Comments on: Mixing Up the Marketing

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:07:00 +0000

I must be remembering the fire then, Paula.

Wow, Anne! That does feel risky. :)

Devon, it never fails - become too busy to handle things and everyone needs you right then.

Becky, fingers crossed for you. That sounds like great timing!

Sal, I love it! Fourbucks - so true! And way to go. I've been hanging out at Starbucks for that reason. I've been known to leave a few business cards behind, you know, accidentally and all... ;)

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:14:04 +0000

Diane – I'm not a fiction writer, but I write the occasional. Last night while writing a journal entry I had a really funny twist on events that is crying out to be turned into something fun. Then i could sell the script, make millions of dollars, buy up all of the crappy rentals and hire someone to screen for decent tenants, sell some to owner-occupants, or bulldoze the rest!

Last weekend I would have had time to work on it. This weekend I have four interviews to transcribe, one column to write, one or two blog posts to write, window film to put up, and the annual Santa Letter sales flier to get out. (I might try branching into editing family holiday letters – most of the ones I receive need heavy editing, so maybe there's a market!)

By: Sal

Sal — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:03:24 +0000

Diane, please keep us updated if you hear anything back. I agree with those above and I usually write my LOIs and such from the heart (when I do them). I find it comes across more authentic and I can connect better with an editor if I tailor it to fit them, there magazine and most importantly, the audience.

I just stepped out onto a limb. I was sitting at Fourbucks (haahaa, get it - ANYway) and heard a couple of people talking about a fashion magazine they were putting together. They mentioned needing a press release and my stomach jumped onto the table. I got up, walked over, apologized for eavesdropping and gave them my card. A little chit chat later and I may end up with a new client. (I'm trying to get more local clients at the moment).

When you are looking at what doesn't work, how do you ladies decide what you want to try next? Anne, want to jump in on this one?

By: Diane

Diane — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:07:51 +0000

Thanks Paula, and Lori. I've not heard back yet, so may check their website to see if they're happy to receive sample stories anyway.

Paula: Do you write fiction? I'd want to convert all of that raw material into something, and a nice meaty crime story could be just the ticket without being so depressing.

By: becky

becky — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 01:33:35 +0000

I have had so many opportunities not work out recently due to timing with my pregnancy leave. I just got an email about something after the holidays and am crossing my fingers that it works out. Could be steady work for a while. I hope, I hope, I hope. We sure could use something going in our favor.

Lori, glad to hear that your client is trying so hard to help you. Those great relationships are golden!

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:42:43 +0000

Until this move is done, I am bringing nothing to the table.

And suddenly, everyone wants a piece of me. Isn't that always the way?

I'm telling them all, "I'm moving. If you can wait until after Thanksgiving, let's talk; if you can't and want a great referral, I've got a good list of people."

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:36:33 +0000

try something new is always a great idea, particularly if what you're doing isn't working... great post, as usual, Lori.

Want something that feels risky? Try 5 cold calls !

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:54:55 +0000

First murder in my immediate area in about 10 years (same block both times!). Four weeks ago the foreclosed hose two doors down had a small fire started by squatters.

This is what you get your city has successful Weed & Seed programs in the bad parts of town: The criminals who weren't arrested set up shop in a new part of town. Mine.

I swear one day I'll be one of those little old ladies beating off a burglar with a baseball bat if they dare enter my house. A message to any would-be criminals: Don't mess with me. I bite back.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:51:25 +0000

Day jobs get in the way, don't they? You're so right – when you get a referral, it's golden.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:23:43 +0000

I'm trying not to drown in work from the day job, but I have managed a few freelancing gigs lately. I've just been trying (successfully, I think) to do an awesome job on each article, so the editors have come back to me. I need to reach out to a few new people and I definitely want to try the LOI. I've also been networking locally like crazy, which is working too. Personal recommendations are so nice and so easy!