What’s on the iPod: Got to Give it Up by Marvin Gaye
So far, great week. One blip in the client projects from last week, but I got the green light to go forward, hoping we’ll work it out in revisions. I’m okay with that — I have two more projects this week, one starting today, and I don’t want to get sidetracked on minute details at this stage.
After last week’s busy schedule, I keep looking over my shoulder to see what I’ve missed. So far, nothing. I saw a note from a client referencing one of those projects, and I did panic before I realized she was asking the client for an update, not me. Whew. Another project came in yesterday — a smaller one — so I have to log that in my task list to make sure it doesn’t get lost.
I was talking with friends when one of them quoted something from a Kardashian. I’ll admit it — I’ve never watched anything Kardashian. It’s not tough for me to admit it — I’m not a fan of pseudo-celebrity, nor of reality shows that are clearly not reality. It’s just not my thing.
However, there are things we can learn from reality shows, and when my friend brought up that quote, it somehow resonated.
Here are a few Kardashian quotes that, oddly, have relevance to writers —
“See I do smile….even laugh on occasion. Not too often though because it causes wrinkles.” Yea. Deep breath. Okay, how this relates to freelancing: Keep the eye on your image. Wrinkles, particularly in your work environment, can be permanent. Stress can cause you to do or say things that can cause permanent ripples in your image.
“Leggings killed velour sweat suits! I used to only wear them until leggings came along.” Just because you’re addicted to a new craze doesn’t mean it makes sense. So if you think you have to work for a content mill or give HuffPo your free time because “everyone is doing it” you might as well be sporting that velour sweat suit. And standing way over there. Oh, and don’t wave or call my name.
“If Paris Hilton thinks my butt looks gross, I really don’t care. At least I have a butt.” I swear, this does relate to freelancing — you’re not going to appeal to every client. Stop trying. Appeal to those who don’t mind big butts — er, I mean, to those who have the need for your specific talents.
“Kim would be the first one to go in ‘The Hunger Games.’” If there is a higher power … Know your weaknesses. Accept the ones you can, but always look for ways to turn weaknesses into strengths. If you’re not strong in marketing content, take a course, get a book, read blogs, etc. If you have no website, build one. If you want to land higher-paying clients, learn what it takes to appeal to them.
“Hand sanitizer is life-changing.” Yea, no. I can’t make anything of that. Well, maybe overstatements should stay out of your copy? Sorry — reading so many of these are starting to melt my brain.
“The bikini waxing: after we go there, you can’t turn back.” Mental image notwithstanding, think of that thing you’re about to say to a client or post on social media as a bikini wax. You may think everything will go, er, smoothly, but it’s going to hurt like hell and you’re not going to be able to undo it. Make your decisions wisely.
Writers, what inspiration do you take from the nonsensical?
Have you ever found a granule of something useful in something completely unrelated to your writing?
4 responses to “6 Things Freelance Writers Can Learn from a Kardashian”
I think that's the most I've heard from the Kardashians ever. LOL! 🙂 Like you, Lori, I am not a fan.
I love taking the nonsensical and turning it into blog post topics (much like you did here, Lori). Keeps the creative juices going. I've written many a post on creating topics on what's in front of your face. And even if you do not watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians, you cannot escape them in the media. 😉
There's no escaping them — it's so true!
There's inspiration in everything, including the absurd! LOL
I've had to watch a couple episodes and my eyes nearly bled. My ears screamed in pain and the sound of Kim's voice.
While I find absolutely nothing appealing about the Kardashians or their shows – and can't begin to understand why they're so popular — I have to begrudgingly admit Kris Jenner has some really good business sense, and pretty much all of her daughters have capitalized on it to start their own businesses.
The weird thing is how their constant overexposure (in any form) has yet to slow the steady stream of money flooding family's bank accounts.
I guess there may be things more we can learn from them, other than "how to dress like a high priced hooker" fashion tips.
Paula, you made me laugh out loud! I hope the ditziness of some of those girls is an act. I'd hate to think anyone is that dense.
I'd suspected Mom was the brains behind that show — good way to fund your kids' futures. Still, I think I'd rather get my business tips from someone like Warren Buffet. 🙂