eBooks

There's a new craze in online reading, and it's called the eBook. Writing an eBook allows authors to bypass traditional publishing routes, which of course has advantages and disadvantages. The upside is that anyone can publish! And the downside? You guessed it...anyone can publish. However, it's worth pointing out that there are quite a few poorly written books in print, too. As with any publication, readers need to be selective when choosing exactly what they want to spend time reading.

That said, I'm jumping on the bandwagon as well. I'm preparing to unveil my latest eBook: The WriteTips Guide, in the near future. The book is a collection of 12 articles that appeared in my ezine during the first year of publication. I've already made an offer to WriteTips (ezine) subscribers for free copies, so if you aren't yet a subscriber don't worry, you can still get on board and receive your free copy. Just email me!

blogging for business

Like many business folks with online presence (which is, these days, most of them) I have become quite fond of blogging. Not only do I keep up with contributing my own thoughts online via one business and two personal blogs, but I have a list of useful/entertaining blogs bookmarked as well.

Lately I've been perusing blogs with a marketing focus. It seems there is no shortage of knowledgeable individuals in this area, so I'd like to share a few gems with you. Hopefully the tips offered here will help you promote your small business, too.

Duct Tape Marketing - Marketing expert John Jantsch posts often and always offers insightful ideas that are quite practical when you think about it. Problem is, many of us don't always think this way!

Publicity Hound - Who want's free publicity? (Me! Me! Yo, over here, me!) You'll find resources and ideas galore here.

Smart Marketing - Just came across this the other day while doing background research on marketing companies for a client. Smart guy, smart marketing.

Sept/Oct WriteTips issue

Finally, it's finished! The Sept/Oct issue of WriteTips will be delivered to subscribers' inboxes tomorrow morning. Check it out to learn how to beat the "Bad Brochure Blues"!

october updates

It's been a busy couple of months, which explains why I still haven't gotten the Sept/Oct issue of WriteTips out yet. Not to worry, it's coming!

The past few weeks have landed several new clients ranging from website to brochure content. I welcome it all wholeheartedly...the opportunity to work consistently on a variety of projects is what keeps the juices flowing!

I've updated the What's New section on my website, so be sure to check it out. I've also got links to a couple of newly archived articles via Dynamic Graphics magazine's brand-new site. If you're a designer you've got to check it out. The resources are unbelievable!

That's it for now, more as it happens.

when it rains, it pours

How much work does it take to overload a one-person operation?

I still haven't been able to formulate a solid answer to this question. My best guess is...it depends.

I've been a pretty good judge of workload-type situations in the 2 years I've been in business (full-time) for myself. Some weeks are busier than others: some are relatively slow, some are comfortable, and others are crazy-busy. This week is moderate. I'm working on two projects, a newsletter and a product review article. But I've got 3 meetings set up during the next two weeks for potential work (two possible web projects and a new marketing company, which could mean a variety of work if all goes well). Plus I received a call yesterday about some possible brochure work.

It would be great if all of these potential projects come through. The reality is, however, that every meeting doesn't necessarily lead to work. Some folks are just scoping out their options and others may decide to do it themselves (that's a professional copywriter's biggest competition, by the way). But it's important to continue setting up meetings because you just never know...work may result, your card may be passed along to an acquaintance of the person you met with, you may make an ally in the business world, etc. You just never know.

So, I'll attend these meetings, put my best face (and writing samples) forward, and hope for the best. Best being enough work to keep the cash coming in, but not so much that I have trouble meeting deadlines. Today's moral: know when to say when.

back in the game again

After a week or so of rest I'm ready to return--full force--to the writing world. And a few projects have already reared their heads: quarterly newsletter issue, a possible web content project, and a bi-monthly column for Dynamic Graphics magazine (DGM).

I've been a contributor to DGM for about 3 years. The mag has recently overhauled its website, and I noticed a few of my past pieces are now available online. Check out these articles from the ever-popular Makeovers Issue:

Vitamin Cottage

Music @ Noon

And of course, I'm jumping back into the networking game (not that I ever really left it...). BNI & the Chamber of Commerce will help with that, as will a new organization I've helped found, the Home Based Business Professionals Association. I'm anticipating a very exciting, busy fall!

vacation notice

Summer has just been crazy...that's why I haven't been very dilligent about blogging on a regular basis. But things are finally starting to slow down a bit and I will be taking some time to get my bearings back in order and plan for the remainder of the year. I will be on vacation from August 22-September 4. Once September 5 rolls around I will be prepared to once again meet with potential clients, discuss, and accept new projects.

