I had a pretty decent career going, but there was something missing. It wasn’t until I took one teleclass from Lisa Gates that I realized everything was there except confidence. Sure, I’d been successful to that point, but I wasn’t focused. In one hour, Lisa helped me turn things around and find the perspective I needed to go beyond the “okay” career and into something much more successful and lucrative.
Sometimes we need a little help, be it a coach, a writing course, a workshop, or a networking event. In the beginning, you’ll soak it all up like a sponge. When you get ten or more years under your belt, it’s a little tougher to see when you need some guidance or a jump start. But we could all use a fresh perspective once in a while.
Just be careful what you choose. I signed up for a workshop sight unseen once. The preliminary material on the website sounded good, the price was right ($30). But when the month-long workshop started, I realized it wasn’t for me. The moderator had a great idea, but she wasn’t vetting her audience very well. While new writers may have time to read 4 lectures a week (the smallest was 36 printed pages) and do twice as much homework, those of us established and working 40 hours or better a week just couldn’t keep up. I’ll confess – I was in the class about 10 minutes before I realized the format, the workload, and the lack of feedback did not meet my needs. I never did that homework or read beyond page 20 of the first lecture. Ironically, the workshop was about brevity and tight writing. Uh….
When you seek workshops and coaches (Lisa really is the best), look for material that meets your needs. Don’t go at the process like you’re sticking a fork into a moving slice of pie – think about what goals you want to attain. Think about how much extra work you can handle, and talk to some former attendees for their impressions of the material and the instructor.
The same for networking events, where you’ll meet potential clients. Don’t just show up with business cards. Show up with cards and your plan for presenting yourself as a professional, be it how you’ll introduce yourself to how you’ll listen and ask questions of those you meet. Show an interest in others, not just in promoting yourself. Have you ever been cornered at a party or an event where the person can’t stop talking about himself? Yea, don’t be that person.
If you can’t put together a query, hire another writer or a writing coach to help you. Or read books on your industry. If you can’t market, buy the book, hire the marketing coach, take the workshop, attend the conference. The more muscle you put behind your title, the better you’ll present yourself, the better you’ll feel about your career, and the more likely you’ll respect your talents enough to charge what you’re worth.
Writers, where did you/do you find help?
Read, read, read, read, (ad nauseum). Read about writing, small business, technology to help your career, and especially read good examples of the kind of writing you want to do. Learn to read those examples with a critical eye so you can learn from them. Keep reading the markets you want to enter or remain in to keep up with their trends (the editors aren’t going to email you with the changes they are making, unless you are a columnist or regular contributor).
All writers’ advice tells you to read. Seldom do they say what or how. Yeah, reading everything that passes before your eyes is helpful, because you can learn from others’ mistakes (If you notice them and can analyze what they’ve done wrong). For those with limited reading time, it is crucial to focus on reading items that will enhance a career and improve writing.
*stumbles down off soapbox*
Go get ’em, tiger. 🙂
Totally agree. It’s how I started out. I read everything about writing and making a writing career that I could lay hands on. If it hadn’t been for a terrific book on query writing, I’d never have made it far into magazine writing. If not for the book on magazine article writing, I’d never have tried. If not for the stylebooks, I’d never have learned subtle differences between Chicago and AP. If not for grammar primers, I’d still be making silly mistakes. If not for…. you get the idea. 🙂
I had a mentor for a year that help me a lot because she was very honest and straight forward. She was great. I miss her so much.
Lori, you do such a good thing for your fellow writers here. Great support. I’ll be back on Friday to celebrate the Writer’s Worth Day!
Thank you so much for plugging me and the teleclass. You’re a peach.
I agree with Lisa. Whether I need a figurative pat on the back, a gentle nudge, or a friendly “what were you thinking?”, I can always find it on your blog or in your comments on my blog. Thanks as always!
Lisa, you’re the best. 🙂
Amie, likewise. Your blog is just damn fun to read, too.