Comments on: Writers Worth: 6 Things to Do Today to Improve Your Business

By: Next Process

Next Process — Fri, 30 May 2014 17:52:30 +0000

It's always a great idea to set goals. Targeting one more client a day is a good one. Even if you don't get that client it still opened up the door so it could potentially happen. It definitely wouldn't have happened if you didn't contact them so doing this opens up the door to more business.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:20:08 +0000

Kathy, great seeing you again! I miss your blog like crazy.

Anne, that sounds like a good realization. :)

Ashley, I'm happy to provide the kick in the butt. LOL You're doing great.

Jenn, you've been sitting on that other project that I've been dying to see launched, too. Any plans for the reveal?

Happy to be of service, Paula. LOL Isn't it crazy how well those social media connections work out when you bother to engage with people?

And thank YOU for contributing, Paula. Much appreciated.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 29 May 2014 17:22:54 +0000

First, Lori: thanks for mentioning a hot dryer. I totally forgot about my laundry!

All of these are great tips. I was shocked last week when a simple LinkedIn update or comment drew the attention of a colleague who decided to see if I'd like an assignment. Yes, please, and thank you very much.

Thanks for bringing us a month's worth of very valuable information, Lori!

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Thu, 29 May 2014 15:31:12 +0000

It's funny how often we forget to write for our own businesses, isn't it? I've been sitting on a white paper for far too long.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 29 May 2014 14:49:35 +0000

I'm working specifically on numbers 4 and 5 right now. Already making progress! Writers Worth Month is always a good reminder and incentive to do all of the things on this list.

One other idea is to review your business plan and make sure you're still on track. Sometimes as we go along, we get pulled in new directions. Not necessarily a bad thing, but those new directions need to be included in the business plan if they're a good fit. If they aren't working, a review of where we're aiming to go is a good way to purge those things from our marketing.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Thu, 29 May 2014 14:15:35 +0000

Realized that it's time, once again, to raise my rates 😉

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Thu, 29 May 2014 14:04:25 +0000

I haven't done #1 in ages. I need to get back to doing more of that. And Cathy's suggestion is spot on. Over the years, I've gotten quite a few extra projects by knowing my customers and contacting them whenever an idea struck me, for example for a press release, that would be perfect for their business.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 29 May 2014 13:07:29 +0000

Excellent point, Cathy! I've made suggestions for ghostwritten articles, but why not for press releases or white papers?

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Thu, 29 May 2014 12:42:01 +0000

Lori, one effective (and simple) thing I do is suggest topic ideas to existing clients.

I don't know why it took me so long to realize clients appreciate the ideas. I tended to do the project and wait for them to come to me for the next one.

I think writers who write for magazines are accustomed to pitching ideas. Those of us who work more for corporate clients don't think about initiating project ideas (at least I didn't until I wised up).