I may have bitten off a bit more than I can chew, but it’s too late to worry about it now. I have some big goals to meet before January 2010 and we’re already into the month of December. My goals include a planned intensive 30 day marketing campaign, in-depth research on a completely new target market, two ebooks, web content for a new website, and working with a graphic designer for a new site. I’m also seriously considering one on one coaching. Game on.
If not now, when?
I thought now is as good a time as any to get started. December is usually a slower month for clients who are celebrating the holidays with their families. I’m also a big believer in taking action right away when I make up my mind to do something. Like every other freelance writer, I have a million other things to do everyday. There will really never be a perfect time to get it all done, and I don’t need to start making excuses for not following through with my plans. I know myself pretty well.
Set goals throughout the year
Don't get me wrong - I don’t save up all my business goals for the New Year. I also make three month, six month and yearly goals (not to mention small weekly and monthly goals). These time lines help me evaluate my progress and make changes where necessary. What end of the year goals have you set for your business?
Showing posts with label freelance writing goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freelance writing goals. Show all posts
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Reveiwing Your Freelance Writing Goals
As I excitedly count down the days until school starts on Monday, August 10th, I am also taking time to look over my three month and six month goals to see how I’m doing so far, and reviewing my 12 month goals to make sure I’m on course. Goals are an important way of measuring progress for any business.
Writing down goals is a good idea. It serves as inspiration and a reminder about the areas of your business plan that require more effort. I take time to write down three month, six month and 12 month goals accordingly. As with any other goals, you want to make them realistically attainable, yet challenging enough to continue growing your business. Here are a few goals to consider:
Income goals
You’re in this to make money, right? Even if you’re just getting started, setting an income goal can help you access your progress. Start by setting your rates. Decide whether you will provide hourly services or charge a flat rate. Be careful not to undercharge your freelance writing services in the beginning.
Once your rates are set, determine how much money you need to cover your living expenses. From there you can figure out how many projects you’ll need to meet your monthly goal. As you gain experience, you may decide to increase your income requirements accordingly.
Marketing goals
In order to get clients you’ll need a marketing plan. First, you’ll need to figure out who you’re marketing to. Think long and hard about the type of client that would pay for your services. Think about what type of business he would run, and the best way to appeal to him: a phone call, email, brochure or direct response package? Develop a consistent marketing plan to get their attention and go for it!
Make sure to track and record your results. This is important because you will learn which methods work and which is a waste of time.
Networking goals
As a mom of four small kids, the majority of my networking experience over the past two years has been online. However, as my business grows, I am turning to a mix of online and offline networking opportunities. I frequent certain writer and marketing forums and participate in social media conversations on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. But this year I’m venturing out of my comfort zone to join my local Chamber of Commerce, a couple of meetup.com groups and a realtors association (one of my niches). I have also accepted an invitation to speak at local event at the end of the year.
Services goals
It’s a good idea to review the writing services you offer. You may be missing one or two that could bring in extra money or you may offer one that no one ever seems to need. In most cases it’s just a matter of tweaking your marketing strategy so that you’re targeting the right market.
Many experts advocate specializing rather than being known as a jack-of-all-trades. They say it’s better to be known as the go to person for a certain industry or type of writing (e.g. sales letters, ebooks, SEO copywriting, etc.). I actually agree with this to some degree, but if you don’t have a specialty, don’t panic. Take your time to find out what you like by doing a little bit of everything.
Writing down goals is a good idea. It serves as inspiration and a reminder about the areas of your business plan that require more effort. I take time to write down three month, six month and 12 month goals accordingly. As with any other goals, you want to make them realistically attainable, yet challenging enough to continue growing your business. Here are a few goals to consider:
Income goals
You’re in this to make money, right? Even if you’re just getting started, setting an income goal can help you access your progress. Start by setting your rates. Decide whether you will provide hourly services or charge a flat rate. Be careful not to undercharge your freelance writing services in the beginning.
Once your rates are set, determine how much money you need to cover your living expenses. From there you can figure out how many projects you’ll need to meet your monthly goal. As you gain experience, you may decide to increase your income requirements accordingly.
