What YOU Need as a Writer
A couple weeks ago, I asked what you neededto talk/read about that WritersUnbound could help you with.
Two replies I got were cold calling (freelancers/copywriters) and researching markets (magazines and books). First, I’m going to address cold calling, and then you can pop back after that where I begin a series on finding markets (tomorrow)!
I also asked for some blogroll suggestions, and I am working on that, too. So, if you have anyone you’d like to see blogrolled, let me know.
My goal with WritersUnbound is to build one of those great, clickable writing communities where you can once in a while garner those little gems of wisdom that go a long way in your writing career. You have a lot of say in that building, so please do leave your input.
And now……ON TO COLD CALLING:
- Cold calling isn’t always completely cold. You’ll want to start with your past clients. This will make the task a little easier on freelancers who hate picking up the phone, as you’ll at least have a sense of the customer. Heck, maybe you can pick up enough new work to just stop there. But, if not…
- Another way to warm up that cold call, making it a little easier for the shy freelancer: send some materials beforehand. Warm up your prospect by sending a small press kit, or a cold email with a direction to your website. Your prospect then knows a BIT about you, thus alleviating all those clumsy introductions.
- Get recommendations or introductions first. By using your existing network, you can garner an introduction, or at least some positive word of mouth buzz, meaning that you again avoid the chilliest part of the cold call.
Using these suggestions not only helps you get more business, but moreso, they take the pain out of cold calling, making it an activity that doesn’t drain your reserves.
Best of luck, and be sure to share your cold calling tips!
November 29th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Good article, useful information.
November 30th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
thanks! stay tuned!