Wow, short month! Here we are again, baring our souls and our progress together. It was a very busy month for me despite my dropping a long-time client last month. The income I thought I’d miss was quickly replaced with better-paying work and much better working conditions.
Here’s how my month shaped up:
Queries:
One. Seriously. I sent one query at the request of the editor and scored the job not on that query, but on her “What about this instead?” response. It’s a lucrative one, too. Amen.
Job postings:
Haven’t even looked at these. I had one sent to me, which I’d seen circulating, so I didn’t bother.
Existing clients:
This is where the bulk of my work is right now. I have four regular clients needing ongoing work. That’s amounting to nearly half my monthly earnings target. I had a long-time client get in touch and I dashed off a quick project.
Also, this is the month the past clients are reconnecting. Two or three more dropped notes saying business was picking up. One said, “Keep your phone line open.” I love it.
New clients:
I found two new clients – or rather, they found me. One was a quick resume job with a very nice person. It was a pleasure making him look good. Another was a potential source of ongoing work. One was a referral from a friend, the other a Twitter connection. Again, I’m loving Twitter.
I talked with a potential client via phone about a project, then had some email conversations this week about the same project, but no formal offer yet. I’m not sure there’s one to be made. It’s a weird situation in which I think I’m considered the adviser without actually having anyone say “We’d like you to be our adviser.” Note to self: clear that up with the client before it goes too much further.
Earnings:
For the first time in a year (I checked) I reached my earnings target. Correction – I surpassed my earnings target. I refuse to play catch-up on last year’s earnings losses (that’s old news). I’ll keep looking forward, trying to improve each month.
Bottom line:
Despite doing no active marketing, I have plenty of work. Word-of-mouth is bringing in work, and Twitter continues to impress me in how much work has come from it.
I need to market more (read that again, at all, etc.). Though I have plenty of work and little idle time, I’d like to increase the per-hour rate and be more selective with my projects. The plan includes emails to clients, Twitter mentions, LinkedIn conversations, and some actual magazine stumping.
How was your February? What worked for you? What do you need to improve?
11 responses to “Monthly Assessment – February 2010”
This month, for the first time in a long time, I'm busier than I can remember. Clients I haven't heard from in months are calling, I'm getting offers from potential clients, and the rates on the job boards appear to be increasing somewhat.
Overall…very similar to your February. I was really starting to worry these past few months. Let's hope it's an industry-wide trend!
This has been a banner month for me. I'm moving forward on work for my first corporate client, in discussions with a second company for a regular blogging gig, and meeting with a third potential small business client in 2 weeks. I also wrapped up three features, had 2 earlier features run this month, I'm working on revising another piece, I have 2 still in process, and had another straightforward interview greenlit. This has undoubtedly been the best month of my career so far.
In a similar vein, I've had two old clients email/call to say they had a few big projects in the pipeline. There seems to be a whiff of optimism in the air these days, as if people sense or know flush times are ahead. Glad to hear it's widespead!
Due to a pernicious sinus infection, I wasn't as productive as I'd hoped and missed a private milestone. But I'm not sweating it. I feel more confident and energized than I have in a long time.
While the income is barely half of my target number, I've accomplished a lot for a short month, and set myself up for what should be a great March. In February I completed:
1 3,000-word article
3 features
1 sidebar
4 blog posts/pics
3 columns (had to take a week off when several short-turnaround articles were due the same week)
An article I turned in on the 8th was paid for by the 25th. One turned in the 19th was for a place that cuts checks on the 25th, so I'll have that soon. Another, invoiced yesterday, is for a place that typically pays 10-14 days after invoice. One column has been paid for, the other two will be paid next week. And another article (turned in last week) that runs early next week will be paid within another week or two. It's great when clients pay quickly!
I sent one batch of ideas to a regular market which has already assigned three stories. The editor of the 3,000-word article saw my knitting blog and immediately assigned me a 2,000-word craft-related article!
I only replied to two job listings, and a very nice person recommended me for an on-going gig. The contract arrived this morning!
way to go!
I made my quota- landed another book deal based on a book that I am writing now- two books on beer- wow I love this job.
Other than that I have steady work from one client and had three old clients hire me. Things are picking up!
Congrats on beating your goal this month, Lori! I came in right around where I expected this month, and I spent a big chunk of this week working on my taxes so I can send the info off my accountant. A necessary evil for which I won't get paid but it has to get done. I also landed a new client who has some fun copywriting in store and hopefully it will turn into a steady gig.
February wasn't quite as good as January, but it was in my range of acceptable. Plus, it's a shorter month, right? One area that is starting to pay off for me again is job postings–and I haven't said that in well over a year. That said, you might want to reconsider that one you didn't bother with. I landed a new client that way who made up the bulk of my February income, and the gig is expected to last a few more months.
Congrats on the book deal, John!
Hi Lori.
It's crazy, but I had a rockin' February, and March is already fully booked. I think February was better than all months in 2009, but I'd have to go back and check.
It all came from existing clients, who are plainly cracking open their wallets.
I've been keeping an eye on online job posting sites, but I haven't seen much there.
I did send one unsolicited query to a publisher I learned about. No response. That's OK. I'll send a friendly reminder every once in a while.
Overall, a good, solid month. But I know that it's important to add a new client every once in a while. I need to focus on that more.
Viva la recovery!
Gabriella, I'm with you. I want to add new clients and make sure to keep things mixed up a bit. Right now I'm at a good earning place, but I want to make sure I'm covered should one or more regular jobs disappear (talking from experience).
Kathy, good idea. I need to revisit job postings. That one – the trouble is it was a listing for something I've already done to death and it's in direct competition to a current client. I don't put myself in that position if I don't have to. I can separate out, but I'd never want to misrepresent anyone.
Susan, I'm avoiding taxes. However, my new Tivo is giving me tons of headaches, so tonight I may have some free time. 🙂
Thanks, Anne. 🙂
Paula, I love that, too. If they pay on time and quickly, I'm loyal to the ends of the earth. Great month for you!
Valerie, right there with you in terms of sinus infection. Seven meds later it's still there. Specialist next. Ugh. But I'm glad to see clients calling you – makes you feel pretty darned good, doesn't it? 🙂
John, like I said on Twitter, I'll raise a glass in your honor! Given my family's history with beer (a sect of the family has a brewery in the Northwest), I think we're almost expert. 😉 Congrats on all your great successes!
Sara, that's great news! I love that it's coming in bunches for you. 🙂
I'm with you, Krista. More of the same is in order!
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