Comments on: A Good Practice For Finding Work – Keep An Open Mind

By: 25 Things You Can Learn From Deb Ng - Blogging Tips From Jade Craven

25 Things You Can Learn From Deb Ng - Blogging Tips From Jade Craven — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:38:03 +0000

[...] expanded on this as one of her good practices for finding work. No, I don’t mean cyberstalking here. But I often come across other writers on message boards and [...]

By: Kari The Caffeinated Blogger

Kari The Caffeinated Blogger — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:26:00 +0000

Awesome tips, Deb! If I can add something to #4, a good place to look for opportunities is with other established freelance writers. I approached one I had worked with at my previous full-time marketing position, told her I had just started freelancing as a copywriter, and asked if she had any overflow work with which I could help. I now get regular work from her!

By: #7

#7 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:41:53 +0000

Great post #5. I also learn so much from following other writers. I like to look for new trends on the job boards, too. Like all the blogging jobs that have been popping up over the last year or so. Or all the “green” writing gigs. I don’t hop on every trend but it’s so great to find new ways to write and new topics to cover.

By: #4

#4 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:06:01 +0000

Mary, I would agree with #5 in that there’s too much quality free stuff out there to spend your money on a paid job board. Many paid job boards are overrun with low-paying gigs, so you’re not necessarily paying for excellent things when you pay a monthly or yearly fee to get access to job listings.

#5, nice post!

By: Candidate #11

Candidate #11 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:44:18 +0000

@#5 – it’s tough when you want to become an expert in an area, but don’t want to be limited to just that area, either. Many places see it as an either/or. I personally don’t agree as I have a lot of interests (btw, parenting is one!) and feel I can be an expert on more than one. Not everything, but certainly in my passions.

By: Candidate #5

Candidate #5 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:57:03 +0000

@Mary – I’ve never paid to join a job board, so I don’t have any experience there. I would say that I would only do that as a last resort though, because there are plenty of other places where you can find quality job listings for free.
@Jenny B – Glad you enjoyed the post!
@Candidate #11 – I’ve often heard writers debate whether or not to stick to one niche. I’m often pigeonholed as a “parenting” writer, and it gets a little trying! Yes, I write about those topics, but I also have a variety of other experience, just not as much yet. I love editors willing to give me a chance to cover other topics, such as dining, health and fitness and local business news.
@Melody – I can’t say enough about what you’ll gain by following other writers. I mean, come on, raise your hand if you’ve followed Deb these past few years! I’ve learned so much about blogging and freelance writing from my “following” activity.
@Fiona – Thank you!

By: Fiona

Fiona — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:25:15 +0000

Another great post #5! I’m really enjoying reading what you have to say each week.

By: Melody Platz

Melody Platz — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:05:58 +0000

This was a thoughtful professional post. You’ve reminded me once again that I have to take chances and send my resume out even when I’m not sure there’s an opportunity.

I especially like the idea of following other writers. I just set up a RSS feed reader through NetNewsWire, which allows me to read a bunch of blogs more easily. I’ve really learned a lot from visiting other people. Plus I have fun reading their work. Definitely a win-win situation.

By: Candidate #11

Candidate #11 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:01:54 +0000

@Mary – I think it depends, really, on the quality of the site. Some employers like using a fee-based job board as they feel they’ll get a higher quality candidate. If you can find someone who’s used the board, you can find out whether it’s worth the trouble or not.

#5, I was just reading an article from Jenna Glatzer about being pigeonholed and how to avoid it. Timely topic!

By: Jenny B

Jenny B — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:45:31 +0000

# 5 These are great and since you have been freelance writing for years and have been using these strategies, they obviously work. Thank you for the post.