As an aside, I’m pretty sure using random song titles (this one is from The Decemberists) as blog post titles isn’t the best SEO choice, but we’ll work on that.
In the U.S., July is most associated with July 4th, Independence Day. I continue to learn a lot about being an independent business owner, and this month brought some great lessons.
Here’s what went down:
Submitted a story to the University of Maryland College of Education on graduating in a pandemic. I interviewed several newly minted graduates who had completed not only their final classes and lectures virtually, but who had taken on remote student teaching, a different challenge than in a “normal” year, indeed.
Learned that my longtime contact/editor at UMD COE was leaving the university for another job. She’s been great to work with — easy, responsive to questions, respectful of my work… I will miss collaborating with her and wish her all the best. Upon learning this news, I made sure I opened the lines of communication with her colleagues so I don’t lose momentum with this client.
Interviewed parents and nonprofit leaders in Silver Spring, MD about the cost of childcare for a story on the American Communities Project website. I come from a newspaper background so I know the importance of deadlines, but I was struggling to connect with the right kinds of sources for this one. With nearly two weeks until my deadline, I emailed my editor, told her the situation, and respectfully asked for an extension, which was granted and she appreciated my being communicative. I’ve worked with writers who don’t ask until after the deadline has already passed. I’m definitely not advising anyone to make a habit of asking for extensions, but the more open your lines of communication with your editor, and the sooner you ask, the better. They have to be kept in the loop, even if the loop isn’t all sunshine and roses.
Continued my conversation with a prospective new client whom I met through a referral from another writer. It can get frustrating sometimes when a prospective client isn’t really sure of what they want/need… or doesn’t have the budget to pay for me to help them figure it out, and then execute the strategy.
Relatedly, another prospective client, a solo business owner I’d been trading emails with off and on for a while, requested a phone call. I told her that I offer free 30-minute exploratory calls and sent her some questions. As a freelance business owner, it’s important to set those boundaries and manage expectations. Especially when someone doesn’t know exactly what they need, it can be easy to get roped into giving a lot of free content strategy advice before you even talk money. I went into the call with three packages, at different price points, ready to offer. Ultimately, we did not end up working together, but setting those limits and taking charge of the conversation was a point of growth for me as a business owner.
Had an exploratory conversation with another prospective new client who was also introduced by another writer. No assignment but that’s often how these things work — you meet, you chat, you stay in touch via email or social media. It’s a lot of building relationships, not just transactions. And it’s a long game, which I readily admit can be frustrating. But as guest Anna Hetzel said in this episode of the Deliberate Freelancer podcast, hosted by my friend Melanie Padgett Powers, look to make friends, not contacts, in the industry. Basically, think of building a quality network, not just a bigger network.
Finalized a contract for an alumni profile story with a repeat university client. I love writing for universities — there’s a lot that reminds me of being a features reporter in a small, active city. I love writing profiles. But it can forever to get things moving. I think the editor first contacted me in February about another story, then circled back in April with an additional idea, then finally came back again in July about contracting just for the second story. I often have to do most of my checking in and following up with university clients.
Finalized another job copy editing an annual report for one of the companies Client Z works with.
Supported Christy Batta Designs in this month’s blog post, A Day in the Life of My Design Business.
Continued to support ASJA, the American Society of Authors & Journalists, as editor of the weekly newsletter. I think I’ve mentioned before, this something I do as a volunteer. At a later date, I’ll delve into the value of volunteering within ones industry and the very vast difference between volunteering/pro bono and working for free.
I’m contemplating starting a newsletter in 2022, compiling monthly work summaries, resources, tales of the life of a freelance writing and editing toddler mama, and other random stuff. Any thoughts?