The Hiccups
Even though I have ongoing work, I’m starting to get nervous. See, I just came off a whirlwind couple of months where I was chained to the keyboard finishing numerous projects. For the past two weeks (it seems like longer!), I’ve been relatively idle, with just two projects taking up my time. It’s given me some time to write here, and to explore other possibilities. But I’ll be honest – I’ve been sitting back and enjoying the quiet.

It’s a hiccup in the workload. There are two other projects pending and a rather large one to be negotiated yet, so I’m not worried. I busted my chops earlier this year with marketing and amen and alleluia, it worked out. Whew! It also helped that two sizable checks arrived today. Makes the hiccup easier to ride through.

But if you’re like my one writer friend, who finds himself sitting idle despite his best efforts to secure work (and he’s talented and experienced enough to be somewhat picky about his gigs), you probably need to spend less idle time playing Scrabble Blast (although I don’t know anyone who does that…) and more time finding alternate ways of getting your name out there.

If you’re in a slump – and the summer months are often slump-filled months – consider a few of the following methods of finding gigs:

1. Temp agencies. The reason you’re not getting overflow work is because there are a ton of vacations happening, and smart managers and owners know that their summers are not great times to start anything. However, these same people will need stand-in help for those employees on vacation. Get thee to a temp agency – Aquent, Boss Staffing, the Creative Group, etc. – and sign up. Assignments can last a day to a few months or longer. You can also drop back out whenever your workload picks up again.

2. Marketing to advertising and marketing firms. Hey, why not go directly to the source? These folks are always on the lookout for contract help throughout the year. Most of it can be done from home. I’ve worked with one company a number of times. Never met them in person – only in email.

3. Brochures to new clients. If you’re specializing in an industry, you’re in luck – most industries have trade pubs that have what’s known as resource guides. In those little advertorials, you’ll find all the contact information you’ll ever need for sending out your own brochure touting your writing skills. Follow up with a phone call to the marketing or communications person within a week.

4. e-Newsletters to existing or former clients. You never know who’s going to need help, nor will you know when. Keep in touch with folks (without being a pest) by sending them an e-newsletter. What to include: how to write a press release/sales letter/website home page/etc. My e-newsletters include articles on the importance of understanding your press release audience, how to market to customers in new ways, or even email protocol 101. Whatever value you can bring to your customer base should be included. I make mine about two pages, complete with graphics. I save as a PDF and send it out, but you can handle it however you like. Just make sure you have a short plug about your services, including a “Did You Know?” section explaining some of the services you offer that clients may not have been aware of.

5. Emailed articles for current clients. I learned this trick from a “change agent” – Patti Hathaway – who taught people the value of marketing in new ways. If you’re going through the news on Yahoo! or Google and you see something that reminds you of a client, send it over to them. Attach a note saying, “I thought this would be of interest to you.” Also, she suggested you set up Google news alerts that will let you know when your clients are mentioned in the news. Then you can forward the notice to them with a note. It’s a nice way of keeping a connection going.

6. Ads on Craig’s List. It sounds nuts, but I’ve managed to score some pretty big gigs by both answering ads and placing them on Craig’s List. I place ads for ghostwriting services and have had a few inquiries (and one deal soon to follow). These are free, folks. Take advantage of the free advertising. Also, there are any number of writing gigs on Craig’s List. Don’t see any in your area? Then click on another city. Most are freelance gigs, so feel free to check out jobs listed in Phoenix if you live in Minneapolis.

7. Emails asking for work. This is my favorite method, reserved for those folks I’ve already worked with. I just drop them a note – “Hi! Hope you’re doing well. I have a temporary break in the workload – do you have anything I might be able to help with?” That’s all. Nine chances out of ten there won’t be an immediate need, but there’s that tenth one with the overflow work. And there’s the project by one or two of the other nine that will appear within the next few weeks….

Marketing is an ongoing process. It doesn’t have to be painful, nor does it need to suck up all your time. But if you’re sitting there right now with no projects and wondering where to turn, try one or two of these. Things could be looking up for you tomorrow.