A New Job Opportunity – Freelancing
A New Job Opportunity
David Leonhardt
HR Lady stared at me across the desk. She was trying to size me up, to understand what makes me tick. I had explained that I wanted to work for MegaCorp, and that I was the perfect person to fill a position that had not even been advertised.
"Tell me again why you want to be the official MegaCorp scapegoat," she demanded.
I thought I had explained it well enough. Every company needs a scapegoat, someone that others can bring forward when the heat gets hot.
When the Board of Directors grumbles because all the graphs look upside down, the President can call ScapeGoat into the room. Gentlemen, I have identified our problem. It is all ScapeGoats fault. He reversed the gravitational equilibrium, and the graphs are no longer able to forge their customary ant-gravitational upward paths.
The Board of Directors gets a lot less grouchy and they are able to enjoy their six course luncheon. That solves the problem of the upside down graphs. At least for another month.
When angry shareholders notice that their graphs are also upside down, the President can call ScapeGoat into the room once more. It is all ScapeGoats fault. It is all ScapeGoats fault. He reversed the gravitational equilibrium again, and nobodys graph can forge its customary ant-gravitational upward path.
That solves the problem of the upside down graphs for everyone except ScapeGoats disability insurance provider.
When employees want to know why there is no bonus in their envelopes, the President can launch a full investigation. "We will find where ScapeGoat hid your bonus checks, if its the last thing we ever do!" And the investigation will last long enough that it WILL be the last thing he ever does.
When creditors come calling... Its ScapeGoats fault.
When the media wants to know why there are no women on the Board ... Its ScapeGoats fault.
When the fish in the creek all float like the graphs upside down... Its ScapeGoats fault.
When the wind blows too strong on company property and knocks over a soda can, spilling an employees drink and making him very thirsty... Its ScapeGoats fault.
MegaCorp needs a scapegoat.
HR Lady asked another question. "What have you been doing these past thirty years."
The fact is that I had been freelancing. There are lots of people who need scapegoats. Drivers, for instance:
"What! My brand new car!"
"ScapeGoat crashed it."
"But...but, theres hardly anything left of it!"
"ScapeGoat is very thorough."
Parents need scapegoats, too.
"Wheres little Cindy Didnt you pick her up from the babysitter again"
"Oops. Uh, I forgot. ScapeGoat distracted me."
"I hope you dont plan to get distracted tomorrow. If this keeps up, Ill forget what she looks like."
HR Lady seemed amused. "If you were doing so well as a freelancer, why are you applying for a job here"
I had to admit that freelancing was getting tough. Too many people were losing faith.
"ScapeGoat distracted you again! That makes, uh...let me see, 6,342 days in a row. Little Cindy isnt that little anymore. Just who is this ScapeGoat person anyway, the Tooth Fairy"
HR Lady laid her hands on her desk. "MegaCorp has always done quite well without a professional scapegoat. When we need somebody to blame, we can always find someone to play the role."
She was not cluing in. I was offering MegaCorp the chance to use a professional scapegoat, instead of constantly relying on amateurs, some of whom were not even willing players.
I looked HR Lady straight in the eye. "What will you tell your boss when he finds out that HumongaCorp has a professional scapegoat, and you passed up the chance to hire one, too Who will you point the finger at then, an amateur"
About The Author
David Leonhardt writes the Happy Guy humor column:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/positive-thinking-free-ezine.html
Read past columns at:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/humor-articles.html .
He also wrote Inspiration & Motivation To Go
http://www.thehappyguy.com/l/daily-motivation-inspiration.php
and Climb Your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/happiness-self-help-book.html
Info@thehappyguy.com
Advice From Successful Freelancers: Starting & Maintaining A Freelancer Career – Freelancing
Advice From Successful Freelancers: Starting & Maintaining A Freelancer Career
Yuwanda Black
For the e-book, Advice from Successful Freelancers: How They Built Their Careers & How You Can Too!, I asked ten questions of freelancers who were living their dream life. Following are some of their answers. They cover successful marketing techniques, how to get clients and more!
1. Why did you start freelancing Yuwanda Black, Writer, Editor, Small Business Columnist
My sister and I worked at the same company. We were freelancing on the side. Once we realized that we were making more as freelancers than as full-time employees, she quit and started Inkwell Editorial. Once the business was able to support two salaries, I joined her, which was one year later 1997.
2. How long have you been a full-time freelancer Eileen Coale: Marketing & Corporate Communications Writer
I dont work full time. On average, I work about 15 hours a week, sometimes a bit more. I work mornings until my youngest gets home from kindergarten, and sometimes Ill put in evenings and Saturdays as well. Sixty to 70% of my work hours are spent networking and marketing to get assignments. The remainder is spent writing. In another year or two, I expect that ratio to flip.
3. How many years of experience do you have Marcy L. Brown: Cataloging, Indexing & Information Management
I have five part-time years of indexing, but 10 years of library employment including cataloging, some indexing, and information management.
