Comments on: Monthly Assessment: October 2014

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:22:11 +0000

I'm this month's poster girl for why you shouldn't slow down on marketing when you're super busy. After an intense couple of months, work slowed down in the last half of October, so most of the queries, LOIs and job listing replies below have been done in the past week or so.

Queries & LOIs: Sent three queries (one included multiple ideas), sent two LOIs built around some great clips that were published in October. One of the queries has already netted an assignment.

Social Media: Not sure if it falls under social media, but I started building my Contently portfolio, so I can include one URL to multiple articles in future queries. Added a couple more people to my LinkedIn connections.

Existing clients: Sent one article to Favorite Editor, wrote two columns, and wrote 46 executive listings for yet another industry Best Of list. I ran into a former résumé client at a grocery store, she said she'll be in touch soon for a résumé for her daughter and an update of her own résumé; she also said several co-workers will need résumés soon because a competing company is entering the local market early next year and they all want to apply. Picked up two article assignments from a local client, and one from one of my queries.

New Clients/Referrals: Another former résumé client sent a former co-worker of his to me, and as soon as she gathers her information I'll do a résumé for her.

Job Listings: replied to two. No response.

Earnings: Not too bad, only about $120 below my modest monthly goal. But the invoices I currently have out (the largest won't be paid until late December) equal more than double that modest monthly goal.

BL: Even if I don't pick up any more assignments that will pay by the end of the year, my gross income will be higher than last year. But that doesn't mean I can slack off with the marketing.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 14:19:18 +0000

Cathy, walk proudly in San Diego!

Sounds like you're going to have a great finish to the year! I hope for the same. There's a promised project, though I'm hoping they don't push it back. I'm marketing like it's not coming in, so I hope there will be work somewhere.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 13:34:01 +0000

October was my highest income month of the year. Admittedly, part of that was carryover from September (Sept-billed invoices received in Oct). But since I met my target in September, too, I'm a happy camper.

One long-time client has had more projects than usual, especially this time of the year.I had two new clients. One would be a feather in the cap to keep (although their payment speed is not the greatest). The other was a small project but simple & enjoyable to do.

I continue to receive assurances from a former client who I had an ongoing gig with until they hired someone new and neglected to tell her about me. The new person thanked me for "nudging" her and says she will contact me soon for their quarterly newsletter.

I reconnected with a LI group and have had some interesting discussions. Hoping something comes from that. Continue to connect with an industry expert who is consulting and has long talked about future collaboration. I also have been doing a regular email campaign. No nibbles yet but hope springs eternal.

I leave next week for San Diego so I am particularly happy with October as I will be gone for two weeks and then we roll into the holidays. I'll be meeting up with existing clients and a couple of prospects while in San Diego.

All-in-all, life is good. :-)