Hope you're having a fantastic summer!

catching up

It's been quite a while since I posted. I seem to be behind in everything except work, and I'm trying hard not to fall behind here! I'm working on a major editing project that has dominated much of July and will continue to do so through August. I'm accepting smaller projects during this time, but larger projects will have to be put on hold until I've completed the editing work.

This means that WriteTips is going to be late this month. I'm thinking of going to a bi-monthly format, anyway, since I seem to have less and less time to spend on my ezine. I certainly don't want to disontinue publishing it, but I do need to find a way to balance everything, and the bi-monthly schedule might be the best way to go.

Hope everyone's summer is going well.

the catch-up blog

I've allotted myself a half hour this morning to casually play around on the Internet. This normally includes checking my personal email account, getting my strip fix of For Better or For Worse, and reading up on my favorite blogs. This last item reminded me that I haven't posted here this week, so here goes. Thought I'd provide an update on current projects:

1. I've got a speech looming over my head...on July 12 I'll be speaking at the Association for Women in Communications. I'm still working on my presentation outline, but I'll essentially be addressing ways to make your marketing and promotional copy more effective.

2. In July I'll be working on a major editing project and will probably begin the 6th or so. I won't know how extensive the work will be until I get into it, but chances are I'll be shying away from other time-consuming projects until August. Smaller jobs, however, will be welcome!

3. Writing/revising brochure content for another client.

Other news: I got the good word yesterday that my article on jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton will be published in the next issue of Windplayer magazine. I actually conducted the interview and wrote the piece last fall, so I'm certainly ready to see it in print!

Have a safe & happy 4th of July!

3 simple networking tips

June is flying by! I guess that's partly because I've been busy writing copy for a couple of website projects--one of which just went live this week--plus newsletter and article work. In July I'm supposed to begin a major editing project, so the summer is looking quite good.

I've updated the What's New page on my website, so if anyone is interested in specific project details, that's a good place to look.

And of course, I've been networking like crazy. Can't get enough. You never know what might lead to business! My general rule(s) of thumb when talking with new contacts:

1. Ask what they do/what their business is. Listen--really listen--to their response.
2. Exchange business cards.
3. Smile.

Yup, it's that simple. Just be friendly and professional. With everyone.

And that's my tip for the week. Enjoy the weekend!

to join or not to join?

When I first went freelance, I immediately decided to join my local Chamber of Commerce. At the new member orientation, I was approached by a woman who invited me to visit her BNI group. I visited twice and decided that this group would also allow me to develop relationships with other professionals, so I joined. I'm still very active in both groups as an Ambassador for the Chamber and President of my BNI group.

I've attended several other organized groups, and if I could join them all, I would. But most require dues and of course, time. Because both are limited, I've had to shy away from other potential sources of networking, referrals, etc. I did, however, recently decide to take part in a small start-up group in town for home-based business owners. We had our second meeting today--I believe this will be an excellent resource not just for making business contacts, but as a support group for other people who work at home.

We face a lot of the same issues. Nobody tells us to be at work at a certain time. We can work in our pajamas if we want. These may sound like perks (and indeed they are), but think about it...it's easy to sleep in until noon and not get dressed or showered all day. But that's not very conducive to keeping a business running, so you have to make yourself adhere to some sort of discipline. And you have to do it alone, usually. This support group will address issues that we, as home-based biz owners, face. We'll talk about what works for us and what doesn't, how we overcome challenges and how we manage to wear the many hats that sole proprietors often do.

I think it'll be a good thing for all of us.

referrals and you

I've learned that referrals are a fantastic way to land new business. I'm a member of BNI, a premier referral-based organization, and it's been wonderful for growing my business.

You don't have to be a member or a structured networking group to reap the benefits of referrals, however. You just have to let people know what it is that you do and when you do work for someone, do a great job. Exceed their expectations. Give 'em a bit more than they think they'll be getting.

For more tips on gaining quality referrals, check out the May 27 post on the Duct Tape Markeing blog.

May issue of WriteTips

Last week the May issue of WriteTips was distributed to subscribers' inboxes. This month's article talks about the 3 steps to writing great copy in the feature article, Whip Your Copy into Shape.

Not a subscriber yet? Join the team!

And next month WriteTips turns 1! That's right, we've been publishing tips for writers and non-writers alike for a year now. We'll be offering FREE stuff to celebrate, so again...if you aren't signed up to receive this ezine yet, you'll be missing out! More information will be revealed as June approaches. Stay tuned!

what's in a Google?

You never know where you're name will turn up on the Internet. This morning I decided to Google my name to see if any new links to my website appeared, and I found one really great promotion for my services. Thanks, Marketingtool.com!

