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
Posted by Maya Smart on Mon, Dec 07, 2009 @ 10:04 AM
This afternoon I will begin teaching the December session of "How to be an Entrepreneur as a Business Journalist" a week-long webinar sponsored by BusinessJournalism.org that teaches freelance writers and online publishers how to make a living outside of traditional newsrooms.
Today we will begin by focusing on some of the basic information about how to get health, libel, and disability insurance; structure and incorporate your business; and figure out what equipment and software you need. On Tuesday, we will get into the relationship side of the business and discuss how to build a support team of transcriptionists, virtual assistants, interns, bookkeepers and professional advisors like certified public accountants and attorneys. And Wednesday is all about marketing.
On Thursday, I pass the baton to Joe Grimm of the Ask the Recruiter and JobsPage blogs who will discuss the best ways for journalists to brand themselves. He will also facilitate Friday's live chat featuring five fantastic journalist entrepreneurs (who are all taking a different spin on doing business in this industry).
Registration for this course is closed but the New Year will bring several other must-attend free training events. Visit www.businessjournalism.org for details.
More than 8,500 journalists have attended the Reynolds Center’s free business journalism workshops since 2003. (I've attended three myself.) Now it's your turn!
FREE Interactive Webinars:
· “Investigative Business Journalism on a Beat,” Jan. 25-29 with former Washington Post reporter Alec Klein.
· “Writing Business News for the Web – Breaking News and Beyond,” Feb. 8-9 with Pulitzer winner Jacqui Banaszynski.
· “Networking Your Way to Better Business Stories – and Jobs,” Feb. 22-23 with “Ask the Recruiter” blogger Joe Grimm..
· “Using Social Media to Cover Business Better,” April 19-20 with BusinessJournalism.org managing editor Robin J. Phillips.
FREE Daylong Workshops:
· Philadelphia, Jan. 22: “Tracking the Economic Recovery in Your Town” with Moody’s Economy.com senior economist Ryan Sweet, New York Times reporter Ron Nixon and BusinessJournalism.org blogger Melissa Preddy
· Indianapolis, March 10: “Investigating the Business of College Athletics” with Pulitzer winner and best-selling author Buzz Bissinger, NCAA official Wallace Renfro and USA Today journalists Steve Berkowitz and Jodi Upton.
· Phoenix, March 18: “Produce a Business News Video in a Day” with ASU instructor Brian Snyder. A pre-SABEW conference event.
· Phoenix, March 19: “How to Look Natural On Air” with ASU professor Susan Green. A pre-SABEW conference event.
· Portland, Ore., May 7: “Investigative Business Journalism on a Beat,” with former Washington Post reporter Alec Klein and Pulitzer winner Gary Cohn.
· Las Vegas, June 9: “Investigative Business Journalism on a Beat,” with former Washington Post reporter Alec Klein. A pre-IRE convention event.
More than 8,500 journalists have attended the Reynolds Center’s free business journalism workshops since 2003. (I've attended three myself.) Now it's your turn! Visit www.businessjournalism.org for details.