Comments on: Best Practices for Finding Work in Your Local Community

By: Cheri

Cheri — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:38:41 +0000

I have to agree with Morgan. People rarely use Rolodexes these days. They may keep business cards they receive, but they’re much much more likely to have an electronic contact database, like in Outlook or even gmail, that they keep up-to-date. I’ve only ever worked in one industry (textbook publishing), but I can tell you that this is typically what publishing folks (not just editorial staff, but finance, human resources, marketing staff, etc., too) and university professors do.

By: Candidate #1

Candidate #1 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:08:16 +0000

@Morgan: I won’t speak for everyone, but I’ve been in several business offices in my local area and seen Rolodexes sitting on their desks. I also have a Rolodex on my desk that I use. My Rolodex is great for keeping the names and contact information of people I interview. So to answer your question, yes, I still think many business folks use Rolodexes.

@Matt Cardin: Thanks for the compliment; I’m glad I could help!

@RobinMarie: You’re welcome! I hope my advice helps you land many local clients.

@Adam: I can only imagine the number of responses that jobs posted on the Internet receive, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about responding to Internet gigs, it’s that you have to be quick to respond. I think if you wait more than two days to reply, chances are it could be too late to land that writing job.

@#7: Technology is wonderful and has given us writers great opportunities — opportunities we didn’t have before the Internet was popular. However, it is nice to remember the traditional methods of finding freelance writing work. I also enjoy building my brand in my local community, and working for clients in my area allows me to do that.

@#12: You’ve very welcome! I enjoyed your post last week. I thought you gave some great advice, and when I was writing this post, I knew your post from last week fit well with it, so I provided the link.

My husband does our household repairs, so we don’t usually hire a repairperson. However, we are in the process of remodeling our home, and he’s suggested we hire a contractor to do the kitchen cabinets, so I’ll definately have to remember your suggestion and give the contractor my business card when he finishes the job.

@Candidate #11: I too carry my business cards everywhere. In fact, I’ve even left them with tips I leave in restaurants, as well as lay a few in public restrooms.

Morgan, Jenny B and #13, thanks for adding your great suggestions to the mix! My list could have went on and on, but then everyone would have probably stopped reading. Then again, maybe they would have printed it out to refer back to later.

By: Candidate #11

Candidate #11 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:56:07 +0000

I carry my cards with me everywhere – and I just need to remember to hand them out more liberally to local businesses.

By: #12

#12 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:55:54 +0000

@#1: Thanks for the mention! Glad you liked my list last week.

One of my personal favorites is when a repairperson or contractor of some sort comes to work on my house, I set up in a central location to work and tell them that I’ll be right there working if they have any questions. When the they ask what I’m working on, I tell them I’m a writer. By the end of the visit, they usually have my biz card in hand. I haven’t gotten a ton of calls this way, but I have gotten a couple!

By: #7

#7 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:43:50 +0000

Nice post #1. It’s good to be reminded that there’s life (and work) beyond the internet.

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:28:02 +0000

I think this is important. I get the impression that a lot of jobs posted on the internet get a million replies. I’ve seen people complain on this site that they can’t understand why the Potato Farmer’s blog from Iowa doesn’t want to hire someone from Miami. Seeking local options is often easier and it’s something you can relate to better.

By: RobinMarie

RobinMarie — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:58:04 +0000

Thanks for the suggestions! They were great. I can’t wait to get started.

By: Jenny B

Jenny B — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:57:47 +0000

Hi #1 a great list of locals and yes churches are great to add to the list I’m also wondering about adding any specialty shops ie., natural food, pet food and care chiropractors even the town hall may be in need of writers. Just some thoughts.

By: Best Practices for Finding Work in Your Local Community

Best Practices for Finding Work in Your Local Community — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:52:26 +0000

[...] Jodee wrote an interesting post today on Best Practices for Finding Work in Your Local Community. Here’s a quick excerpt: [...]

By: Matt Cardin

Matt Cardin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:50:17 +0000

A very nice and useful post. And I agree with Morgan: Definitely add churches to that list.