Speaking of Google, if you'd like to see what other sites link to yours simply type...

link: www.yourdomain.com

...in the search box. You'll see a listing of websites that provide links to yours. Not all linking sites will appear, but you'll be able to get an idea about who may be helping you market your site.

a new day, a new look

If you've been here before, you've probably already noticed that this blog has a new look. I decided to ditch the dots (former background images) and go with a cleaner, more segmented style.

In changing templates, however, links posted on the "old" blog didn't automatically transfer. I'll be adding a new and improved link section soon, so check back in the near future for this information.

I've got a few bits of news to share:

• New client: Calahan Solutions. Stephanie Calahan, president, is a professional organizer. When we first met, I was almost embarrassed to ask for an explanation of her job. I figured an organizer, well, organizes, sure. But organizes what? And how? Stephanie was great, though. She offered an overview of her approach to working with clients to help them achieve optimal efficiency via eliminating clutter, unnecessary tasks, and much more. She works with and businesses and individuals and does so much more than just color coordinate their closets, like the HGTV shows portray. And in just a few short weeks, Calahan Solutions' website content will give a glimpse of her talents. Stay tuned for more info!

• Melanie Crabill's press release appeared in both the Panatagraph and this month's B2B magazine. She's enjoying positive responses from locals about her news (CRS certification for realtors)...thanks for printing this, local pubs!

More news as it happens. Thanks for checking in.

nametags R us

As a writer, I specialize in communication. Written communication, that is--I can spin a decent yarn for print or put words on your screen that'll make your business shine. I'm not, however, much of a speaker. I'm not a wealth of ideas for marketing schemes, either. Which is why I'm always looking for inspiration from books, newsletters, magazines, websites, blogs, etc.

When I find something worth reading, I figure it's only fair to share the information with others who may benefit, also. So here's todays resource: check out Scott Ginsburg's, a.k.a. "the guy with the nametag" site, appropriately titled Hello My Name is Scott. He's a communication/networking expert: speaker, author, motivator. He's got a lot of good info to share and a great sense of humor, too.

Check out his website: http://www.hellomynameisscott.com/
And his blog: http://www.hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/

Good stuff here. Truthful. Practical. Entertaining. Enjoy!

writing tip

Here's a tip for anyone who has to write on-the-job (or for school or pleasure for that matter):

Before submitting any type of important document--article, press release, etc--for publication or review, try putting it down for a while. I recommend leaving it be for a couple of hours at least, and if you can distance yourself for an entire day that's even better. You'll come back with a fresh set of eyes and a fresh perspective. You may catch simple things--duplicated words, spelling or punctuation errors--or more involved items--unclear sentences or poor organization--that weren't apparent after staring at your work for an hour or more.

This tip was inspired by a project I'm working on currently. Just spent a couple of hours on a revision and before submitting it to my client I'd like to step away for a bit and review once more later this afternoon. This way, I'll be able to provide a solid piece of work devoid of possible embarrassing errors and/or clarity issues.

new portfolio items

Just wanted to note that I've got a few new writing projects posted on my online portfolio, including:

• Benefit Planning's new newsletter, Health Bulletin
• Sales letters for Wind Portraits, Inc. and Diane Ruch

Thanks for checking in.

website updates

In case you missed the April (late) issue of WriteTips, now you can check it out in the WriteTips Archives. The feature article offers ideas for creating content for your ezine, including:

1. Editor's notes
2. News updates
3. How-to articles
4. Tips
5. Interviews

I should add that the publication schedule will be changing slightly. WriteTips will continue to be published each month, but I'm no longer promising the first of every month as the delivery date. As a one-person operation, sometimes my ezine duties fall by the wayside as I work to meet deadlines for clients. Rest assured, however, that I will still provide issues on a monthly basis, and I'll still try to publish by the 1st of the month, but there may be times when I can't complete an issue until a bit later.

Other website updates include the What's New section. I'll also be addition a sales letter segment to my portfolio page very soon...I'm just waiting on permissions from clients to include their logos.

typography help?

I am in the process of pitching a few ideas to the editor of Dynamic Graphics Magazine (DGM) for an article about typography. The next issue (Aug/Sept) will focus on different sorts of type, and I'm in the brainstorming process as I try to think of a few topics of interest to graphic designers along these lines. If anyone cares to offer a suggestion or two, I welcome your thoughts! Likewise, any websites or other resources anyone might know of that would be useful in my research will be appreciated. Feel free to email me with feedback.

Thanks in advance for your help!