Following up, checking in (whatever you wanna call it) has helped keep my business sustainable (and growing!) over the past five years. And it only takes a few minutes to do.
So how can you do it, too? Even if you have the WORST memory or hate spreadsheets?
There are a few pretty simple options that are free (shoutout to my fellow cheap people!) Let’s look at ‘em.
Why Tho
In many cases, lots of time and money is being spent on writing/blogging efforts...but no one has taken the time to stop and ask WHY. Namely: WHY are we writing this?
It’s scary that so many people aren’t asking this question. It’s scarier that so many more don’t have a good answer when they do ask it.
Write Like a Journalist
I don’t really consider myself a journalist anymore.
The good news is: Most days, I still get to wear my journalist hat (which I imagine is a fedora.)
Wearing my journalist [fedora], I become a much better storyteller—and I’m able to quickly connect the dots and draw new, interesting conclusions based on the information I’ve collected. You can do this, too (with or without a fedora.)
Whether it’s telling a client story or writing an interesting blog post, taking a journalistic approach will help you tell better stories that are dripping with ethos.
In My Briefs
Ever tried writing something without clear direction before? It’s a freakin’ nightmare.
You don’t know who you’re writing for. Or why. Or really what you’re writing about. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned that it just doesn’t work.
That’s why now, I start every writing assignment with a creative brief (which I plop right into the top of the Google Doc for reference as I write.)
Gettin' Hired (Is Hard To Do)
Getting hired feels really hard sometimes, doesn’t it? Whether it’s for an amazing in-house gig at a company you admire, or a remote job that would eliminate your life-sucking commute each day, or even a freelance opportunity with a dream client—it’s not an easy process.
Not only do you have to stand out from the pile of applicants, but if you do, perchance, get noticed, then you have to dazzle during the interviewing process. So, erm...how do you do that?
I somehow figured out how to do that not once, but *TWICE* not too long after I graduated college.
What I'm Teaching My Intern This Fall
This fall, I’ll have my first *ever* intern through one of the local colleges.
Working alongside me, said intern will get some hands-on experience with writing, running a business, and working in the online/freelance environment (mostly with software and eCommerce companies.)
Grammar Refresher
Summer Vacation?
For some, the focus is fast growth, authority-building, #MAKEthatMONEY--all the time. Don't get me wrong: I, too, like to #MAKEthatMONEY.
But for me, I want to work efficiently, with clients I really like, on projects I enjoy--and really, that's it. I don't want ALL THE JOBS. Because I still want some time for "me" stuff.
Images Vs. Words: An Experiment
Full disclosure: I wrote this in the middle of an intense migraine. It’s either really good or really bad. I’ve lost all objectivity at this point.
This week, I’d like to try an experiment and get some feedback from you on a particular topic that’s been rolling around in my brain.
Confidence, Part 2
I've never done a “part two” in the 3+ year history of this blog, but there’s a first time for everything, right?
I want to continue the conversation we started last week about confidence.
Last week we talked about writing confidence. But today, I want to talk about a different type of confidence.
Here’s where this is coming from…
How to Become a More Confident Writer
There’s one thing I hear from writers more than anything else.
Know what it is?
It’s that they don’t feel confident in their writing abilities.
The 6 BEST Pieces of Writing Advice
I gathered six of the best pieces of writing advice from writers and authors who are ~way~ smarter than me.
My hope is that these bite-sized pieces of writing wisdom will help you with whatever type of writing it is you’re working on this week.
How to Nurture Your Creativity with Side Projects
You know, sometimes…sometimes I don’t feel all that inspired by my writing work.
Am I good at it? Sure.
Can I deliver on time? Yep.
But that doesn’t mean that I’m always excited to write the same types of articles day in and day out. Plus, my work can be fairly technical and research-heavy, which doesn’t always lend itself to a lot of creativity.
How to Be a Better Self-Editor
Is there anything worse than submitting a piece of writing somewhere and getting it sent back with endless edits?
Opening a document filled with notes is like an instant gut-punch.
It says, “You didn’t nail this one.”
Writing Ugly: The Secret to Overcoming the Blank Page
When it comes to writing, sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
It can result in hours of procrastination, sweaty palms, and a last-minute scramble as a deadline approaches.
So what’s behind the first draft intimidation — and how can writers overcome it?
A new desk won't make you 100% productive
This post is a teensy bit longer than usual--and it’s not about writing. If you want writing-related content, perhaps check out this post: The Cure for Crappy Copy. It’s a good one.
Otherwise, settle in and keep reading.
A few weeks ago, I shared a master list of everything that’s helped me freelance and write for the past four years on Twitter.
How to Write for Fidgety Skeptics
The title of today’s writing lesson is inspired by the book 10% Happier, which I’ve been listening to lately on audiobook.
Dan Harris (the author) talks about being a fidgety skeptic in regard to meditation...and that got me thinking:
That’s how I feel about a lot of sales-oriented writing.
Fidgety. Skeptical. It just doesn't work for me.
2017: In Review
10 Things That Help Me Write
Today’s not so much a writing how-to in the traditional sense; it’s more of a how-I-do.
Cue the Montell Jordan!
Ahem, sorry about that.
Anyway: I wanted to share a few of my favorite things that help me write in hopes that maybe they’ll help you, too. Even if you’re not a writer, some of these items could make a nice addition to your workspace.
Curiosity & The Non-Scummy Way to Write Irresistibly
Curiosity is one of the most prevalent writing tactics we see today.
Many writers leverage what’s called a “curiosity gap” to drive click-throughs. But they take it to an outrageous level.
And sometimes, the curiosity gap ends up being a curiosity CANYON.
You click through to the article or email, only to discover that it over-teased and under-delivered.