Comments on: 5 Reasons You Need to Stop Worrying About Your Competition

By: Camesha

Camesha — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:09:08 +0000

well said Deb. We are wasting energy by simply worrying about the competition. Why not use that energy to apply for the job?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:27:24 +0000

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

By: Omar

Omar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:01:07 +0000

Thanks Deb. Do you know of any websites that are dedicated to grammar?

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:06:49 +0000

There are too many more important things to worry about, Barbara. Life’s to short to fret about what other writers are doing.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:05:46 +0000

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.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:04:37 +0000

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.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:03:22 +0000

An even better way of looking at it. Thanks, Phil.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:33:01 +0000

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.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:09:48 +0000

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

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:31:52 +0000

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.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:01:47 +0000

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.

By: Deb

Deb — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:28:02 +0000

A good rule to live by, Lauren. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:04:30 +0000

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.