How To Take The Ice Out Of Cold-Calling 11/13/2009
 Are you constantly making contacts, but not making any connections? Always professional and friendly in your presentation, but you just can't figure out why the majority of potential clients decline your services? Selling is not easy, but to be a successful freelancer selling plays a part in what you do at some point. The bottom line is whether you are offering tangible products, or services, your main objective is to get the potential client to say yes. There are many good methods, and some not so good. One thing the good ones have in common is that "selling" is not involved. Replacing the "salesy" approach with plain human interaction takes some tension away. We are guarded when it comes to selling. When you hear, "Hi I'm _____, and I want to tell you about_____...", you're ready to say "no" and shut down more often than not. The key is to build positive relationships. This is done online through social networking and offline, again through social networking. Genuinely getting to know people and finding out what their needs are will take the ice out of cold-calling. By doing this, you go beyond making a sale. You build a foundation to make a connection. How do you take the chill out of making cold-calls?  Success Is A Made Up Mind 11/11/2009
 Trying to accomplish something worthwhile is never easy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 78% of the business force is comprised of entrepreneurs. Being among this majority, you started your freelancing journey knowing challenges would come your way. You stood firm to face the fight. Getting projects, building credibility, making enough money to sustain a desired lifestyle have become a part of your existence. But now you sometimes ask yourself, "is all of this worth it"? What is it that has taken the wind out of your sails? Even though it has been six months, or a year, you're still doing the things that got you off the ground but for some reason the efficacy isn't quite as strong. While striving towards your goals it is possible that you have reached a plateau. But reaching a ceiling does not mean that you have to remain there. Re-evaluating the full picture is a good way to see where are. If you have worked your plan and reached your goals up to a particular point you should be proud. You have proven that you are ready to grow and step up in your business, not give up. Technically, you should already have the next set of goals in place to take you to the next level. Along with it will come a new set of challenges. Don't let the illusion of fear become an issue. If you are having some doubts and fear that you won't make it, you might not if this is your thought process. Use those feelings as fuel for your creativity tank to attract the results that you want. Make this a part of your plan to reach success. You've gotten this far through repetition of your work and doing what you are passionate about. Maintaining the same tenacity into the next level will get you that much closer to the top. 10 Tips On Growing Your Readership 11/09/2009
 Starting a blog with the hopes of reaching tens of thousands of readers daily is the objective of many writers. Sharing knowledge and being the "go-to" source is sure to bring worldwide followers in no time...right? Gaining a large readership is attainable, but this will not happen quickly. Writers that are aspiring to be the next blogstar must realize that becoming a web-celeb is no different than becoming a successful surgeon, business owner, actor or singer. You have to pay your dues. And paying dues takes time. Bloggers with star status didn't set out for their blogs to have the most followers. One thing they all have in common is they offer value. They don't try to sell themselves. By presenting knowledge that readers can benefit from is one of the things that sets them apart. Staying in touch with readers by offering themselves is another element that is most genuine because it lays the foundation to building relationships of strength and credibility. Though at any given time there are a handful of blogs with star status, there are many more that are successful and provide stellar value. They are all stars in the blogosphere. Growing a blog, or website, takes patience and work that includes:
These are just a few of the elements of the many things you can do to build readership. What are some of the unique things you have done to grow your list of readers? 
My Weekend Taste Of Hot Journalism 11/02/2009
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Breaking Free From Writer's Block 10/29/2009
 You have been on a roll turning out writing projects consistently and suddenly hit the wall of writer's block, what do you? While this can happen to the best of writers, just know it's not the end of your freelance writing career, even though it may feel like it. Being at the top of your game, you may have a tendency to subconsciously take advantage of that. This is not a bad thing, it's your livelihood. You take it seriously,...and you should! There are many hats to wear being a writer. Whether you work alone, or have a team, there is a lot to accomplish in addition to completing writing projects, and just like when your body lets you know when you need to slow down, your mind will do the same. If you have reached your plateau and are just plain tapped out...step back! That's right. Walk away for awhile. Clear your mind to allow yourself some space. Doing this encourages you to regroup so those wheels of ideas can start spinning again. Some ways to break free from writer's block:
Connecting With Content 10/27/2009
 What would be the best way for you to grow your reading audience? Now just think about that for a moment... You may have come up with several answers. Basically there is no one correct answer. Depending on the goal you are working toward, it could be a combination of things. Not to mention, all of our responses will be different. The end result is to having fulfilled the need. Going back to basics is the framework for the content that we create. Providing an overview, a beginning to address the subject, the middle to provide details and answers to questions, and an ending to wrap it up. It's what we put inside the framework is what will essentially make or break the connection with our readers. Providing viable information and extending it in a sincere tone can go along way. Coming off fluffy, over flattering, or self-indulgent removes the human factor. Whether writing on the web or in print, we are still writing for people. Individuals that have taken the time to reach out to our words. This is cool. But what makes it even cooler...is when we reciprocate on that emotion by engaging the reader so he, or she, knows we're genuine in making them a part of what we do. We are among some outstanding writers. Writers that have turned out a style all their own that speaks volumes in their content. If you are in the primary stages of developing your swagger to engage, and keep, an audience, build upon the framework with sincerity and personality. Put "you" in unique. Are You A Freelancing Star Quarterback? 10/26/2009
 As we know, the most esteemed position in the NFL belongs to the quarterback. He has to make sound decisions for the team to come out winning. Once the ball is snapped, will he pass or attempt to carry in another play? Win or lose it's in the hands of the QB. After you snap up a developing, writing, design or IT project, the interplay between you and the defense of challenges begins. As a star player you know what obstacles you may face. Your game plan should include alternative plays to keep the team on course toward the goal continuously making the necessary adjustments to score the touchdown (getting paid for providing quality service, completed on time). You call the winning shots until the ball is dead. Studying and scrimmaging the plays in your niche are vital to become a star freelancer. Even when you experience the loss of rejection, or a blitz, you recover and stay in the game learning from your teammates as well opponents to increase your abilities and credibility to perfect your position. Commitment, perseverance, and the mindset of winning are also a part of getting and remaining in the star playing position. Your mind is your most powerful tool. Continue to keep it healthy and focus to prevent from going out of bounds. Uhmm...sounds like the making of an MVP. The Write Niche 10/23/2009
 With so many genres of writing, it can be a challenge figuring out your niche when starting out. The key is knowing what works for you. If you make an honest attempt at technical writing and your knowledge base is travel writing your message is not going to flow. Sticking with content you are comfortable with is the best way to go in the beginning. I like a little writing variety such as health and business topics. After working in the insurance industry for almost six years in commercial claims, health coverage for families, individual and state sponsored programs, this knowledge helps me to better inform. When researching familiar topics it is easier to spot any updates and changes in the industry. Start with your expertise and focus on your knowledge base. Keep it simple but interesting. Engage readers by including them. Being among friends, just kick back and chat about the current topic. Ask questions, share experiences, provide information, and even ask advice. Grow your knowledge base through connecting. After reaching that ultimate comfort level with your writing niche that may a be a good time to branch out. You will know when the time is right. Incorporating another niche into your website or blog can be an excellent move. In doing this you can can continue to grow your online community. Provide your readers with viable content they desire. Yes, by making that connection. By extending a central location saves users time from sifting through various listings of items that may not be relevant to a search. You're the source. |   ArchivesJanuary 2010 How I Roll-Alltop
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