5 Reasons You Need to Stop Worrying About Your Competition
August 13, 2009 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
Does this sound familiar:
“I wanted to apply for that job but didn’t because there’s too much competition.”
or
“I didn’t get the job because there was too much competition.”
You know what competition is? An excuse. It’s an excuse to keep you from applying for a job or from doing your best.
Everywhere we go in life there is competition. Competition to be the first in line at the supermarket checkout, competition to be first in the inspection line, competition to win the lottery, even competition during family game night. We don’t let any of these things stop us from doing what we need to do, so why are we letting competition keep us from getting the gigs?
It’s time to stop thinking about your fellow freelancer writers as a bad thing. It’s time to stop worrying abut the competition. Here’s why:
- If you’re the best person for the job you’ll get the job. It doesn’t matter what the other writers are like, if this potential client likes you best he’ll choose you regardless of who the other writers are. It doesn’t matter how many degrees they have, where they’ve been published or if they’re credentialed. Here’s something to consider: A potential client tosses out at least half the applications she receives because the writers aren’t qualified. More applicants aren’t considered because their cover letters or resumes had typos, and even more because they didn’t follow directions. Let’s say at least three quarters of the job applicants never make the final cut. Now that there’s a narrow playing field you have a better chance
- Competition should make us stronger writers: If you are worried about others writers, use it as a kick in the butt to raise your skill set. Strive for more prestigious gigs, take some writing or grammar courses. Go the distance from mediocre to good and from good to great.
- Who are you competing against?If you’re a participant in various writing communities you probably already know your competition. It’s the same people who apply to the same jobs at the same places in the same niches. Find out about the other writers. What are their strong points? What are their weaknesses? Use this information to your advantage. Play up what the other writers can’t.
- Colleagues, not competition. The reason I like to get to know my fellow writers is to share the joy. Say one of my clients needs some writing but I can’t take the gig. Rather than have him take out an ad and find other writers, I can recommend one of my “competitors” for a one off stint with this client. And vice versa. Freelance writers share. We share leads. We share tips. We share ideas. We’re not competitors. We work together – just separately. One of your competitors might also be in a position to recommend you for a gig.
- Competition isn’t the problem. If you’re worried about everyone else, your problem isn’t with your competition. You just need more confidence! As you build up experience, your confidence level will increase as well.
When you pass up a job opportunity because of “competition” you’re letting someone else make your decisions for you. Take control of your destiny. Competition doesn’t matter, don’t give it a second thought. Apply for each job knowing you pitched your heart out. Give it your all. You may not get picked for every job, but you’ll land more gigs than if you didn’t try at all.
What are your thoughts on competition? Does it concern you? How do you overcome the fear factor?
I used to let fear completely cripple me when it came to applying for jobs and pitching. Now I just go for it and don’t take it personally when I don’t get something. I do think that the more you query and apply to things, the greater your chances of landing a good gig.
A good rule to live by, Lauren. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I feel I’m the competition for others. If it’s not a fit, it doesn’t do me or the employer any good. I’d rather move on.
An even better way of looking at it. Thanks, Phil.
Great post.
I can’t tell you how many great relationships I have with other freelancers. Nobody else is going to understand what your days are like or why it can be hard work just to keep yourself as busy as you’d like to be.
Not only that, but the vast majority of writers I’ve virtually befriended have been equally as generous with me. None of us ever know when we might be in a position to bring a friend along or even hire a friend. I recently got an editing job that allowed me to hire a few contributors, and you can bet the cool and reliable people got the first call from me. I never thought I’d be in the position to hire others, but here I am. I’d bet that, at some point, one of them will be in a position to do me a solid, and the cycle will continue.
Eric, this blog is proof of the importance of having good relationships with other freelancers. They can provide help, support and references. Better friends and allies than feuding competitors, I always say.
I’ve certainly found colleagues in the writing world with whom I share opportunities and leads. And there are some great opportunities for networking.
But by the same token, I think it’s reasonable (as has been noted in prior blogs) to select your competitions wisely.
For example: if I hear of a terrific opportunity to write a federal grant for multiple thousands of dollars, and I’m planning to apply, I’m unlikely to broadcast that info to a whole community of grant writers. Why make my life more difficult?!
And — if I see a blog opportunity for a seasoned celebrity writer, I’m not going to bother to apply. Sure, I’ve written about celebrities from time to time, but my lack of contacts mean I’m no competition for the “real” celebrity writers. Why take valuable time to apply for a position that I don’t fit?
Lisa
Lisa, that’s perfectly understandable. I admit wanting to hold back from posting a couple of choice gigs for fear someone else will land the gig. Haven’t yet though.
You’re so right! Worrying about competition is absolutely useless. I learned this quite fast when I started working as a freelancer. Seeing others as competition just causes unnecessary stress. It’s so much more rewarding to see other great freelancers as colleagues. Some of the people I’ve met out there have become a great inspiration to me. And I’ve even worked together with some of them.
There are too many more important things to worry about, Barbara. Life’s to short to fret about what other writers are doing.
Thanks Deb. Do you know of any websites that are dedicated to grammar?
I recently met another writer who writes for a local newspaper in AZ and she said to me, “…we’re probably applying for the same writing jobs.” First of all, I’d love to write for the paper that she rights for. Second of all, I apply for writing jobs all over the world not just in the Phoenix, AZ area. Finally, I thought to myself, “…we may or may not be applying for the same writing opportunities.” I know what I’m passionate about and have my favorite topics which may differ from other writer’s. It’s interesting how people get caught up in competition and what other writers are doing. No worries here
well said Deb. We are wasting energy by simply worrying about the competition. Why not use that energy to apply for the job?