When you cruise social media, you see some pretty weird stuff. I’m talking about business stuff mainly. There’s plenty of other weird stuff, but business stuff — specifically, how people are presenting themselves and their businesses — makes for some head-scratching moments. Maybe it’s the hashtags I follow, but lately, I’m seeing some appeals/advertisements/begging that…
This Dirty Little Secret is Killing Your Freelance Writing Career
There’s a good chance that if you’re a struggling freelance writer who’s been lamenting your inability to kickstart your freelance writing career, this post will blow your mind. There’s an equally good chance you won’t believe a word of it, either. And that’s okay. Just know that it’s your funeral. I’ve been doing this freelance…
How to Be a Freelance Writing Failure (and how to change)
Typically, I don’t get frustrated when another writer asks for help. But sometimes, the situation is far from typical. In a recent exchange, the writer expressed a level of angst that was troubling. Nothing in this writer’s marketing was working. Things weren’t coming easy anymore. The work wasn’t paying off. Been there. Haven’t you? I…
Writers Worth: This Job Not That Job
Sometimes, I want to hold up my hand and say “Just. Don’t.” That was my reaction when I had a bit of free time and decided to waste it on Craig’s List. Emphasis on the “waste” part, for I went looking for gigs that would be perfect for This Job Not That Job, and guess…
6 Email Sins That Are Killing Your Freelance Writing Business
In this week’s in box alone, I’ve received close to 60 pitches from PR people, most of whom did not do their homework. “…, 63% of millennials say the desire to travel is the primary reason they work, second to paying for basic necessities (83%), and well ahead of saving for retirement (58%) and paying…
Guest Post: SEO 101 for Freelance Writers
Jenn Mattern is the Traffic Queen. If anyone can grow an audience, it’s Jenn. Part of the reason she has such superpowers is that she knows SEO. She really knows SEO. So when she offered a guest post on SEO for freelance writers, you bet I said yes. Do yourself a favor — once you’re done…
Writers Worth: This Job Not That Job
You know, sometimes I get so hopeful when the seasons change. A time of shifting circumstances, a clean slate, a transition into something new. It’s all good. Unfortunately, the only shift in lousy job postings is when someone adds an F to “shit.” What just grinds me big time about these offers, and maybe particularly…
Well, That Was Interesting …
Tuesday of last week, I was pushing through two projects, tying up revisions on a third. I stopped to get a quick lunch, answered my mom’s phone call, then sat back down to finish. That lasted about 20 minutes. In that time, this annoying little pain in my right side, which felt very much like…
Monthly Assessment: The Return of Freelance Accountability
Not so long ago, I posted my earnings, marketing, and such every month. I stopped when I redesigned the site because I wanted to lump them under a new area of the blog and, hopefully, get you to participate. That was the plan. Funny thing about plans that involve technology and yours truly. I’ve put it…
Putting Action Back in Your Freelance Action Plan
I saw you. You made that fantastic marketing/networking/business-building plan, complete with steps on how you’re going to succeed and when. Then what? Then nothing. It sat there. When it came to mapping it all out, you read all the blog posts and articles and culled the advice that fit your business. Then you did nothing….