Are you plugged in to a network?
We all hit a bit of a lull in our freelance writing careers. For some, it’s not a massive problem as they’re fully prepared. For others, however, the dip can seem like it’s going to be devastating.
Fortunately, if you fall into the latter group, there’s one thing you can do to ensure any loss of work is only temporary – network.
I’m by no means an accomplished writer and compared to some other writers you probably know of, to all intents and purposes I’ve only just started my career.
But whilst I may not be at the peak of my career, I wouldn’t have got to the stage where I am today without networking.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’ll always be networking to some extent. It might not be on a major scale and you might not even think what you’re doing can be classed as networking, but unless you’re sat in a room without interacting with anyone, you’re going to be carrying out networking of some form.
The problem that a lot of writers face, however, is that they don’t understand the real importance of networking and just how beneficial it is, especially when they’ve hit a dip in their freelance writing.
When I first started freelancing, I used to read blog after blog, taking in all of the information and whilst I gained a lot of knowledge this way, I made one major mistake – I very rarely left a comment.
At the time I didn’t think much of it. Things were ticking over quite nicely and whilst I wasn’t making a fortune or becoming particularly well known, I was content with how things were going.
Then 8 months ago I had a bit of a…moment. An epiphany. A light bulb moment. Call it what you will, I realised that I wanted to carve out a career as a freelance writer and I really started to network, particularly with other writers.
I started off by commenting on some of the primary freelance writing blogs (thinking back now, if I’d left a comment on every blog post I’d read, there’s a good chance I would have been known as a freelance writer a lot sooner than I was) and setup a Twitter account to add the writers I had discussions with on blogs.
I then decided one day I’d just e-mail one or two writers directly. I wasn’t asking for work and I wasn’t sucking up to them, I simply said hi, introduced myself and explained that I liked their work and just wanted to network with them.
I was lucky enough to strike up a good relationship with one of those writers and it led to two regular gigs, as well as referrals to some of their own clients to use my services.
I continued networking on a regular basis and I still do to this day. I even still contact writers directly now and again if I haven’t spoke to them before, just to say hi.
If you’re going through a bit of a dip at the moment or you simply want to prepare yourself should you be faced with a drop in your writing work, get out there and start connecting with other writers.
Don’t be afraid if you don’t know them or haven’t talked to them before and don’t think that just because they’re making a full time living from writing they’re not going to want to talk to you because you’re only just starting out as a writer or you aren’t as popular as they are.
From my own experience, freelance writers are arguably the friendliest and most sociable bunch of people I’ve ever come across and – truthfully – I’m yet to meet a writer who has been unhelpful, arrogant or just plain rude.
There’s masses of writing work out there – you’ve just got to remember that it’s not often going to come to you. Start networking with other writers, get your name known and you’ll soon find that your workload picks up once more.
Image: saschaa (FlickR)
Article by Dan Smith
Dan Smith is freelance writer and small business consultant. Specialising in business development, he has a strong background in Search Engine Optimisation and has a distinct (dis)ability of not being able to say no.
Dan has written 82 awesome articles for us at Get Paid to Write Online
{ 16 comments }
Up until a few weeks ago, I’d never considered writing as a career. I’ve been told I’m a very good writer, but I never really took it to heart. Now that I’ve realized I actually am good and would like to pursue a career in writing, I have no idea how.
I’d love to network, and no matter what career path I’ve looked at that’s always the advice given. But, I just don’t know how to network. I don’t feel like I have enough to offer to anyone, so why would they want to connect with me?
I never considered commenting on blogs and articles as networking, so maybe this is a good way for me to start. Thanks for opening me up a bit!
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 11, 2010 at 19:17
It’s a technique that really works, Kristin. The important thing to do is to get over those feelings and start reaching out!
Twitter: danaprince
August 11, 2010 at 12:11
Great advice, Dan!
A few writing friends have saved me from a lull/famine a few times and I’ve definitely paid it forward!
Kristin,
That’s how I got my start. I started following writers online and commenting on their work. Through that, I started building relationships and finding out about job leads. If you want to start writing professionally, getting to know others is a great way to do it!
Dana wants you to read Gotten a Testimonial Use it to Market Yourself
I am a freelance writer too. I write more for myself now than for anyone else though. I have built my own portfolio of niche websites that I use to generate monthly passive income from. I used to do a lot more writing for the major article publication sites like Ehow, Helium and Associated Content. You can make some money on sites like that if you learn how to write great titles.
I believe in networking also. You will get way better ideas and insights from talking with other writers than you are going to get from just surfing the net for answers.
Kathy wants you to read The Real Money In Freelance Writing Comes From Promoting Your Own Niche Websites
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 11, 2010 at 19:18
Sounds like you have it together on the networking front, Kathy. Do you do most of your networking on the forums for those article sites, or have you got a few more favorite locations to share?
Twitter: butterflycopy
August 11, 2010 at 18:47
Networking is the single most important way of finding work, in any industry really. But it’s also important to look outside the box a bit and use your social networks as well – like when a photographer friend who was working on a new local business magazine posted on Facebook that they wanted a writer. I said I was keen, he passed on my details, and it’s a good gig that is turning out great for me to get to know more businesspeople in town, all potential future clients. The trick is recognising opportunities when they come up, and actually following through
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 11, 2010 at 19:20
And it’s useful to build relationships offline as well, Lucy, especially if you are doing work in your locality.
Great advice, Sharon. I’ve been a lurker on your blog for some time now (I subscribe by email), but have never taken the step to comment before. It’s a simple, but brilliant bit of advice, because though I feel like I’ve gotten to know you a bit from reading here, I realize that you don’t know me at all.
