Freelance Writing Jobs: We’re More than Just Leads

by Deborah Ng

Since launching this new Freelance Writing Jobs network the other day, I received a flurry of emails. Most of them are from people who can’t find the leads, or feel the leads need to be at the top of the home page in huge, flashing letters making them easy to find. It appears an explanation is in order.

Where to Find the Jobs Leads

Back in the day (last week) one could visit FWJ and find leads and blog posts on the main home page. Now upon coming to our home page, our readers come to a paragraph of explanation:

Welcome to the Freelance Writing Jobs network of blogs. Your favorite bloggers are still here, we all have our own blogs now instead of playing in the same crowded sandbox. Below you’ll find a list of all of our blogs, along with the three most recent posts. Please adjust your bookmarks and feeds to reflect all of the blogs in the FWJ Network.

Still, I’m receiving email after email asking where to find the leads. After explaining that everything is on the main page many responded back that they didn’t even read the main page, they just looked for their lists of leads and panicked.

This is slightly upsetting because it tells me many of our visitors don’t really care to read our blog posts beyond the job leads. By building this network I was hoping to better showcase the different bloggers and their topics. I do hope those who just come for the leads will look around and bookmark or subscribe to the other blogs. Read more

7 Important Lessons Freelance Writers Can Learn from Working in Fast Food

by Deborah Ng

We joke a lot about careers in the fast food industry, but the truth is many freelance writers worked in fast food at some point in their lives. While it may not be the most glamorous job in the world, many important lessions can be learned while flipping burgers or rocking a cash register.

Don’t believe me? Check it out:

1. If you have time to lean you have time to clean

I can’t tell you how many times I heard this, yeah I’m a leaner. Here’s the thing, if you find yourself with some down time, there’s still something to do. Just because you’re in between jobs doesn’t mean you have to sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Look for work, research rates, go over your accounts, do some cold calling, read up on news pertaining to your niche…if there’s nothing at all to do during regular business hours, you’re doing it wrong.

2. Would you like fries with that?

Suggestive selling is annoying but there’s no denying it works. When a client hires you for a job, think about what might be missing. For instance, if he’s launching a new business and needs a brochure and letter of introduction, he might also need copy for his website or a press release.

3. The customer is always right

Every time I say this here certain members of this community give me a dressing down. Agree or disagree, you’re still nothing without your clients. If you don’t think a certain idea will work, feel free to respectfully suggest an alternative. Storming off in a huff because your client isn’t going with your suggestions won’t help your bank account any. Moreover, by burning bridges with your clients you won’t land recommendations or referrals. Read more