Comments on: The Last Advice You’ll Ever Need

By: #3

#3 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:12:32 +0000

Hey #4!

Thanks for the compliment & the thoughts! I think the word “hustle” can mean different things to different people. For some it means to stay focused, for others it may mean to be always on the go, etc. The beauty of the written word and this post is that writers can interpret what it means for them.

By: #4

#4 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:24:18 +0000

#3, I liked the unique focus of this post. “Hustle,” though–and perhaps only to me–seems a term that implies to hurry. I feel that many different writers do things at their own pace, which is fine. I believe you’re probably speaking more to people who lack motivation/direction and/or who tend to procrastinate, but for freelancers who have a full-time job and who aren’t as gung-ho about leaving that job for all-day freelancing, I think it’s fine to amass clips and experience gradually and over a long period of time and not to be constantly obsessed about expanding their businesses. Honestly, while the post was very good, I felt a little bit stressed while reading it. I’m a pretty low-key person, and the “always keep going” tone of this post exhausted me. But again, that is just one person’s opinion.

By: #3

#3 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:42:38 +0000

Joey I’m with you 100%.

Kathryn Ooooh, the dreaded procrastination hustle. That’s a whole other article that I’ll get to later *wink, wink.* Procrastination is my mortal foe, we fight on a daily basis and the battles won are about even :0) I let p have the little battles – clearing out my email box, and I kick it’s butt on the big things – articles w/due dates, billing, etc. I think most freelancers struggle with that…

Andrea Thanks!

Angie A lot of freelancers have their preferred gigs, like mag writing, but get the bread and butter from more corporate work. It’s an okay thing when you’re trying to pay the bills, but make sure you don’t get caught spending the majority of your time doing SEO if you rather write for mags. Start trying to transition yourself out – send out more queries and begin to build a steady stream of mag work. Once you feel comfortable enough with where the mag writing is going start to transition yourself out of SEO. It might help to set weekly query goals. Hope that helps!

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:49:45 +0000

Phil, right now I’m doing a lot of SEO web content for a web design co., and my other projects vary greatly.

Getting into freelancing, I wanted to write articles for magazines or creative pieces for literary mags and journals. I love playing with the language and creating beautiful words (obviously). But it seems that other revenues (web content, business writing) are the way to make some immediate cash.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:12:15 +0000

Excellent advice. I spend a little time every day looking for prospects and networking. Even if it doesn’t turn up work, I’m always learning something new. It’s never a wasted effort.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:08:17 +0000

#3, I’m like you. Some days I’m shocked that people pay me to do this. I can’t help but wonder why everyone isn’t doing it.

As for finding a niche, I started out (and still do) write about just about anything and everything, but I have found that I get more finance and travel gigs than others (because I am a “go to” person in these areas for a couple of clients, who tell other clients, who give me more jobs and clips which make it easier to market myself in these areas).

The gig hustle is not my problem. It’s the procrastination hustle. I plan to set up some goals and objectives for August (and they WILL include killing procrastination in my life).

By: joey

joey — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:55:44 +0000

Marketing yourself through self-promotion over the internet is perhaps the single biggest factor in being a successful online freelance writer (right after having great writing skills, of course!). I agree that being active in groups and associations is a great way to get your name out, likewise with being active in other people’s blogs and forums as well.

Being hungry for writing gigs keeps you fresh and updated with trends in the quick changing online market, and keeps your style and technique sharp as you continue on your freelance writing career.

By: #3

#3 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:55:04 +0000

Phil: I have found that putting yourself out there, not hard selling like a vacuum cleaner salesman, but getting out there and networking, looking for new opportunities so you don’t become complacent and always striving to get better at what you do gives you a leg to stand on when it comes separating yourself from the pack. I like to think of a coach yelling “Hustle, hustle, hustle” on those days when you feel prone to sit back and rest on your achievements. Work harder, work smarter, make a difference. I went back and found Jodee’s duck post and think my post compliments hers. The duck is working hard underneath it all. Same thing – just because a writer is hustling doesn’t mean they have to look desperate. Any thoughts?

Angie Finding a niche usually takes a little time. I started off interested in one area and have since moved to another focus. Start thinking about areas in which you have not only have experience and interest, but a unique angle or voice that you can bring to the subject. If you don’t mind me asking – what are your top 2 areas?

DaniThanks! I’m glad you liked the post. The hard work is so worth it, there are days where I just can’t believe I get to do what I love and get paid for it!

By: Dani

Dani — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:26:54 +0000

Great post! This is what I have found – everyday is a hustle of finding work, coming up with new ideas, working, networking, finding new ways to develop my craft, and updating my cover letter/resume, business website, blogs, links, etc.

Its hard work, but it is so worth it.

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:19:51 +0000

Thanks, Joe. That’s kind of what I figured.