The Writing Coach Blog

Membership Pays: Tips for Turning Group Associations Into Writing Assignments

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by Maya Payne Smart

Many writers pay to join professional organizations, yet never actively participate in the groups. Perhaps they just want the tax write-off — but why stop there? By simply seizing the opportunity to meet colleagues (think: potential clients) a modest investment in membership dues could bring a boon to your freelance business.

First, choose an organization that best suits your interests, needs and business pursuits. Groups operate on local, regional and national levels, and cater to different ethnicities, beats and experience levels. The American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers are good examples.

Next, get involved in the group's activities. Attend events, introduce yourself to other members, and volunteer your expertise. Use your membership to expand your knowledge, your presence, and your list of contacts. Work to make yourself stand out from the crowd, so that other members seek you out when opportunities arise.

I belong to two of the organizations that I mentioned above. I participate in each one differently. I began participating in SPJ by attending its national conference. Prior to that, I submitted a proposal to be a speaker, which was accepted. I gave a presentation titled "The Truth About Freelancing" that greatly increased my visibility among attendees. Afterward, numerous people approached me and said they'd learned a lot from what I had to say. In essence, my speech was a conversation starter that led to connections and opportunities I'd never anticipated. This October, I'll play a larger role at the national convention by presenting a half-day freelancing boot camp and hosting a booth in the exhibition hall. (I hope to see some of you there.)  

I also participate in local SPJ activities through the Virginia Pro chapter. At my very first local gathering, I made connections that led to freelance assignments with Virginia Business, a monthly magazine. Next month, I'll moderate a panel on writing for social change in conjunction with the chapter and James River Writers, another group I belong to.

My involvement with the Society of American Business Editors and Writers developed differently. I learned about SABEW when I was a graduate student at Medill, attending the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention in Atlanta. A couple of SABEW members gave a great presentation on finding the red flags in financial statements. I applied for membership the following year while I was the online reporter for Crain's Cleveland Business, but I didn't become active until I began freelancing full time. I signed up for SABEW's fall conference in 2007 and attended a business-reporting boot camp held beforehand at the University of North Carolina.

I stood out as one of the few freelancers at the fall conference. So, when SABEW board members began looking for people to help develop member services for that demographic, my name came to mind. By volunteering to create programming for freelancers within that organization, I gained visibility. Last year, I became the first freelancer to be elected to the board of governors. Through SABEW, my work caught the attention of editors who have since hired me for other projects, including writing for CNNMoney.com and BusinessJournalism.org.

You never know where the connections you make through a professional organization will lead, and — if you're willing to put in a little effort — it's hard to imagine a scenario in which your freelance business won't benefit from the investment.

Want to know more about how to get the most out of attending group events? Check out my recent post, "How Freelancers Can Make Conferences Pay."