September 4th, 2008,by Paul Lima
What do you say to previous clients when you are trying to generate repeat business?
A lot depends on what you did for the client and what your relationship with him or her is like. Whatever you say or write, keep it short. For instance, you can remind clients of the work you did and let them know you are available to take on similar assignments. You can send an e-mail like the one below. This one is specific to my services, corporate writing and communications, but it is an excellent model to follow for any type of freelance service — graphic design, editing, videography, you name it.
Hi, Chris,
Three months ago, I wrote copy for a direct mail brochure for you. Thanks for sending me a completed PDF version for my portfolio. Click to continue reading »
August 29th, 2008,by Pete Savage, Editor
Hi Everyone, It’s Pete Savage here, sharing the GREAT news that The Wealthy Freelancer has been nominated as one of the Top 10 Blogs for Writers! What an honor, especially since the blog just launched last month, and several other of the excellent blogs nominated have been around for years! Steve, Ed and I are HUGELY grateful to all our contributors and readers for making this blog what it is - a place where freelancers come for top-notch advice on how to make their freelance careers rich!
Vote for The Wealthy Freelancer! If you like what you’ve been seeing here on the blog, cast your vote for us! Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page and vote by adding a comment. Be sure to include our url too! It’s http://thewealthyfreelancer.com/.
Thanks again and Best Wishes,
Pete, Steve and Ed
August 23rd, 2008,by Ed Gandia, Editor
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 for clients I love.
My secret?
Click to continue reading »
August 20th, 2008,by Jennifer Remling
For most people, the notion of “clarity” is uncharted territory. Just try answering this “simple” question: What do you want out of your business or career?
It’s a tough question. But, if you want to be a successful freelancer, then you absolutely have to know, feel and be able to visualize the answer.
Click to continue reading »
August 16th, 2008,by Pete Savage, Editor
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 a few of the things you could do…
Click to continue reading »
August 11th, 2008,by Dean Rieck
If you spend enough time in the freelancing business, you’ll develop a reputation that helps generate referrals for new clients and supply returning business from old clients.
But what if you’re just starting out? How do you get clients if you need work fast? I don’t recommend that you put yourself into a position like this. It’s better to take a step-by-step approach so you’re not in a sink or swim position.
But things happen, and you may find yourself needing to kick start your business or re-energize an existing freelance practice. So here are a few ideas to consider.
Click to continue reading »
August 8th, 2008,by Dianna Huff
One thing I’ve struggled with for years is how to “squeeze” more time out of my day.
I tried everything from reading productivity books to studying other writers to see if I could glean their “secret” to productivity.
Nothing changed — until I read the book, How Toyota Became #1 by David Magee and learned about the company’s vaunted TPS, or Toyota Production System.
Click to continue reading »
August 6th, 2008,by Steve Slaunwhite
Just about every business success book I have ever read claims that you need to set high goals. “Make your goals ambitious,” one book advises. “Always be reaching for the stars!” says another.
As a freelance copywriter, for example, one of your goals might be to make a six-figure income, or land a prestigious F-500 corporate client, or double your creative output without sacrificing quality.
But wait a minute. Do you really need goals? Must you always be pushing hard towards a specific target, like an Olympian going for the Gold?
Click to continue reading »
August 1st, 2008,by Michael Huggins
For a freelance professional, business success and personal growth go hand in hand. You really can’t have one without the other.
If you aren’t in a continual mode of learning, then your life and business will stagnate — real fast. Clients will become harder to get. Work will become harder to do. Things won’t be fun anymore.
In this business, learners are winners. That’s true whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, photographer, consultant or any kind of creative entrepreneur.
How do I keep my brain well-fed? Here’s what I do:
READ.
This can be a tough one if you don’t like to read much, or if you can never find the time (which is what I was like for many years). But reading is an important learning tool that helps you challenge and reshape your thinking. Pick up some good business books. Ask colleagues what the “best reads” are.
TAKE A CLASS.
You should have some time throughout your year where you schedule in some hard “class time”. This can be a night class or a part-time class but it certainly doesn’t have to be limited to that. You can go to Click to continue reading »
July 29th, 2008,by Ed Gandia, Editor
If you’re an aspiring freelancer (or new to freelancing) and you’re down in the dumps right now, what I’m about to tell you will hopefully change the way you feel about the tough road ahead.
Here it is: When you’re starting out, what you lack in experience and track record you can make up by working hard on other controllable factors.
Click to continue reading »
