Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelance Daily
Thursday, January 24, 2008

Quote of the Day:

Writing is the best way to talk without being interrupted.

–Jules Renard

Publisher’s Notes:  Nothing to report on today. Have a wonderful day!*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco

P.S. We posted 57 new freelance job leads today – if you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

Freelance Daily
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Quote of the Day:

A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.

–Eugene Ionesco

Publisher’s Notes:  First this morning, words of caution from Faye about a job posting in yesterday’s newsletter:

“Hi Suzanne,

FYI on this ad:

Looking for a Writer for Sales Letters (Comp: Send rate) (Mississauga, Canada) dakins77@rogers.com : http://toronto.craigslist.ca/mss/wri/543181590.html
I have a very Unique and New Product that I want to introduce to specific and targeted market segments.Enzines and email have become impotent so I want to send out hard copy mail.I need someone to compose compelling Sales Letters.If you are interested please reply with costing and/or proposal, and contact information.

Here is his response to my submission:

david akins wrote:

From: “david akins”
To: “empower_u”
Subject: Re: CoPyWriTer/EdiTor Will TuRn Your SaLes LetTer to GOLD!!
Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:37:45 -0500

Thank you for your reply to my request for a Sales Letter. The response was overwhelming.

I wish I had half the professional and creative talent that you displayed.

I have picked an Individual that brings a lot of Talent and Synergy to my Program. In fact she has signed up for herself and has since added 2 other people under her.

If anyone of you are interested in the program, or if you might know of someone that is, I offer $50.00 cash for each new customer.

If you are interested in the product and program for yourself and family, you automatically get $50.00 for each new customer plus you make money on your downline and also residuals on the programs people buy to go with the PAD.

Thanks and Regards..Dave Akins 905-615-1061

I don’t understand how someone could “sign up for his program” when he never posted it. Yet that seemed to have something to do with his criteria for choosing the particular individual!”

Thanks Faye!

And now, for this week’s question, a response from F.W.:

“After working 11 years for a daily newspaper, I discovered that corporations do not have a heart. I have a heart. I would rather work for an entity that has a heart and compaission and seeks to do no harm.”

Thanks F.W.

By the way, responses are still very much welcome.

And that does it for today. Have a great day!

*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco
 

P.S. We posted 38 new freelance job leads today – if you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

Freelance Daily
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Quote of the Day:

Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.

–Mark Twain
(Thanks to Marion for today’s quote!)

Publisher’s Notes:  Good morning everyone! The first response to this week’s question comes from Chris:

“I never made the decision. I just had a knack for writing, discovered in high school and nourished in college. I turned the skill - and its associated requirements of curiosity, research and the desire to tell stories - into a successful career in broadcasting. When the tv and radio ended, I rediscovered the writer and went into new territories. A nice journey.”

And Kerri speaks an unbreakable truth for all writers:

“I didn’t become a writer. I was born one.”

Thanks Chris and Kerri! And if you’ve still got a response rattling about, send it along to contact@freelancedaily.net

Have a good day!

*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco

P.S. We posted 52 new freelance job leads today – if you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

Freelance Daily
Monday, January 21, 2008

Quote of the Day:

Write something to suit yourself and many people will like it; write something to suit everybody and scarcely anyone will care for it.

–Jesse Stuart

Publisher’s Notes:  Good morning everyone! Hope your weekend went well.

The question I put forth this week can produce a jumble of answers. From early childhood, to a sudden change in career, to curiosity, to whatever the reason might be, I chose this question because I’ve been curious as well:

What made you want to become a writer?

Simple, yet quite loaded, I’m sure. As usual, send your answers to contact@freelancedaily.net and I’ll have them up each day this week, up to next Monday.

That’s it for today. Have a great day!

*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco

P.S. We posted 65 new freelance job leads today – if you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

Freelance Daily
Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Quote of the Day:

When I face the desolate impossibility of writing 500 pages, a sick sense of failure falls on me, and I know I can never do it. Then gradually, I write one page and then another. One day’s works is all I can permit myself to contemplate.

–John Steinbeck

Publisher’s Notes:  I am quite impressed. A lot of great answers to this week’s question have come through from many of you and they range from response about pens to amused incredulity that pens would still be used in an age that pretty much demands the use of a computer to get any work done. So let’s begin!

The first response today comes from Marijke:

“I’m very picky about my pens. I will use some disposable pens but it takes a lot of trial and error before I find one that is comfortable. Pens have to be fairly heavy but write smoothly, only medium point; I don’t like fine point at all.

A couple of years ago, I splurged on a cross pen that I really like and always use. It’s exactly the right weight and writes well, as long as I put the right refills in.

Yup, I’m picky, picky, picky….”

And a reply from Bonnie:

“When I choose to write with a pen, I prefer a medium point black Bic. When I interview someone, I like to use number two pencils and have several on hand - they never leak, skip, or run out of “fuel.” However, when I am working on my book, I use none of the above - I use my trusty laptop!”

Thanks Marijke and Bonnie!