4. Do you specialize in a certain area, e.g., legal, medical, production If so, what Cathy Moore: Writer, Instructional & Marketing Copy
Instructional writing and marketing copy. I write appealing text for any readability level, including kids.
5. What specific marketing tips have you personally tried that worked Jennifer Lawler: Writer, Editor
I tried a direct mail letter to editors that included the type of editing I could do, a few companies I had worked for, and my business card printed in such a way that it could be popped right onto someones rolodex. This letter generated so much business for me that I never had to do another direct mail package.
6. How do you get most of your clients Katharine OMoore-Klopf: Editor, Copy Editor, Factchecker
When I first started freelancing, I got them mostly by word of mouth, and some were former employers. Now, I get them mostly by word of mouth and via my Web site.
7. Under what circumstances would you turn down work Jennifer Dirks: Journalist, Editor, Writer, Speaker
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Beginners Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as a Freelancer – Freelancing
Beginners Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as a Freelancer
Brian Konradt
Beginners Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as a Freelancer by Brian S. Konradt of BSK Communications and Associates
My samples are self-selling. They gleam behind protective covers in my portfolio and snatch me business. "Wow, I really like this one," says a new client, studying one of my newsletter samples. "Thats what I want. Can you do something similar for me"
"I sure can," I tell the client. "I think we should shoot for four colors, instead of two. And thick texture paper would be better for self-mailing."
The client agrees. He also agrees to pay me $850 for the 4-page newsletter, half now and the rest when I complete the job.
"Your samples are your most persuasive tools to seal the deal," advises Mary Anne Shultz, a NY-based freelance writer who specializes in ad copy.
"At least seven out of my ten clients had asked to see some sort of samples before hiring me for the job," says freelance writer Joan Berk. "Clients want to know what you are capable of doing for them."
"Even if your new client does not ask to see samples, you must have samples," says Louie Markowitz, a freelance writer specializing in corporate newsletters. "I show every new client at least one of my samples -- a sample that is similar to what they have in mind. This helps me get constructive feedback and insight into what the client wants."
This is easy for the established freelancer to say, who has collected professional samples over the years and knows that samples sell themselves to clients.
But what about the beginning freelancer who has nothing
According to freelance writer, Scot Card: "Dont panic. Many freelancers start at the bottom. Its where I started. And probably so will you."
As a beginning freelance writer embarking on a part-time or full-time freelancing career, youll need to do a lot of "grunt" work in your field of specialty. Depending on your approach or what you choose, youll be doing assignments and working on projects for little or no money, but the payoff will reward you in the long run.
Writing a brochure for a local non-profit organization or writing a press release for your churchs summer events will come in handy the day you need to show your first client what youve been up to. But it doesnt just begin with freelancing to local non-profit organizations or churches. You can tap into many other outlets to collect samples while improving your experience, skills and knowledge before you begin freelancing part-time or full-time.
Your first step to get started is obvious: Take inventory of everything you have written.
Everyone has done some writing in the past: writing term and thesis papers; writing articles for your college newspaper; providing copy for a flier or brochure for an organization; helping your friends write their resumes, or your own. The list goes on.
Of course, a client wont hire you after he glosses over your high school term paper with the bright red A at the top or a short poem you scribbled in a birthday card. But all of your past writings can serve as a benchmark as to where you stand now. You may even possess samples hiding in your closet or lost somewhere in the massive directories of your hard drive, waiting to be reworked and re-edited for a fresh facelift.
Take inventory of all of your writing samples and evaluate them as if you are the client. What grabs your attention What makes you squint away. Do your samples have anything in common with your specialty Can you rewrite any of your samples for improvement If so, redo them and use them to begin your portfolio. If not, listen closely...
Here are some ways, endorsed by established freelancers in the field, that can help you collect samples of your writing, including testimonials and references; but by no means do you have to follow them. Be creative and seek out other alternatives.
Joseph Martenello technical writer: "I worked as a part-time stringer for my local newspaper for a year. Howd I get the job I responded to an ad in the newspaper, even though I barely had any writing experience. Next thing I know, I was covering town meetings and local events, boring stuff. I didnt get paid much -- not enough that I could live off -- but this lead to a higher paying position writing short features for a while and freelancing for neighboring newspapers for dirt pay...I was able to collect my published articles and put them into a portfolio. Even now, six years later, Im able to state in my sales letter that I worked as a newspaper reporter. That title has a lot of clout with clients. My clients expect short, tight copy -- the type of copy evidenced by my published newspaper clips."
Judith Corbishley PR consultant/writer: "I started my so called freelancing by catering my writing services to local organizations. You wouldnt believe the demand for freelance writing in organizations! And the reason why is that many [organizations] will not pay you, at least the non-profit ones wont. I basically immersed myself in everything I could get my hands on. I wrote press releases, developed brochures, published fliers, you name it. Gradually, my specialty -- from having to handle many writing tasks -- emerged. I fell in love with PR, and now do it full-time, supporting myself with my writing. And it all started by contacting the director of a local non-profit computer education organization. You can do the same. Check your community newspaper or local bulletin board for volunteer help. Then call up the director or contact person. Ask if they need somebody for writing. Most likely the answer will be yes! Youll be able to do the writing at home under a flexible deadline. When the time comes to produce your promotional material, you can list the organization as one of your clients. You are under no obligation to state that youve worked for free. Leave this information out. Go for it and good luck!"
