What’s on the iPod: Jumper by Third Eye Blind
You’re getting a lot of posts out of me this week. That’s because there seems to be a lot to talk about. Snow, more snow, and work are piling up. I got a last-minute article request on Tuesday for a short sidebar piece and right now I’m buried to my neck in writing. Two articles due a day apart next week — should be interesting.
Wouldn’t it be nice if I had electricity? Alas, it went out yesterday around 4 am, and at this writing, I’m sitting at the local McDonald’s, which seems to be one of few places around that still has power. Right now, 183K of 220K in the area are in the dark. So I hope I’ll be back today, but who knows? I’m lucky to find any connection.
In the flurry of snow, rain, and total disconnect (even the 4G on the phone wouldn’t work), I nearly forgot my monthly assessment. Alas, I’m not letting myself off the hook (nor you, for that matter). Here’s how January looked:
Queries
I kept threatening to send more, but I sent just one. It was accepted. Hence, the deadline.
LOIs
I sent 31 in January. The trade show is coming in April, and I wanted to reach out. The result — I finished one project for a new client, three projects for another new client, and I had a few “we may need you at some point” responses. There’s also a call with another new client next week.
Existing clients
I had work from regulars, but it was a pretty quiet bunch this past month otherwise. A few small projects came in and were finished quickly. I’m getting that feeling — you know, the one where everything is about to come in at once.
New clients
Despite losing the bulk of a project from a new client, I did pick up those other two new clients. January seems to be a good time to tap people on the shoulder and get the projects started.
Social media
I’ve made it a point to contact five new people via LinkedIn every week. So in January I was able to contact 15 people (didn’t make the decision until the second week, so…). Of those, there are a few who are interested in further conversations.
Earnings
It was a slow start to the month, but by the end I was on track and earning. I missed my target by $1,500.
Bottom Line
It was a good month, but not great. So the plan is to push more, follow up more, query more, communicate more, and look into some new areas I’ve been considering. I’ve just reconnected with a favorite editor who’s now at another publication. That adds one more client to the roster and one more platform for name recognition in the industry. Amen.
How was your January?
What surprised you? What didn’t?
Did you reach your income target?
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