And if you’ve got a response to send, I’d love to see it and include it in this week’s set.

That’s it for the day. Have a good one!

*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco

P.S. We posted 51 new freelance writing job leads today - If you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

OK, let’s start looking at some ideas you can implement to help you achieve the new goals you’ve set. 

I would assume that responding to online ads is only part of your routine for finding new clients. If not, let’s see if there are some other ways you might be able to bring in some new customers.

I gave you a list in one of my goal setting articles and that is only what popped into my head at the time! If we put our heads together I’m sure we could double or triple that list. If you email me your ideas I will add them to the list and resend it out … and while you’re here go ahead and add them to the comments section. 

I know from my experience that asking your existing client base for more business should be your first priority! They have done study after study and it’s a proven fact that once you’ve purchased from “Company X,” you are likely to purchase from them again. I’m sure many of you don’t consider yourself “Company X,” but truthfully I’m going to try to change that mindset. You are running a business and whoever you have written for in the past made a PURCHASE from you. 

I suggest you start by going through your notes, files, etc. and take a look at each past client. If you don’t have a way to keep track of this I suggest you do from here forward. What did you write for them? Was it a smooth transaction? Did you enjoy working with them? It’s great that we get to pick and choose who we would LIKE to work with.

Now, make a list of all of your great clients – regardless of what kind of project it was.  Now, I would like you to get into the habit of staying in touch with them on a regular basis. This could be done several different ways. If you have very few clients, you could start by sending them an occasional personalized email. Let them know you enjoyed working with them and just ask them how their business is doing, about life in general, how is their family … depending on your relationship with them. This is to let them know you value them – because you DO right? Sending out a handwritten card is great too! In this digital age some “fun” mail in the mailbox will really make you stand out! One of our subscribers, Kit, sent me a handmade card and it is still on my dresser! I smile every time I look at it. Thanks Kit!!! 

If you have a little larger client base, you might consider more of a newsletter format. Again, let them know how you value them and maybe let them know what’s going on in your business – and add a personal flair (again - depending on what type of clients you have). If you have a niche market you could even write something about your field/specialty. If you want to take this a step further, use the suggestions I made for a small client base and just break them up into smaller groups.  SIDE NOTE: Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It’s the idea that you get 80% of your business from 20% of your clients. So, if nothing else, start to focus most of your energy on your clients that fall into the top 20%. You will see a benefit from this effort … I promise!  The idea of staying in touch is just to keep your name in front of them consistently. You want to make sure that if they ever need a professional writer; your name is on their mind. You also want to make sure they know the different types of writing you do. If you helped with their resume, you want to make sure they don’t label you in their head as “the resume writer.”  So, this is just the starting point of building a strong bond with your clients. You want them to think of you for any future writing needs they have. Just think, this bond is going to help tremendously when we get you started on your campaign of asking for referrals.  Please contact me if you need help with getting a newsletter started. I will help in any way I can.

Freelance Daily
Monday, January 7, 2008

Quote of the Day:

Writing is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to those who have none.

–Jules Renard

Publisher’s Notes:  Good morning everyone. Today’s question is simple and yet complex: What kind of pens do you like to write with? Obviously the answer could be “ones with blue ink,” or black or red or whichever color boosts your inspiration. But it could also be a certain brand, Bic, or another that fits your personality. Ball-point? Another kind? Answer any way you like. Post your responses right here in the comments section for everyone’s enjoyment. 

Now let’s begin the week. Have a fruitful day!

*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco

P.S. We posted 76 new freelance writing job leads today - If you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

Do you know the “MAGIC WORDS to Use in Goal Setting?” Let’s recap our financial goals and then I will share my “Magic Words” with you.

OK, so we’ve decided that you want to make money as a freelance writing professional and we did some pretty basic math to see what it would take to accomplish your annual goal for this year. Based on the number of hours you can commit to your business, we backed into the amount you would need to make per hour to accomplish your annual financial goal. We took a look at how many freelance writing jobs you responded to last year and how many of those you landed.

That should give you a rough idea of how many ads you will need to respond to this year. This is of course based on the percentage of your income that comes from online ads. If you are using other methods, figure out what percentage of your business (income) comes from each and then do the same math for each. If you are not using other methods, I’m certain I can help you discover some ways to find new clients this year.

You might be in a specialty where you don’t work on an hourly rate so just readjust your numbers based on “per project” or however you charge for your work. You get paid X per project, you bid on X number of projects, and you landed X number of those. Divide the amount you made last year off of the total projects by the number of projects - and that was your income per project.

Ok, so that leads us to setting the goals themselves. You will want to come up with an annual financial goal. You should then break that goal down into individual monthly goals as well. You might travel certain months, your writing products might be seasonal, etc. I want you to get in the habit of rewriting your goals at the beginning of every month. You will probably want to set a goal for number of new clients, maybe have an article submission goal, continuing education, and any other goal that will help you grow – business or personal. Come up with a list of maybe 5 to 10 concrete goals and jot them down.

