What’s on the iPod: Daydreaming by Middle Brother
Today starts a series that, to me, is just brilliant. I can’t take credit for it. In fact, credit goes to Valorie, who’d suggested an article on the ten best tips from freelancers to newer freelancers. Valorie, we’re doing one better: we’re asking successful freelancers to offer their best tips (ten being maximum) in a weekly series.
First up (and always first to respond to my countless requests): Cathy Miller.
Cathy’s story is intriguing. A corporate marketing person for longer than she cares to admit, Cathy had a moment. In that moment, she quit her job and hung up her freelance sign. Since then, she’s become one of the most successful freelancers I know. Modest to the core, Cathy is always self-deprecating in her description of her time as a freelancer. But she’s a true professional who knows how to run a thriving business.
Today, Cathy shares with us those things that have made her the success she is.
10 Best Tips for Freelance Writers from Best of 7
head. Especially you math geeks. I’ll release you from your misery. I often
refer to myself as the “best of 7” because I am a middle child of seven who
likes to needle her siblings.
what many of us do. We overthink things. When Lori asked me for a guest post on
my 10 best tips for freelancers, I immediately wondered how I’d come up with
10.
my head – without overthinking it. Tomorrow the list could be very different.
– Act like a business owner. Intellectually I knew
I was a business owner from the start. Acting like one was a different story. After
my first year, I made a conscious effort to think of myself as a business
owner. I even started writing Owner after the Title on business forms. You can
be the best writer in the world but if you don’t take care of your business,
who will know?
– Think for yourself. Our online world puts us in touch with many
talented people – and more than a few self-professed gurus. Writers crave
education. It’s what makes us who we are. Keep exploring but always think for yourself
and your business. No one knows you and your business better.
– Use worst-case scenario. Fear stops us dead in
our tracks. It’s scary to try something new. Something outside our comfort
zone. Ask – what is the worst thing that can happen? The question delivers a
calming perspective.
– Follow your energy meter. Ever notice how much drama some people
attract? Whether it’s drama or deciding to do some task, ask this simple
question. Is it worth the energy? If the answer is “No,” move on and fuhgeddaboudit.
– Listen to your gut. This tip is the sister of #2. Does your
gut scream at you about an ad for a writing gig? Does a prospect’s promise of
future fame leave your gut smirking? Listen to your gut. It will not steer you
wrong.
and regroup. There’s comfort in routine but walking the same path creates
ruts. The best thing about plans is you can always change them. Not hitting
goals? Change your tactics. Or maybe you set unrealistic goals. Or your goals
changed. Revisit and regroup.
– Have a plan. The simplest of plans offers direction.
After my first year of freelancing, my simple plan was to do better than the
year before. A business without a plan is mostly reactive and often leads to
that rutted path.
– Remember why you’re on social media. Are your Twitter
followers mostly fellow writers? Are your LinkedIn groups solely writer groups?
Hanging out with peers is easy and informative. But don’t forget why you are on
social media. Assuming you don’t market to freelancers, develop networking
strategy that targets your client market – not your peers.
– Give back. Sharing what you know, what you have is
a gift that works both ways. The recipient benefits from your time and
knowledge. You gain immeasurable rewards from the simple act of giving. Whether
that is volunteer work or helping a fellow writer. Priceless.
–Take time for you. Don’t think because this is #10 that it
is less important. Taking care of you – physically, mentally, spiritually – is
the foundation for everything else. It is the reason I left a 30-plus-year
corporate career to freelance. Never lose sight of what’s important.
freelance writers. Overthinking not included. I wish you all continued success.
blog, Why 60 Miles,
is inspired by her passion for walking 60 miles in 3 days to support research
for finding a cure for cancer.
10 responses to “Top Tips Writers Series #1: Cathy Miller”
Great post, Cathy. As usual, you keep it clear and simple. Common sense never hurts!
Thank you, Lori, for the kind words and the real estate. 😉
Thanks, Paula. Simple is how I like it. 😉
Thank YOU, Cathy. I'm always happy to have your wisdom gracing these pages.
Paula, I'd love to have your words here, too…hint hint…
Great tips Cathy. Number 10 is also the reason I left a corporate career, but it's easy to forget that!
Emily, it's great seeing you here! I like #10, too. If you don't take time for yourself, why freelance?
Great tips Cathy! It's difficult to pick a best tip from this list. They're all great reminders. 🙂
Thanks Lori :o) Just to re-iterate point number 10, I've actually just got back from lunch with a friend (actually my old boss from my corporate job!), and I'm planning on curling up with a good book and the cat for the rest of the afternoon. Although, technically, I work Mon-Thur, I'm going on holiday on Thursday so I've made sure I'm pretty much up-to-date with client work, so I'm giving myself the afternoon off.
Working on it, Lori. I started jotting things down last night. I have a crazy busy week (I'm writing pretty much an entire special section that's due Friday, but the initial interviews aren't until this afternoon), so it might be the weekend before I can polish something up for you.
Thanks, Jenn. 🙂
Emily – trust me – I know what you mean. I have to remind myself some times, too. But after 30+years of corporate life, it's not as hard to remember as it was. 🙂
Paula, no rush. 🙂 I have something for next week.
Emily, good for you! I'm about to make good by going to exercise.