Hi Bob,
I understand your concerns regarding jumping into corporate writing with both feet. Particularly during these uncertain times, it often seems best to play it safe by sticking with a ‘regular’ job.
In my case, however, my ‘regular’ job is writing corporate communications ~ anything and everything from PR releases, sales letters and brochures to newsletters, video scripts and so on.
Making it a regular job started for me way back in 1981 during a recession and the Gulf War ~ sound familiar?
Like you, I weighed up the pros and cons. I was told by all my well-meaning friends and colleagues that I was crazy to leave a well-paying, secure job for the uncertainty of my own business. But I knew ~ like you ~ that I could do it, so I took the plunge. The first year was the hardest as I established a reputation and regular clients. Also, like you, I was confident in my ability as a writer, but less so in my ability to sell myself to potential clients.
That was 10 years later. I have learned a lot and I have also learned that I did it right back in those early years.
Here’s what I did which you can apply:
1. Before you take the plunge, think in ink.
Think about the pros and cons of working for yourself as a corporate writer. Write them down. Weigh them up . And decide if it’s worth it and if you’re up to the challenge.
2. Put a toe in the water.
Approach one or two prospects before you give up your regular job, and freelance on the side. Playing it safe also means you don’t need to worry about initial cashflow problems as you build the business.
3. Build a reputation.
As you complete projects for clients, friends or even family members, make sure you also collect written testimonials, samples of your work (eg printed brochures) and referrals ~ these three things will be the life-blood of your business in the early days.
4. Build a network.
There’s essentially two ways of working for clients ~ directly or via a third party, such as a graphic designer, printer or photographer. Often I have been introduced to clients via complementary consultants, such as these, and you can too. This is another good way to win work, particularly in the early days. And it’s also a good way to ease yourself into the rigors of working for yourself. Understand their businesses and you’ll identify opportunities for your own. You’ll also learn how to add value to their clients as well as yours.
5. Work on your image.
So often writers forget to take care of their own business by developing prospecting letters, brochures or even professional stationery. Remember, first impressions count. Make sure you look the part with a professional folio and marketing collateral
6. Think big, start small.
I started working from a spare bedroom but it wasn’t long before I graduated to a serviced office. These days you don’t need to tie yourself to a conventional office. Start off, working from home, but make dure your environment is professional for optimum productivity.
Thinking big also means not being afraid to go after the big fish. Just because you’re starting our on your own doesn’t mean you cannot offer quality services to large clients. I continue (by choice) to be a ‘one man band’, and yet I have worked with a number of large and well-known companies since the early days. And it all started with thinking big.
I hope this helps.
regards
Michael
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Michael Meanwell
michael@meanwellstore.com
Author of the e-books
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