Marketing goals
In order to get clients you’ll need a marketing plan. First, you’ll need to figure out who you’re marketing to. Think long and hard about the type of client that would pay for your services. Think about what type of business he would run, and the best way to appeal to him: a phone call, email, brochure or direct response package? Develop a consistent marketing plan to get their attention and go for it!
Make sure to track and record your results. This is important because you will learn which methods work and which is a waste of time.
Networking goals
As a mom of four small kids, the majority of my networking experience over the past two years has been online. However, as my business grows, I am turning to a mix of online and offline networking opportunities. I frequent certain writer and marketing forums and participate in social media conversations on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. But this year I’m venturing out of my comfort zone to join my local Chamber of Commerce, a couple of meetup.com groups and a realtors association (one of my niches). I have also accepted an invitation to speak at local event at the end of the year.
Services goals
It’s a good idea to review the writing services you offer. You may be missing one or two that could bring in extra money or you may offer one that no one ever seems to need. In most cases it’s just a matter of tweaking your marketing strategy so that you’re targeting the right market.
Many experts advocate specializing rather than being known as a jack-of-all-trades. They say it’s better to be known as the go to person for a certain industry or type of writing (e.g. sales letters, ebooks, SEO copywriting, etc.). I actually agree with this to some degree, but if you don’t have a specialty, don’t panic. Take your time to find out what you like by doing a little bit of everything.
Monday, July 21, 2008
How Often Do You Set Freelance Writing Goals?
We are a little more than half way through 2008. One thing I do is make several freelance writing goals for myself throughout the year and continuously check my progress. I have a very special notebook just for this purpose where I write down very specific goals. I write about how I plan to achieve them and assign a deadline for getting it done. I find that even if I don't meet said deadline, I am at least taking the action needed to get there.
Valerie Bertinelli said that the reason she decided to go on Jenny Craig and lose weight in front of the whole world is because she knew she wouldn't be able to just blow it off. That public proclamation forced her to be accountable and follow through. So today I'm going to follow her brave lead and share my freelance writing goals with you (if you knew what I private person I am, you'd know this is a really big deal!):
1. Break into corporate copywriting. I am interested in learning more about niches like writing white papers and case studies.
2. Get a paid blogging gig. One with a byline would be great, but I'm not averse to ghostwriting for a client.
3. Create some residual streams of income through my writing. I have a couple of ideas for a niche blog and possible ebook, but it's still taking form.
4. Contact more clients by cold calling and other marketing efforts. My goal is to reach a certain number of prospects every day – no matter how busy I am.
5. Start querying print magazine markets again, including some trade publications.
These are my goals starting right now. This August I will have officially worked as a full-time freelance writer for one year. Sometimes I find myself comparing my progress with other freelance writers, but I try to slap myself on the hand when I do this. I am forging my own path in this business, and worrying about everyone else causes me to lose focus. Setting freelance writing goals keeps me on a slow and steady path toward success. Do you set writing goals?
Valerie Bertinelli said that the reason she decided to go on Jenny Craig and lose weight in front of the whole world is because she knew she wouldn't be able to just blow it off. That public proclamation forced her to be accountable and follow through. So today I'm going to follow her brave lead and share my freelance writing goals with you (if you knew what I private person I am, you'd know this is a really big deal!):
1. Break into corporate copywriting. I am interested in learning more about niches like writing white papers and case studies.
2. Get a paid blogging gig. One with a byline would be great, but I'm not averse to ghostwriting for a client.
3. Create some residual streams of income through my writing. I have a couple of ideas for a niche blog and possible ebook, but it's still taking form.
4. Contact more clients by cold calling and other marketing efforts. My goal is to reach a certain number of prospects every day – no matter how busy I am.
5. Start querying print magazine markets again, including some trade publications.
These are my goals starting right now. This August I will have officially worked as a full-time freelance writer for one year. Sometimes I find myself comparing my progress with other freelance writers, but I try to slap myself on the hand when I do this. I am forging my own path in this business, and worrying about everyone else causes me to lose focus. Setting freelance writing goals keeps me on a slow and steady path toward success. Do you set writing goals?
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