I felt like I was slogging through mud yesterday. Way too many things getting in the way and not enough work. I did get one more assignment from a regular client, but nothing concrete on the three others who were asking about upcoming projects. Soon. Patience. If I say that often enough, I may convince myself.
I kept reaching out to clients with suggested projects, and I added another contact group – PR folks. I have had great success working with and for PR folks in the past. They need writers almost as often as corporates do, and often they’re part of a corporation. Why not reach out?
Here are a few ideas for finding some new friends of your own:
Communication managers. You work with them on getting story sources. Why not ask them if they have need for a writer who understands their business? Some of my best contacts – and recommendations – have come from company communications managers.
PR firms. Just introduce yourself. Tell them the types of articles you write. Ask them to put you on their lists to receive releases. Use their clients once in a while. You’ll be surprised how much work comes from befriending these folks. They appreciate someone who helps them do their jobs, and you’ll appreciate the good PR folks who get it right.
Managing editors. These folks are the true gatekeepers at most magazines. They’re the ones who hand out assignments, manage freelancers, and get the issues out. Mind you, that does vary per magazine, but in most of my own dealings with magazines, I’ve worked directly with managing editors.
Where do you have potential for new clients? Who haven’t you approached that could be a great source of leads? How would you approach them?
If you work with any local printers, try tapping them for info. I just got some juicy information that could open up some possibilities for me.
OOoo! I can't wait to hear about it, Wendy!
They might call themselves communication managers, publicists or media spokespeople, but I consider them partners. Good publicists don't spam you with unwanted press releases or make you jump through hoops, they help facilitate your success. You can turn to them when you need reliable sources for my articles, or if you're looking for some newsy ideas to pitch your favorite editors.
Good publicists are terrific to work with. But pushy publicists can derail a project before it gets going by setting limits on what you can ask or making unreasonable demands. One bad experience and you'll see the pushy publicists coming from a mile away – possibly two.
Yes on the managing editors. As I think we've discussed before, they're really the workhorses of the staff, and will route you to the correct person even if they don't do the assigning.
Yes on Wendy's suggestion about local printers. Two of my longtime clients are printers–they tend to be well connected in the community and savvy businesspeople.
My 2 years in PR was the most agonizing stretch in my career. I only do PR kicking and screaming, but y'all are welcome to have at it! 🙂
Topic-wise, it's not that exciting, Lori. But, it was interesting to know local agriculture-manufacturing companies tend to have their sales packets redone twice a year.
From what I know of how it works, it's a waste of money for them. If there are changes made to the product, redoing the whole packet isn't necessary. If the writing/editing is the problem, then getting it done right the first time is, of course, the solution!
recognize the plowing through mud thing… one old new client for me today and one that's saying more work "soon." We all know about soon.