But working on making September better. Networking with some people I know locally for referrals. Updating a brochure so I can send it out to some targeted businesses. Doing the same with postcards, once I figure out what to put on them.

But I do try to see the positives. As slow as I've felt work has been, a friend of mine (former freelancer trying to break back in) seems astounded at how "busy" I am. Busier than some, but not busy enough for me.

Paula, I like that you focus on the upside. Amen. If it helps, summers, usually, are insanely slow for me. The last two were wildly busy. One is that I took on a client whose business is one that picks up during bad economic times. Never a bad thing to have that kind of cushion.

No doubt you'll rock it, Ashley. 🙂 And yes, it's backwards, but you get that, so no finger-wagging at you today. LOL And for me, I like both. I tend toward emails first, calls second. You're doing it right, girl. You're building locally and moving up from there. Nothing wrong with that approach!

Sara, wow you're busy! Just don't stretch yourself to where you're not able to handle it all. And good idea on the LOIs and assigned stories. I like when editors call with an assignment. It's saves us some time, doesn't it?

I've had success cold calling, but I still like to do a polite email and then follow up with a warmer call. Just my preference.

And my general theory is that August is a time for people to be distracted with end of summer kids' stuff. Those people you called in August? I'd call them back or email them the second week in September, when they're more engaged.

I submitted one magazine article but haven't heard back yet. I need to call and check on it. (and yes, I know I'm doing it wrong, but it was the one I had already nearly finished, so I went ahead and submitted it)

I've been doing lots of cold emailing to local businesses I would like to work with, but have gotten very little response. I don't know whether cold emailing or cold calling is more effective, but I'm more comfortable getting out everything I need to say in an email and sending it. What do y'all think?

I received an assignment from the local business journal yesterday and it's due in a couple weeks. Not great pay, but it should make a nice clip. I just need to rock it!

I got in touch with a couple of local small magazines and both said they would like to use me. Neither pay well, but again, the work should be fun and should make nice clips. I need to follow up with them in the next week so they don't forget they promised me assignments!

And at the moment, I'm still working my full time job and going to grad school. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed to say the least. I just need to make sure I keep up with the assignments I accept (both school and work).

A designer friend of mine asked me to do some writing for his client, but they have put the work on the back burner for now. Turns out to be a good thing with everything I'm balancing, but hopefully it will pick up again when I have more time.

Queries: Sent five in August, no replies as yet.

Job Postings: Replied to four. Had positive feedback from one, but it's still up in the air.

Existing Clients: Wrote three articles for two long-time editors; four columns; four blog posts; nabbed several small assignments from another existing client.

When I saw an existing client was looking for a weekly blogger, I applied. The publisher makes the final decision, but the editor thinks I have a good chance since the publisher has already mentioned that he likes my work.

New Clients: One. A single-project deal for my friend's boss. Quick turn around.

Earnings: About $900 less than my monthly goal. That's better than the past two months, but still not enough to cover my regular bills and the remainder of obscenely high property taxes (due Friday). Buh-bye to more of my savings.

The upside: 1) It's only September 1st and I already have invoices out totaling more than I brought in throughout August. 2) Work keeps streaming in. 3) Yesterday two editors said they should have work for me soon.

TIme for another Follow Up Friday.