“MacGyver” Your Way to More Clients …
Linda Wilkinson here, and this week I’m sharing the top four MacGyver-like tools that can help you become a resourceful – and successful – freelance writer.
First of all, you’ll need a detailed contact list. Similar to MacGyver’s trusty Swiss Army knife, your contact list is a multifaceted tool you can use to grow your business.
Your contact list should include several categories of people you can network with and get referrals from …
- Family and friends
- Neighbors and acquaintances
- Former classmates
- Colleagues from places you’ve worked
- Professionals you do business with (e.g., your doctor, dentist, hairdresser, plumber, veterinarian, etc.)
- People you know through professional associations, faith communities, volunteer organizations, clubs, writing groups, etc.
When I was getting started as a freelance writer, I relied heavily on my contact list. At the top of my list were friends who were writers. Although you may consider other writers your competition, you never know when they might need some help with a writing project.
I’ve also networked with acquaintances and people I’ve met through my faith community and professional associations. When I switched from magazine writing to copywriting a couple of years ago, I discovered one of my acquaintances needed some help with her website copy. When I was finished helping her, she referred me to another small business owner she knew.
So, once you’ve fleshed out your contact list to include all the people you know from all aspects of your life, you’ll have a multifaceted resource that will help you start building your client base.
Start your list of contacts today. Make sure you include everyone you know who has a business. Even if they already have a website, you can offer to do a website audit and discuss ways you can improve their website – and ultimately grow their business.
I’d love to hear your networking stories in the comments. Has your contact list helped you land a client?
Tomorrow, I’ll share another tool that every copywriter’s toolkit should contain. Stay tuned …
The Professional Writers’ Alliance
At last, a professional organization that caters to the needs of direct-response industry writers. Find out how membership can change the course of your career. Learn More »
Thanks, Linda. I think..I can dig up..one contact..somewhere..? ; )
soarbolde – August 26, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Soarbolde, it's amazing how long your list can get once you consider all your family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, etc. Basically, anyone you know who has a business or a website can use your copywriting services.
Linda – August 26, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Nice article, things I wish I'd known when I started my business. I get most of my referrals by word of mouth, and was talking to another woman at a horse show a few weeks ago. She has teaches piano and needs help with marketing. I followed up and set up a meeting with her in October!
Geez!
Guest (edna) – August 27, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Sounds like you have a great referral network, Edna. Congrats on your new lead.
Guest (Linda) – August 28, 2014 at 12:25 pm