Comments on: Guest Post: Now What?

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:52:12 +0000

Great, straight forward post, Andrea. I passed the link to this post along to two newbie writers who contacted me looking for advice about getting started. :~)

By: Jenn Mattern

Jenn Mattern — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:51:58 +0000

I'll second what Anne said.

Also, in addition to a Twitter account, I'd suggest checking out Google+. I'm the last person to tell anyone they "must" try a new tool just because it exists, but this one is actually worth it.

What I've noticed so far is that the conversations are much better than they are on Twitter -- less disjointed and a better community feel. There are fewer people there, but their user base seems to be growing fairly quickly.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:27:32 +0000

I'd add get a website asap.

By: Andrea Altenburg

Andrea Altenburg — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:58:38 +0000

Wade, finding a mentor is an excellent tip. I have one that has been very helpful with answering questions and giving advice.

Cathy, I also use Linked In, but have not found work that way yet, but I have heard it to be very effective for many.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:23:17 +0000

Create the jobs I want where I want them. The point of freelancing, for me, is to write about whatever interests me and get paid for it.

I don't like to wait around until someone else figures out what they need -- I like to convince 'em I make their lives much easier and more productive! ;)

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:09:41 +0000

Nice post Andrea. I would add finding a mentor. Even if your connection is only through cyberspace it really helps to have someone to lean on. The life of a freelancer can be lonely and daunting. It's not like you can walk to the office or cube next door to get some encouragement.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:56:31 +0000

Thanks for posting for me, Andrea! I appreciate your wisdom.

Cathy, good tip. I use LinkedIn forums, as well. Great way to rub shoulders with the folks you want to work for.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:52:49 +0000

Great tips, Andrea. What worked best for me for finding new clients was (and is) LinkedIn.

Maybe because it seemed a bit more like the Corporate world I came from, I found it to be a good fit. I paid more attention to LI than any other social media platform in the beginning. And it has paid off-60% of my clients started in one form or another at LI.