Comments on: Marketing Strategy: Reliability

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:57:11 +0000

Kim, I've learned to live with the compliment, too. :)

As you mentioned, it's something that gets you repeat business. So it's definitely a marketing strategy!

Paula, that's a biggie. If they know what you're up to, they're not sitting there worrying or making up scenarios in which you're the incompetent, uncommunicative writer.

Anne, I'm still surprised that we have each other's back so well. You're just a good partner! :)

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:20:12 +0000

Lori, you and I test each other's reliability a lot with the 5 Buck Forum etc. We're both pretty good at it… and I'm always surprised when someone isn't.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:19:47 +0000

I addition to the usual ways (meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, etc...), I also keep editors or clients appraised of any issues or questions that arise. If there is a question - maybe a key source is unavailable - I'll let the editor know, offer a couple possible ways to handle it, then ask how they'd like me to proceed.

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:29:52 +0000

You know, a lot of writers underestimate how important reliability is to clients. Just showing up, doing what you promise, following a clients instructions carefully and delivering as promised gets a writer some pretty high marks with clients. Based on feedback from (several) clients I've worked with, a lot of writers fail to do these very simple things.

The first time a client praised me for being reliable, I immediately reacted like you, Lori, wondering why that first complement wasn't praising my talent as a writer. My reliability has lead to repeat business, so I'm more than content with that attribute.

I like the way you discuss it as a marketing strategy. Never thought of it that way.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:12:39 +0000

I do the work, on time and on budget. I don't promise more than I can deliver. I work well with editors. I'm willing to try new things, out of my comfort zone.