Thanks for the tip and look for me in the comments from now on.
Beth wants you to read Response cached until Fri 13 @ 6:54 GMT (Refreshes in 15.41 Hours)
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 12, 2010 at 12:24
Nice to meet you, Beth, and I look forward to your comments.
Twitter: GeorgeAngus
August 12, 2010 at 23:27
Dan,
Great post. Hehe, you used “whilst” – one of my favs. your point here is well taken, be a little social with your group. Some folks think that tweeting once a week counts as social networking.
Cheers
George
George Angus wants you to read A Grand Grand
Twitter: DebraLStang
August 22, 2010 at 12:01
I found this article very helpful. I’ve always loved writing, and whatever my actual job title, I tend to be the “go to” person at my workplace when material needs to be written or edited. I figured if I could do that, why not write online? So I stumbled into a couple of content site gigs and started making some good extra money. I’m just now realizing that I can take things to the next level, perhaps even build a full-time writing career, if I just put a little energy into marketing myself. This article gives me some great ideas to get started. Thanks!
Debra Stang wants you to read Social Worker – Writer – Touching Lives
I only recently decided that I wanted to devote my life to freelance writing. For two years I went to college, thinking that I wanted to teach English, only to find that teaching just wasn’t right for me. I’ve now come to my senses, started a few blogs and am now writing regularly. My writing is gradually improving (although, it was pretty good before), but I’m also obtaining experience in my field when I write.
Several months ago, I started considering copywriting for the first time (before then, I didn’t even know what copywriting was!), so I invested in tons of books on the subject. Now, I’m finally about to take action after reading all I could on the subject and am organizing my online portfolio.
During the years blogging, I have networked with a few bloggers and freelance writers alike, so I can definitely tell you that networking does benefit your career in a big way. You’re not only networking, but you’re building relationships and trust; not just on your own website but other websites as well. While networking, people begin to see you as an authority and, as a result, check out what you have to offer, whether it is your services or a website that you update daily.
Networking is more important than some people realize and, if I hadn’t of networked before, I would never be where I am now in my career.
I think I have stories to tell…especially geared toward older children and/or adults. I’ve been reading for hours now on freelance writing jobs. I just signed up on facebook. I have NO ONE to read my work, except family. I live in the middle of NO WHERE…the deep woods of NC. I’ve written articles for our local paper, histories of people at my church, stories for my grandchildren. I KNOW I have something to offer, but I also know about finding agents and how hard it is to get published. I believe I could do a really good job in advertising somehow. This interests me. I know squat about networking (heck I only read my e-mail about once every 3 months. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I am going no where but I just know I have something to offer. All this stuff I found on the internet is like a needle in a haystack. But I would like to get paid, if only a little, for some of the stuff that seeps out of my brain. I have no direction, no where to turn…
Hi Judy,
Although this is going to sound like a quote from Alcoholics Anonymous – you’ve done the hardest step of realising that you want to be a writer and getting it out in the open.
Everything from now on is fun! (for the most part, anyway!).
You’ve also come to the right place – GetPaidToWriteOnline.com is full of fantastic information that can help you achieve your goals as a writer.
There’s so much to take in, Judy that the one piece of advice I would give is to start up a blog (you can create one completely for free using various companies. I personally prefer Wordpress.com) and just start writing.
Write about what you want to do. Write about your interests. Write about your struggles. Write about your goals as and when you achieve them.
Just write!
It’s so simple, but I guarantee you’ll be surprised at how much it helps.
You’ll find you become more involved in discussions on other blogs (like you have here) and that more and more people come to your blog and join in with your discussions.
From there, things will just snowball if you spend the time to read resources, talk to other writers and get involved.
I’ve said it so many times before, but the freelance writing community is one of the friendliest and most helpful of any I’ve ever come across – ask your questions and I’m certain you’ll get helpful answers.
Think positive, Judy and you’ll be getting paid to write in no time.
Dan Smith wants you to read Do You Keep Your Best Ideas For Yourself Or Your Clients
Dan, thanks so much for the encouragement! Sometimes I feel as if I’m all alone in this pursuit of writing (sometimes I think it is more of a curse, especially when I see those around me worrying about a clean house or a yard needing mowing when all that’s in my head is a developing story.) Although such chores as these are a wonderful way to curb the muses, an excuse say, not to do it because of that devil named “Fear of Failure”. Have you also, been there, done that? Thanks for the tips on a way to expand my world. It is hard to believe that in this modern world there are still people like me who know of no one to turn too to find out if my stories are merely rubbish or of value to someone, somewhere. Tell me more, I’m all ears, and thanks again for taking the time to encourage me. Judy
First of all, Judy, you need to get that thought of being all alone as a writer out of your head – there are thousands upon thousands of people in your exact same position.
Next, you need to find and start interacting with these likeminded individuals! Keep doing what you’re doing now, taking part in blog discussions and you’ll soon find yourself on the next rung of the ladder, offering advice to people who are in a similar position to you.
In respect of fearing failure, I think every freelance writer has been there. No matter how confident they are or how popular they are now as a writer, there’ll have been at least a handful of occasions where they’ve questioned what they’re doing and whether it would result in putting them a few steps back in their career.
What you have to keep in mind is that you can’t fail at something unless you give up at it – any mistakes you make should be turned into aspects that you can learn from.
Like I said previously, don’t hesitate to get as involved as you possibly can and ask any questions that you have – if I can’t help, there are thousands of others who I know will gladly offer advice.
And start a blog – updating it regularly – today!