I pretty much knew when I went on vacation last week that my monthly income would be adversely affected. I did the math – I’ll be just under $2K off my monthly target.
Our goal as freelancers is to grow the business and – this to me is the important part – keep enough work in the pipeline to avoid idle time. I’m far from idle, but I could be doing more right now.
So back to my usual ways of finding work. Here’s what I do:
Market when I’m busy. I have one significant deadline this month, but it’s now that I’m trying to find more work. I don’t wait until I finish – I try lining something up for when this project finishes or while that project is in the works.
Send out client “checking in” notes. They may need my help and I’ve not asked. I’ve learned not to expect clients to remember to call. I remind them I’m here if they need me.
Find a new magazine market. Despite all the gloom-and-doom tales, print publishing isn’t dead. Magazines are still read and editors still have money for freelancers. I try to locate at least one new magazine a month for my ideas. So far, I’ve contacted two magazines and have gained two assignments from one of them. Not bad odds.
Look in new places. I haven’t gone near Craig’s List or any other market listing in ages (beyond Writer’s Market, that is). Instead, I look at companies I interview for articles, contacts at various PR firms, and I get the word to anyone I have even a passing working relationship with what my specialties are. Last year, this helped me score two new ongoing clients that I’d not otherwise have landed.
Hit the social networking sites. I don’t beg. I interact. I retweet, I send direct messages, I post on forums, and I extend my hand to those in the same specialty. Once in a while I’ll post that I’m available, but my goal is to connect, not promote and turn people off (and too much self-promotion does exactly that).
Ask for recommendations or offer help. Occasionally someone will post news about a big new project or mention they’re overwhelmed. I send a brief note offering my help. Again, I don’t beg. I offer. Once. Writer friends will respond if they need me. I’ll ask for a recommendation very rarely and only if the writer knows me well and knows my work. And only if that writer’s job isn’t jeopardized by my approaching their markets. I’m not out to steal anyone’s jobs.
How do you plan ahead? What are your favorite ways to find more work?
I usually just keep blogging to stay visible, release a free report to get some attention / prospects, or tap the waiting list. But that's pretty rare.
You hit an important point though. You have to keep marketing and building your visibility if you don't want to find yourself in a dry spell down the road.
That's true of all writers. I remember not long ago seeing a content mill writer say they never have to market their services because the mills are that reliable (yeah, right — I've seen enough shut down or change revenue models on a near-whim to know better). It just left me shaking my head in disbelief. It seems crazy that anyone still thinks that way. Then again they weren't a full-timer (at least then), so they didn't have to worry about longer-term career planning and growth in that sense.
My husband was asking this morning how people can live off of their online writing. I don't know much about it- but it seems like it's practically a full-time job. There is a silly myth that goes around that says that working at home is easy- HAH!
Plan A: keep in touch with past and present clients regularly, nudging them with emails that say "I'm now scheduling projects for July," or whatever. Also act quickly on any leads that come my way and introduce myself to the prospect with an email or phone call.
Plan B: Only when Plan A isn't bearing enough fruit (so far in 2010, it's working like crazy). Send out a precisely targeted direct mail piece
I try to maintain a consistent cycle of reaching out to new PR firms and new companies. I also set aside time once a month to catch up on local business doings and send a note to new businesses or people handling massive new projects. I'm surprised by how well that's worked – turns out those are the very people who appreciate having help turn up when they're busiest.
Where I'm trying to be better is contacting old clients. I used to think that if they liked and needed me, they'd call. But as I'm learning, it often doesn't work that way — and being shy definitely doesn't pay the bills!
Great timing again, Lori. This is the first time in several months (perhaps so far all year) that I've had a lull. I wrapped a couple articles just over a week ago and know it will be another week or two before a couple of my regular markets start assigning. And yes, I've flooded them with ideas.
And right now I am kicking myself for not sending a couple more queries out while I was so busy. I approached a new-to-me publication last week with an idea I think it perfect for them. Now I hope the editor agrees.
Perhaps while I have some downtime I should explore the worlds of Twitter and Facebook. I've resisted those as big potential time sucks, but just today I read in a writing newsletter that a lot of companies are placing a greater priority on their Facebook pages than their websites.
Jenn, you know how I feel about content mills. 😉 What's upsetting is the people writing for them who think marketing will never enter their lives. As you said, wait until that mill job disappears.
Sandra, have your husband ask just about anyone who comments here – we're all making a living off writing online – and other places. But most of my work in particular is found and conducted via the Internet and email. And you're right – working from home is no picnic! Unless, of course, you take the laptop out on a blanket with some sandwiches….
I like your methods, Eileen. The first one is my favorite way to find work.
Valerie, see my post tomorrow on calling existing clients. You'll see why you should call those people right now!
Twitter is less of a time sink than you imagine, Paula. I give Twitter about ten minutes of my time a few times a week. I ignore it when I'm too busy (hint – do NOT leave that Twitter app open if you're trying to work!).
Ah Lori – I have an archaic cell phone that doesn't do apps. It barely texts (mostly due to the numeric keypad).
I don't have a laptop, either, so I'd have to tweet with my trusty old (emphasis on the "old") desktop.
Yes, I'm somewhat of a Luddite. I also don't have a DVR, an iPod, or a garbage disposal. I'd love any and all of those things, but I can't justify all of those expenses. Oh, and my old portable dishwasher broke over a year ago and I refuse to replace it until manufacturers offer a stainless steel insert for the door – why pay $600 for something that doesn't coordinate with my newer appliances?
Okay. So maybe I'm not such a Luddite after all. I'm just cheap.
Paula, not cell phones – the Twitter app for your desktop. I don't have apps on my phone, either. 🙂 And I couldn't live without a DVR. Once you have it, you wonder how you lived without it. I like watching tv shows on MY time schedule, not the networks'.
Hmm, my goal is to move toward MORE idle time with the same amount of money. One way this has worked for me is outsourcing and passive jobs/income. But I know what you're getting at. I'll still hit up the job board lists, to be honest with you. I have enough "luck" there that I am starting to think I should specialize in cover letters!