I’ve been in sales and sales management for over 20 years and I’ve done a lot of goal setting over the years. I’ve seen just how powerful it is to commit yourself to your goals – especially when you put them in writing. But be careful, because without using the “Magic Words,” it can be so powerful that it can actually be limiting.

I owned a pager and cell phone company for many years and I can’t tell you how many times we were running around like maniacs trying to get our deals closed on the last day of the month. We usually did hit our sales goal and it was almost eerie how often we would exceed our goal – within dollars of a $10,000 goal! But what I found out years later was that we were actually limiting our success with our word choices.

I can’t help but wonder what our numbers would’ve looked like if we simply changed our goal from, “We are going to do $10,000 in sales in February” to “We are going to do AT LEAST $10,000 in sales in February.” Even more powerful would be, “We are going to do AT LEAST $10,000 in sales ON OR BEFORE February 28^th.”

So when you are setting your goals this year, be sure you incorporate those Magic Words (AT LEAST and ON OR BEFORE) into your goal. Here are some examples:

I am going to make AT LEAST $60,000 ON OR BEFORE December 31, 2008
I am going to make AT LEAST $5,000 ON OR BEOFRE January 31, 2008
I am going to find AT LEAST 3 new clients this month
I am going to submit my favorite article to AT LEAST 5 magazines this month
I am going to commit to AT LEAST one area of continuing education this month
I am going to contact my valuable clients AT LEAST 6 times this year
I am going to update my blog AT LEAST 20 times this month
I am going to loose AT LEAST 20 pounds ON OR BEFORE July 4^th

You get the idea … keep your goals specific yet open to EXCEEDING your goals. Type or write them out and post them somewhere you will see them daily.

I would LOVE to see what you come up with – so feel free to email me your goals. Let me know if I have permission to share them in an upcoming newsletter or not. You can also add them here in the comments section. Sharing our goals tends to keep us more accountable too. It’s also great to partner up with one or two others to help each other stay on track.

Good luck with your new assignment and let me know if you have any questions or comments. And, of course, remember to … MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT! *SmiLes* Suzanne 

Freelance Daily

Freelance Daily
Friday, January 4, 2008

Quote of the Day:

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.–Benjamin Franklin
(Thanks to Marion for today’s quote!)

Publisher’s Notes:Today’s response is from Carol who has a follow-up to Kerri’s response:“Suzanne, Kerri is right on target with revisiting her business plan as she grows her writing business in 2008. In addition to writing professionally, I teach an online course called “Creating a Successful Business Plan” through a consortium of 1700+ colleges and universities around the world (www.ed2go.com). I strongly encourage anyone who wishes to plan for his or her success to join us for the next six week session, which starts on January 16. It’s a small investment in time and money, and it has the potential to yield great results.”

Thanks Carol!

And thanks to you all for another great week (however short) of being here, taking in the listings and hopefully finding the jobs you want. From next week on, we’ll be back to five days of newsletters.

Have a terrific weekend!

*SmiLes* Suzanne Franco
 

P.S. We posted 38 new freelance writing job leads today - If you don’t have a subscription to our daily job source newsletter get your free trial today http://www.freelancedaily.net

Let’s Get Started on Your Game Plan For 2008! 

You will hear me talk about my sales and sales management background, but I actually considered myself a consultant (to my customers) and a coach (to my sales reps). Even though none of you “work for me,” I still consider myself in the unique position to use my experience in both sales and management to help “coach” you to success. Hmmm … Suzanne Franco, The Sales Coach to Freelance Writing Professionals … I like it! And just like my other “coaching” positions, I will not be successful until each one of you are successful. 

Because goals will be different for each and every one of you, I can’t list out your goals for you. But, I can give you some guidance on how to best set your business goals. Please make adjustments for your specific goals. I will assume that everyone here wants to make money as a freelance professional.

So first, you need to decide how much money you would like to make at your business this year. Then you will need to decide how many hours you have per day/week/month to work on your business. You can divide the annual financial goal by the number of hours you have available this year. That will give you the hourly rate you would need to earn to accomplish your goal. You should know what your time is worth per hour and an average pay rate for your specialty. This way you can see if you are in the “range” to meet or exceed your initial income goal. If you are in the range … great, if not, you will need to find more hours … or settle for less money. 

Now that you know what you are shooting for let’s figure out how to get you there. If you’ve been responding to online freelance ads you should have some idea of how many ads you’ve had to respond to before you’ve landed work. Let’s do some more math. If you replied to 100 ads last year and landed 5 gigs … what kind of income did that give you? Will that be enough to get you to your goal this year? If not, we will need to make some adjustments. You will either need to respond to more ads, take a good look at your ad response letters, or learn some new ways to market yourself. 

I’ve started a list of possible ways to market yourself as a freelance writing professional and I will eventually take you through them one at a time. If you are drawn to any of them in particular, please let me know. If I see a trend it will impact the direction I head. 

How To Market Yourself As a Freelance Writing Professional: