Strategy
How to Create a Loyal Client with “ANGER”
If it hasn’t happened yet, it will.
You’re having a great day and then BLAM! Your client ambushes you at a meeting or starts yelling at you over the phone. Something is terribly wrong and you are in the hot seat.
Don’t panic! Just remember one word: ANGER.
You Gotta Read This…
“If I read a book that cost me $20 and I get one good idea, I’ve gotten one of the greatest bargains of all time.” - Tom Peters
Tom, I couldn’t agree more, buddy.
Every time I scan the bookstore shelves or the Amazon pages, I actually get giddy with excitement about the potential for Return On [...]
6 Copywriting Tips for the Non-Writer
If you’re a creative professional (like a graphic designer, photographer, or illustrator) understanding the basics of good copywriting can put more money in your pocket! How?
Next time you’re looking at a client’s (or a prospect’s) marketing materials, see how the copy stacks up against these six basic copywriting tips. If the copy you read [...]
5 Tips for Developing an E-Newsletter that Makes the Phone Ring
An e-newsletter is a great way to remain top-of-mind with current and past customers while converting “warm” prospects into paying customers. Even though I have a blog and a well-optimized Website, I still receive calls that begin this way, “Hi Dianna. I’ve been getting your newsletter for a while now and would like to talk [...]
My No-Frills Strategy for a Steady Income
I don’t get 10 inquiries a day from prospective clients.
I know some superstar freelancers do, but I’m not one of them.
In fact, now that I think about it … I don’t even get 10 inquiries a month! Yet over the last four years, I’ve been able to build a very profitable and steady business working [...]
Direct Mail Vs. Everything Else
I’m a huge proponent of direct mail. It’s such an effective means of generating business for freelancers.
Why? Because it’s the most accurate and efficient self-promotion tool out there for pinpointing the exact companies you want to go after and win over.
Can you employ other marketing tactics aside from direct mail? Certainly you can. Let’s look at [...]
Want to boost your business? Start with your business vision
Do you have some downtime over the summer? If so, you might want to spend some time focusing your business vision. Do you have downtime most of the time? If so, you really want to spend some time focusing your business vision.
Most freelancers I know do not have a business vision. Nor do they have [...]
What Makes a $125-an-Hour Writer?
I got an email recently from a woman, understandably excited about the lucrative opportunity offered up by commercial freelancing. Referencing an oft-quoted fee range for the field of “$50-125 an hour,” she asked, “What makes a $125-an-hour writer?” Good question. Let’s start with a reality check…
Put an End to Business Volatility
There’s no doubt that the ebb and flow of projects is one of the most frustrating and nail-biting aspects of being a freelance professional.
But for many freelancers, it has also become an accepted norm. And that’s a shame.
Yes, a certain degree of volatility is to be expected. Most of us can’t “store” client project opportunities [...]
A Safer Way to Launch Your Freelance Business
What’s one of the biggest obstacles keeping aspiring freelancers from making the leap?
Figuring out how to transition from full-time employee to freelancer - safely.
Unless you’re already financially independent, can live off your spouse’s income…or you have a rich uncle who’s willing to bankroll your new venture…quitting your job tomorrow and starting your business from scratch [...]