Putting yourself into the game
Confession time: I’m not the greatest self promoter. In fact, it often takes people a while to learn various things about me. And that includes what I’m doing professionally at any given time. What I find funny is that many people, writers and not, seem quite surprised to learn about what’s on my plate.
At any one time, I’m doing technical writing, working on a couple of regular freelance gigs, writing articles for other publications, contributing to multiple blogs, and doing the occasional presentation. Compare to some freelancers, that’s not a lot. It’s not bad, though.
But when people hear this, they always ask one question:
How do you get all those gigs?
It’s simple. I put myself out there.
Trying to get into the game
If you want to the work, you have to go out there are get it. Opportunities are not going to come to you.
You have apply for gigs, send out applications and resumes for jobs, submit proposals to publications and conference organizers. And you’ve got to keep applying and sending out applications and proposals. And doing it again and again.
Oh, and let’s not forget to keep writing. Keep working on the articles for whatever publication you might have a relationship with. Blog if you don’t already do so, and keep it up if you do. A blog can be a great way to get your name out there. I’ve gotten a few speaking gigs through my company’s blog.
If you’re not getting the gigs, think about why you’re not getting them. It may be that your approach isn’t quite right for a particular market or job. Your ideas might not be a good fit for the markets you’re targeting.
In the end, though, you’ve got to keep trying. Keep chipping away. A big part of writing for a living is perserverance.
You make it sound so easy
It isn’t. I’m not the most extroverted person around. It takes a lot of effort to approach someone about a writing or speaking gig. More often than not you’re going to get rejected. Or just not hear back.
Don’t let that stop you.
You might not be the right fit for some gigs. For others, someone else might have made a better approach. If you have any ability (and notice I said ability and not talent, which is an entirely different beast) then you will get the gig. You might hit pay dirt the first time out. It might take you 10 tries.
Keep putting yourself out there. The work’s not going to come to you if you just sit in front of your computer and wait. You make your own success or failure.
Thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment.
Photo credit: jusben from morguefile.com
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