessible and affordable. My research shows that $97/month achieves both: You get expert materials for a bargain price.
How did you choose which topics to cover?
I've taught the business of writing to hundreds of freelancers at conferences, over the phone, online and in person. Through our conversations, I've identified the key areas where people get stuck--marketing, project/time management, finances, technology and outsourcing. Writing Coach PRO was designed to address each of these topics in-depth with live calls, resources lists, action guides and online support.
How does the PRO program differ from other Writing Coach courses?
Length. Depth. Breadth. Other Writing Coach courses provide overviews of business concepts or drill down into a single topic in-depth. The PRO program is designed to give students a complete blueprint for establishing and maintaining a thriving writing business in today's difficult economic climate. It is intensive and ambitious. It's also selective: Each prospective student is interviewed to make sure that he or she is a good fit, and admission is capped at 30.
How do I know if I'm a good fit for Writing Coach PRO?
In general, this program caters to published writers who want to take their businesses to new heights, in terms of quality and quantity of clients and profits. The students admitted to the program so far include veteran newspaper reporters who hope to break into higher-paying magazine and Web site markets, finance and accounting professionals who hope to sell content directly to consumers online, and social media pros who are looking to turn their followers into customers. Although their backgrounds vary, they share a strong desire to get paid top dollar for the content they produce. (If you fit this description, please to fill out the application at writingcoach.com/pro or e-mail Margaret@writingcoach.com to schedule a time to chat with me.)
How soon do I have to pay?
Payment is due prior to the first class on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. EST. If you're interested, please don't delay because there are only 15 spaces left.
What if I have a prior commitment on Monday nights?
All of the sessions will be transcribed and recorded so you can tune in at your leisure. I'm also open to hosting additional Q&A calls on other nights if enough group members are interested.
Where can I go to read about the course's features and benefits?
www.writingcoach.com/gopro
