How to Start Making Freelance Money Today!
December 24, 2009 by John Hewitt
The greatest tool ever
I’m about to reintroduce you to the greatest money making tool a freelance writer has. It’s been neglected a bit lately because of this new Internet fad that all the kids are talking about, but it’s still the easiest, greatest way to find work. The best part is that you’re probably carrying that tool with you right now. If not, I’ll bet one is nearby. It’s called a phone. Know it. Love it. Use it.
1 versus 100
Do you know why telemarketers are constantly interrupting your dinner with sales calls? Because it works. They don’t make a sale every time, and they don’t have to. If one out of twenty calls is successful, a telemarketer is ahead of the curve. Now, think about this for yourself. If you’re sitting at home with no work, in eight hours you can certainly make twenty calls. Heck, rejections take no time at all. With enough rejections you can easily make one hundred calls in eight hours. If just one of those calls nets you an assignment, you’re back in the game. That’s power.
Who you gonna call?
Phone numbers are easy to come by. I must get half a dozen phone books delivered to my door every year. I keep at least one of them even though I never use it. Why? Because that Internet thingy is so darned convenient! I can look up just about any business online. Want a list of publishers in your city? Type the name of your city and the word publishers into Google. It will not only give you a list of publishers, it will point them out to you on a map. If the publisher has a web site, you can visit it and find out who to call. Calling is a lot easier if you have a name, but don’t let names stop you. Just call up the main number and ask for the editor, publisher, marketing department or even the owner. Not sure how to move forward? Here you go!
- Call your local newspapers and magazines. Almost all newspapers have a web presence so it should be especially easy to find out who the editors are. Ask for the appropriate editor and explain that you are a freelance writer and that you want to find out what their policy on freelancing is and if they have any needs at this time.
- After you finish with the locals, you should look to expand your search to the entire region. Call up any newspaper and magazine within a 200 mile radius. This goes for any search. Start locally and move outward as you make more calls.
- Call your local publishing companies and print shops. Ask for the editor, owner or manager. Ask them if they use freelancers for copywriting, editing or proofreading work. Let them know that you are in the area and available.
- Make a list of local non-profit organizations, schools and colleges. Call them and explain that you are a local writer. Ask if they are in need of any copywriting or grant writing.
- Move on to local businesses, especially locally-owned retail businesses. Ask for the owner or manager and explain that you are a local copywriter and ask if they are in need of brochures, fliers, radio copy or other advertising materials.
Friendly neighborhood writer
The important thing to remember is to be friendly and willing to listen. The chances of you landing a sale are about one in twenty, so don’t get discouraged by rejection. Rejection will happen most of the time. That’s why you keep dialing more numbers. If you are friendly and straightforward, all sorts of good things can happen. Some people may ask you to send samples. Others may take your number and promise to call if they have any work. Others may recommend another editor or business. Sometimes, you’ll get the gig right then and there. For any businesses that show interest but don’t commit to a sale, send them your business card, postcard or brochure so that you can be sure they received your information.
I won’t lie to you. Cold calling takes effort and guts. It isn’t for the lazy or the timid. That’s why it works, because so few people are willing to do it.
Related links
- My Move from Unemployed Worker to Freelance Writer (1.000)
- Want to be a Freelance Writer? Get Ready for Business! (0.750)
- How to Treat Your Writing Like a Business (0.750)
- The Realities of a Freelance Writing Career (0.750)
- Don't Make Your Freelance Writing Career Just About Work (0.750)
Contact John Hewitt
Writing Content and Web Consulting
Email: hewitt@poewar.comPhone: (520) 261-6104
LinkedIn: poewar
Twitter: @poewar
Facebook: pwar2
Truth be told, I would rather have to cut my arm off while dangling three hundred feet above ground pinched between a boulder and a cliff than make cold calls. But that’s just me.
Hi Sandra,
Lets hope you’re never put in the position of having to choose.
Yes, let’s hope. : ) I work in media and have been asked several times if I could be a sales person. My answer never changes. I always say “No, thank you.” Then run away screaming. Or something along those lines.
Hi, I’m a first time visitor. I like your site. Since I have a blog about writing these resources will come in handy. Thanks
The only part I can’t stand about freelancing is sales. But no one can own their own business if they are unwilling to be the sales team as well as the manager, director, writer, distribution, classified, and production team.
I agree with you, Sandra. I hate cold calling. While I understand that it works, I prefer to use direct mail or e-mail marketing. When I market myself and my copywriting that way, not only do I save myself the gut-churning stress of cold calling, but the prospect has in his or her hot little hands a solid sample of my work.
That’s just me. Yes, it’s a slower way to build my business, but slow and steady and all that…
Hi Emma, Marjani and Mary,
There is nothing wrong with marketing yourself by mail. The difference is that mail is a passive exercise. Because it is passive, many people who might act right away if put in an active sales situation are given the opportunity to forget about you, misplace your materials, or just plain over think the situation. Passive sales can work, but it requires a significant financial outlay and a lot more time. If you’re hungry today, it may not due to wait for tomorrow’s solution.
Good luck!
First time visitor! I’m glad I stumbled upon this site, it’s really enjoyable.
I am new to the world of freelance writing. All I know is I like to write. It started with my background as a medical transcriptionist. I am glad there is a Writer’s Resource Center. It has shed light on some things that I need to know. As I browse the internet, looking for writing jobs, I noticed a lot of errors in grammar and punctuation, and I know that I can be an asset to someone. Please help.
Hi Barbara,
Good luck with your freelance career. All the help you need is on this site. I recommend that you read http://www.poewar.com/freelance_failures/ and do the opposite of everything listed there.
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This is information is fabulous. Call me crazy, but I have no problem with cold calling. In order to make it happen we must be willing to pull up our sleeves and go the distance. Only the strong survive. That’s for sure!
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John,
Wow! I absolutely MUST thank you! I am a voracious writer and reader and am working on a book right now (gulp). I was searching for information about getting it published, providing I ever finish it, and stumbled upon your site. I will be eternally grateful for that little blessing. You are clear, concise, and wonderfully thoughtful. Thank you, and may you be blessed ten fold.
Dragon
I’m glad I could help Dragon. Good luck with your book!
The competition is too much and you real need to prove yourself somewhere before you can even think og getting break. While Blog s a good medium but now you have competition there too.
Mystic Madnesss last blog post..Are You Stuck Up In A Wrong Job – Article 3 of 6
John,
Cold calling is a great idea. I’ve just started out as a part-time freelancer (moving around a lot, bad economy, it just MADE SENSE) and I’m finding your site a big help. Thanks for the insight.
Sales is the backbone of any business. I would go for both email marketing and cold calling respectively. You are very right on telecalling, and that’s why it is thriving still.
.-= Simon´s last blog ..Looking at the stars =-.
I’m so glad I came across your site. I find this suggestion particularly encouraging. As a gal who’s ready to get her feet wet in the industry, I’ve got a lot of homework to do, but I’ve stumbled upon a great resource here. Hey folks, the only way to see if a method works is to go out there and try it. Calling and asking, when given the personal opportunity could prove an invaluable boon, but we’ve got to get a few under our belts to navigate it.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the suggestions here and giving it a go.