It’s a day early, but I may be too busy tomorrow to post my monthly review. July started out rocky – most people are on vacation, so no real work to speak of. I sat with little to do until the second full week of this month. I decided to head up to Ontario to see the folks – that’s when the calls and emails poured in. So the latter half of this month has been gloriously busy. A little too busy as I’m about to head out for a planned two-week work/play jaunt, but I’ll take it.
Queries –
The beginning of the month I sent out a number of them. I stayed away from magazines except for a few inquiries for trip-related articles. I targeted clients in the industry. Nothing new. Nothing. Some months you win, some you don’t.
Job postings –
There were a few I’d responded to, but not many. The terms in these things are getting worse by the hour, so I did my best to ignore job boards. The only place I found valuable postings was Anne Wayman’s list.
Existing clients –
Here’s where things really picked up. I picked up five new project possibilities and scored two referrals. To date, I’ve worked on four of these. Plus I have my one ongoing client work. Neither of the referrals are signed yet, but we’re still communicating.
Earnings –
Better, but not great. I’m within $1,500 of my monthly goal, and I’m way under last year’s earnings. I expected it, but it makes it no more palatable.
Bottom line –
The additional marketing helped. And oddly, scheduling vacations really boosted the workload (they sense it, don’t they?). August is already partially scheduled, which is great because two weeks of it belong to vacation. My bank account looks like a burned-out bomb shelter, but I’m earning. That’s always good news.
How was your July?
My income rose this month, and I got some good bites on queries.
I also gathered about 300 new prospects on a trip, and am preparing a direct mailing, which should bring in some good stuff for fall.
I'll let you know on Saturday when I finally get around to my assessment. Glad to see you salvaged the month.
Lori, I'm glad to hear you're leaving with a solid schedule before and after your return!
I've had a good month. Better than I need to pay my bills and set aside some money to build more savings.
However, just like last month, an assignment I was supposed to get done this month got pushed back to early August. So while I thought I'd have a wow month, it's just a solid month.
But I'll take it!
Lori: Congrats on the progress (limited progress being better than none at all, right?) & as always thanks for your willingness to share your successes & setbacks with the rest of us. I find these monthly updates to be both informative & motivating, & just one of the many great services you provide here.
As for your "boost your workload by taking more vacations" epiphany — well, to borrow a popular phrase from the recent past, *that* is definitely change I can believe in 🙂
Hope your vacation is a wonderful one!
Things finally started to pick up for me two weeks ago. Six new assignments came in since then, but all are pretty small. I've already completed two, but have yet to be paid.
At least I'm earning – not as much as I'd like to be making, but it's something.
I took a week's vacation, so I'm not expecting it to be that great . . . but still above goal as far as I can tell! I've been so lucky.
I hope the suits who hire us are reading – I'm seeing very focused, dedicated people who are managing tight budgets and schedules. Who wouldn't want to hire us? Wait – that would be those people who don't like paying for anything.
There's Amie adjusting her work life (and personal life) to get a vacation, all while being concerned about earnings.
There's Devon marketing like a mad woman as part of her everyday thing.
There's Kathy making time to assess the career progress.
There's Hugh wishing me well (thanks, Hugh) and being part of this blog community. I love seeing you here, Hugh. :))
There's Gabriella doing math in her head in order to keep track of the invoicing. (that's a large accomplishment for me, hon!)
There's Paula building a large client base and giving them everything she's got.
Dammit people, we rock.
Just finished monthly invoicing and I hit the lower end of my monthly goal. Although I'd love to be at the higher end, I'm not complaining. I'm happy to be where I am in the midst of this economy. That makes three months in a row at or above my aim.