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6 Changes for 2016 That Will Improve Your Writing Career

What’s on the iPod: Hardliners by Holcombe Waller

One down, three to go. Every time I get closer to calling it a year and taking time off, projects come in. I finished a draft on one yesterday, and today I’ll spend an hour or two getting myself organized for the next deadline (the 18th). I have another project that I’m working on, but I may have to use some vacation time to get that one done. Or not. I’m thinking there’s a good chance I could get both finished. Then there’s a small project that I’m waiting on info for. 

I’m off today, though the day is crammed full of activity, so no rest until the weekend, and even then, no rest.

With the new year just weeks upon us, many of you are probably considering your resolutions. I say don’t bother with annual resolutions — too easily broken. Instead, make monthly targets and goals. Wrap some accountability around it and boom — ten times more useful than a mere resolution.

And here are six changes that can help you make that impact a little more, well, impactful:

Get in the habit of marketing. Don’t merely send clients monthly begging sessions, either. Send them articles that relate to something you’ve talked about, something that relates to their business, some event they may want to know about. Once you make that first contact, schedule the follow-up contact on your calendar. Then schedule a few months out your next contact. And so on….

Learn better negotiation skills. Read books like Getting Past No or Getting to Yes. Take a negotiation course from my pal Lisa Gates. State your rates openly and confidently, and know what your bottom line is before you ever approach the client.

Market your value. Don’t market based on price — you’ll lose every single time. Instead, show your customers why spending money on you is worth it. Show them how professional writing saves them time and money, and how it can help increase their revenue. Highlight  the skills that separate you from every other writer. If you specialize in technology writing, for example, show the experience that makes you a much better option than a generalist who might have a steep learning curve.

Match your message to your client’s triggers. Clients are more predictable than we realize. Visit a trade
show and watch what booths are getting the most traffic. They’re the ones who
create fun, mystery, or intrigue around their products or services. Look also
at the commercials you love seeing. What appeals to you? Build that kind of fun, mystery, or urgency into your next
marketing message.
Reintroduce yourself to an existing contact. Remember that nice customer you had about a year ago? What
are they doing now? Why not find out? Send an email or make a phone call. See what they’re doing and let them know what
you’re doing. Re-establish your connection. Plus, evaluate their impression of you or your product/services.
Ask if they’re still satisfied and if not, how you can make it right for them.
Price to get the client you want. You didn’t know your price determined your client, did you? When you raise your rates to match what your ideal client would expect, you’re going to have a much better chance of drawing in that ideal client. When I wrote for peanuts, the clients nitpicked the life out of every syllable. The minute I raised my rates, those client disappeared. But better ones took their place. You’re limited only by yourself. Don’t worry about how
others are pricing. Just as you’d buy a $4 coffee when another place sells it
for 99 cents, there’s room for everyone at all price levels.
Writers, what changes have you made that improved your career?
What changes are you making for 2016?

5 responses to “6 Changes for 2016 That Will Improve Your Writing Career”

  1. Anne Wayman Avatar
    Anne Wayman

    good list… love reintroduce yourself to a client!

  2. Lori Widmer Avatar
    Lori Widmer

    It works, too. 🙂

  3. Yours Creatively Avatar
    Yours Creatively

    Very helpful tips. I like the last one about pricing your services, it makes so much sense. Happy holidays

  4. Lori Widmer Avatar
    Lori Widmer

    Thanks, Yours. Makes a ton of difference, and it's totally within your control.

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