Brian Konradt copy writer/DTP publisher: "Years ago I had joined a national writers group. I started a newsletter for the organization, out of my own expenses, and charged each member $3 for a copy. I also wrote a press release to publicize the newsletter. My press release was published in three trade magazines. I never made a profit -- in fact, I lost money on this endeavor. But I used the newsletter and the published press releases as samples. Members also mailed me testimonials about how much they loved the newsletter and how professional it looked. This was my very first professional sample that I stuck in my portfolio, and possibly, I believe, persuaded my first client to invest in my services. You can do something similar."
Michelle OReilly copy writer: "Network. Meet people. You got that My first client came as a result of my being in the right place at the right time with a stack of my bright white business cards tucked away in the fist of my hand. I had attended a marketing seminar that was held by a local business chapter. The seminar had attracted a large gathering of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and other freelancers. There was time afterwards for networking -- and thats what I did. I handed out my business cards to anyone who sounded as if theyd be interested in my writing services. And somebody was interested! A few days later I received a call from a young entrepreneur who was looking for a way to promote a new product. Was I interested in writing a brochure for him I told him lets get started, Im ready, with not even an idea of what I was going to charge him. I only got paid a fraction of the amount I demand now, but it helped me launch my career. Whenever theres a social gathering in your area, make sure you attend and network. Put your face in front of the crowd. Let everyone know you exist and you have these great skills as a writer. Network. Remember it. Its a great way to get clients and referrals."
Andi Lipschein technical writer: "If you want to get yourself samples, attend a workshop. Its how I got my first professional sample: a technical manual, critiqued and corrected by the instructor, on how to operate a piece of equipment. My advice is attend as many workshops as you can in your area of specialty. They offer tremendous benefits: you increase your knowledge on the subject, you get trained by a professional, you get hands-on experience, and you walk away with professional, critiqued samples for your portfolio. Many local community colleges and high schools offer writing workshops as part of their Continuing Education series. The information and samples you obtain will last a lifetime."
Rita Clayborne PR writer: "I interned my way to success...My experience and skills came from interning for five different public relations firms in New York for two years. I got a lot of hands-on experience -- and a lot of headaches, but I learned how to work with deadlines and how to deal with clients. I also got tremendous insight into the field, such as pricing my services competitively, how to tap into my market, and how to make a business succeed. This had a positive impact on the success of my PR business today. You can intern part-time a couple of days out of the week, or full-time five days out of the week. I got paid for my work as an intern, but dont always expect to get paid. Call up some PR firms in your area and speak with the person in charge. Ask if they offer an internship program; if not, ask if theyd be willing to accept you as an intern. You can locate PR firms in the Yellow Pages. Alternatively, you can contact the Cooperative Education department of your local college and ask the director to help you in your search. As an intern, you will collect many professional samples, references and contacts!"
John Palmeri graphic designer: "When the company I worked for was planning to do a newsletter to celebrate its 30 years of service, I jumped at the opportunity. I was only a stock clerk there, but I was attending college for my bachelors degree in Communications Arts, and I had some skills as a layout artist. My boss agreed to let me produce the newsletter, and boy, did I get excited. I didnt get paid for doing it -- although there was a bigger Christmas bonus for me -- but it helped me produce my first sample with my name on it. At that time I wasnt planning to freelance -- but that changed down the road when I wanted to make more money doing what I love most: producing newsletters. To this day, I still produce newsletters for the same company I had worked for five years ago. The difference now is I get paid top dollar to produce it, and Im my own boss."
NOW WHAT Once you have samples, youll need to prepare a portfolio, plus a brochure or sales letter or web site selling your services. Your promotional material should contain testimonials for hard-hitting power. As a beginner, dont spend a lot of money advertising your services. The time will eventually come when youll turn "pro" and youll spend at least 25% of your earnings on promotion. For now, decide to place a small classified ad in your local newspaper, tack up fliers on the bulletin boards at your local supermarkets and libraries, or advertise your services on free job boards on the Internet. See what types of responses you get. Be persistent in your search for clients. Most of all: Dont give up! The professional is the amateur who had never quit in the first place.
When you get your first client, let the client do most of the talking. You will find that many clients will not even ask to see your samples -- so dont even bring it up. Many clients will accept you as a writer -- on your word alone -- and will work with you.
Work hard and good luck!
About The Author
© 2003 B. Konradt
Brian Konradt is webmaster of FreelanceWriting.Com http://www.freelancewriting.com, a web site dedicated to help writers master the business and creative sides of freelance writing. Mr. Konradt was formerly principal of BSK Communications & Associates, a communications/publishing business in New Jersey, which he established in 1992.