Networking & USA Today

Networking can happen at the oddest places. Yesterday I went to a memorial for a dear friend, and while chatting with the folks there (most I know from the literary scene in Philadelphia) and BAM! It happens. I mention that I'm now working as a freelance writer full time, and someone says, "Are you looking for paying work?"

Like a freelancer isn't ALWAYS looking for paying work (I suppose that some are just so busy they don't need new clients, but I don't know any). So today I followed up with an email with a link to this site and my clips. I'm looking forward to hearing back.

I don't recommend memorial services as networking hunting grounds. But luckily, my friend Sandy (it was her memorial reading), would have been thrilled.

It seems clear to me that only way to make freelance writing work is through networking. I've done plenty of cold soliciting, as well as applied to hundreds of posted jobs, and gotten little response. But when I can find a way to make that personal connection the magic happens, and I get my foot in the door.

Now I just need to find more doors.

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Last week, on Tuesday (apparently), this article I wrote for a client appeared in USA Today. Very exciting! Sadly, the client is listed as the author and not me, but hey--that's the name of the game with corporate writing. I still get to be proud.

It was such a fun article to write. I really enjoy research (I know! But it's true), and I got to do extensive research to get those tasty tidbits. One of the benefits of writing about topics like this is that it changes my view of the subject; like many of you, I viewed MBA holders as stock traders and financial managers. I had no idea the variety of options available to MBAs today. I also wrote another article (as yet unpublished online) about how MBA graduates are helping the third world. Fascinating stuff (really!).

I haven't been able to find a link to the USA Today article, but when I get a copy I'll scan it and post it.

Comments

[Melissa Garrett]

Congrats! While I've never landed a job for having networked at a memorial service, I've been able to write for several friends. The personal touch does help, you are correct.

[Coral]

I love the business-like look of this blog - congratulations!

[Nancy]

that;s awesome!usa today!