A Little Experiment
As a I continue to broaden the scope of my freelance writing career, I am realizing the importance of making a variety of contacts with people who can further my career. I’ve always approached this idea online, but I am beginning to wonder if I should take a bit more old-fashioned approach.
So, here’s the experiment. Tomorrow, I am going to prepare a packaged e-mail detailing my services and providing links to my portfolio to local advertising and PR firms in my area. I am going to send a simple inquiry and describe my rates and aptitudes, and see just how seriously these people will take me.
What do you think? Any other ideas I should apply as I experiment with this strategy?
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Comments
Good idea to start, though I would leave out your rates (I’ve been on both sides of this relationship). Talk about money after you figure out if there’s a possible link there. Plus you avoid the risk of pricing yourself too high or too low (yes, you can price yourself too low).
For more real-world networking - better than a email - I’d think about joining the chapters of local professional groups like PRSA, AMA, etc. Volunteer, see if you can get on the chapter board, anything that will give you an opportunity to sit side-by-side with these folks an start to build relationships.
Good luck!
I don’t have a lot to add here, but I agree that discussing rates before discussing services might not be a good idea.
Just my thoughts.
Could you shoot me one of those emails?
Cold contacting potential clients is something every freelancer has to do at some point. Just a couple of suggestions:
1. Tailor your emails to the specific businesses you’re contacting.
2. Follow up by phone early next week.
Good luck!