Part 1: How to Find Clients
Waaaay back in my career, I worked full-time. I know, crazy stuff. I was newly married, had no kids and therefore had seemingly endless amounts of time on my hands. I worked for a small start-up software company, and we worked very hard and played hard (such fond memories of Chinese take-out in the wee hours as we worked around the clock to get releases out), but I still managed to make time for freelance work on the side. The company I had recently left hired me to create some training docs for the software product that I knew inside and out, and I jumped at the opportunity. That was my first official freelance job, and it was 2 months in duration, and took every weeknight and weekend I could spare to get it done. I learned a lot about discipline during this point in my career. And here's my first bit of advice: when looking for freelance work, co-workers from your past jobs are a great resource:Hit up past managers, stay in contact with your co-workers from past employers, and don't be afraid to ask them to put you in contact with the writing team at their current place of employment.Eighty percent of my contracts to date have been sourced through the great people I have worked with during previous jobs, or even during previous contracts. In today's job market, people stay at a job for two to three years only. That means your network of possible companies expands every time one of your co-workers leaves for a new position. LinkedIn is a fabulous resource for ensuring you stay in touch with past co-workers. Make sure you use it religiously, and stay in contact with the people who can help you find new work opportunities.
My second freelance opportunity came via a writer I met through membership in a professional organization. At the time, our local chapter (yes, it was the STC) was very active, and I assumed a role on the chapter council to expand my network. I met so many great writers during this time, and I soaked up the experience of some of the senior members who were generous with their time and advice. And that leads me to my next piece of advice:
Find a mentor. Don't be shy about asking for help. People genuinely will want to help you (it's human nature really) and who doesn't love imparting wisdom to others? LISTEN to your mentor's advice. Buy them coffee often!One of my mentors put in a good word for me with a fellow writer looking to hire a freelancer, and voila, my next opportunity fell into my lap. I completed five different projects for the client over a three year period, and despite three acquisitions for this company, they still seek me out for projects. It really is all about who you know!
I attribute my third freelance opportunity to volunteer work. My husband is accountant, and he was the president of his local CA chapter for some time. When they wanted to produce a newsletter, I gave my time willingly, and helped them produce a professional-looking and well-written piece each month. FOR FREE. I made sure to include a nod to myself as editor of the newsletter (including contact info), and sure enough only a few issues later I received a call from an accountant who worked for a new start-up company who needed a freelance writer to create an entire suite of documentation. This advice is obvious:
Volunteer your time, and make sure you receive credit for your work. When you put yourself out there, you can find opportunities through the most unlikely of sources.In my next post, I'll impart some thoughts about how to ensure repeat business. I'm also planning a post to discuss the ever-important issue of rates. If there's a topic you'd like me to discuss, just leave a comment and let me know! Till next time...
