For years I wanted to work as a freelance writer, developing web sites, newsletters, press releases, magazine articles and books.
I tried to launch the business, but never seemed to create a viable business that could support me.
This was worsened by the fact that there are many scams online, offering budding entrepreneurs opportunities to write articles for very little payment.
Advice on making a living as a writer also suggested that one pitch story ideas to publications.
Unfortunately, the delays between querying for the article, awaiting approval and writing the article were too long.
Large corporations, communications companies and advertising agencies seemed to hire well-resourced businesses with experienced staff; not budding entrepreneurs like me.
I continued to work fulltime as a materials developer and communications manager, and later, as a business journalist.
Using the resources I have I was still gainfully employed as a journalist when a communications company offered me a certain volume of writing business to get started.
This man had dealt with me in a business capacity for years and expected me to use the skills I already had to meet his business needsIt turns out I had resources I could use and didn't even know it until they slapped me awake to new opportunities.
Dedicated space to work I didn't have a home office when I first started working from home.
I had to work around my daughter in the afternoons, with the Powerpuff Girls usually screeching in the background.
Thanks to instant messaging technology like Skype, my interviews didn't always have to be verbal! Meanwhile I renovated an old garage building at the back of my property.
I didn't have starting capital so I was taking every assignment I could get to make the extra money.
Word of mouth I usually get the work from people who've seen the work I've done.
Most of the work from former colleagues came from unexpected sources - not those who were already entrenched in their jobs.
Strong online promotion I also maintain a blog that is ranked by Amatomu, where I talk about the writing life and showcase my clients' work.
This has helped me to build a strong online presence which allows me to showcase my work.
As a result, a number of people have approached me to do work for them on the basis of what they've seen online.
Communication technologies Email is my communication tool of choice; it allows me to reach most business associates regardless of their location, and they can respond at their convenience.
It saves time, as I don't have to transcribe notes from conversations.
Skype is also useful for the personal touch in communication, ensuring that I need to have very little in-person contact with clients.
This is especially useful when the client lives outside my city or country.
Know your strengths As my business grew, I've had to hire a fulltime administrator who handles the day to day running of my business.
This frees me to use my strongest asset, which is developing content for clients.
Offer clients project visibility Google's Document management system has been very useful in ensuring that clients can see, at any stage of their project, what has been done so far and what work/resources are outstanding.
This means that the liaison people can easily pick up whatever data they need for their reports, without having to explain that, the person doing the work lives in another country.
This gives them the peace of mind that is more likely to encourage them to use an online vendor again.
I tried to launch the business, but never seemed to create a viable business that could support me.
This was worsened by the fact that there are many scams online, offering budding entrepreneurs opportunities to write articles for very little payment.
Advice on making a living as a writer also suggested that one pitch story ideas to publications.
Unfortunately, the delays between querying for the article, awaiting approval and writing the article were too long.
Large corporations, communications companies and advertising agencies seemed to hire well-resourced businesses with experienced staff; not budding entrepreneurs like me.
I continued to work fulltime as a materials developer and communications manager, and later, as a business journalist.
Using the resources I have I was still gainfully employed as a journalist when a communications company offered me a certain volume of writing business to get started.
This man had dealt with me in a business capacity for years and expected me to use the skills I already had to meet his business needsIt turns out I had resources I could use and didn't even know it until they slapped me awake to new opportunities.
Dedicated space to work I didn't have a home office when I first started working from home.
I had to work around my daughter in the afternoons, with the Powerpuff Girls usually screeching in the background.
Thanks to instant messaging technology like Skype, my interviews didn't always have to be verbal! Meanwhile I renovated an old garage building at the back of my property.
I didn't have starting capital so I was taking every assignment I could get to make the extra money.
Word of mouth I usually get the work from people who've seen the work I've done.
Most of the work from former colleagues came from unexpected sources - not those who were already entrenched in their jobs.
Strong online promotion I also maintain a blog that is ranked by Amatomu, where I talk about the writing life and showcase my clients' work.
This has helped me to build a strong online presence which allows me to showcase my work.
As a result, a number of people have approached me to do work for them on the basis of what they've seen online.
Communication technologies Email is my communication tool of choice; it allows me to reach most business associates regardless of their location, and they can respond at their convenience.
It saves time, as I don't have to transcribe notes from conversations.
Skype is also useful for the personal touch in communication, ensuring that I need to have very little in-person contact with clients.
This is especially useful when the client lives outside my city or country.
Know your strengths As my business grew, I've had to hire a fulltime administrator who handles the day to day running of my business.
This frees me to use my strongest asset, which is developing content for clients.
Offer clients project visibility Google's Document management system has been very useful in ensuring that clients can see, at any stage of their project, what has been done so far and what work/resources are outstanding.
This means that the liaison people can easily pick up whatever data they need for their reports, without having to explain that, the person doing the work lives in another country.
This gives them the peace of mind that is more likely to encourage them to use an online vendor again.
SHARE
