What’s on the iPod: Raised by Wolves by U2
What a week. I’ve had no time to think beyond the two projects in front of me. My workload is rather massive, and I’m digging in and managing to make an impact. Now is when time management is my friend — thank God and my mother for the punctuality gene. I’m making headway.
I’m also making money, which is the subject of this post every month. Since I’ve no time to waste, let’s get to the assessment. For those of you new to the blog, please feel free to leave your own assessment in the comments and build your own accountability — it’s exactly why we’re here.
Queries:
I sent out three in February. Two assignments in March were the result. One wasn’t what I’d proposed, but the editors called and gave me the lowdown on something else they were wanting. I love that.
LOIs:
I lost count of the letters of introduction/follow-up notes I’ve sent. Since I’ve been trying to get to 10 people a week, I’m going to guess I’m at 35-40 (I’m also counting a few people I sent notes to and have gotten responses from). A few have been converted to meetings at the upcoming conference.
Social media:
I used this to make contact with what’s turning into a key source for articles. I haven’t done much marketing on social media this past month. No time.
Job postings:
I applied to one job posting on a vetted site (vetted meaning both the work is vetted and the freelancers allowed to join). I got a quick rejection. I don’t mind because it didn’t take but five minutes of my time to apply.
Existing clients:
I finished a large web project with a favorite client, and did some smaller jobs for him. Also, I had those two articles from two of my favorite magazines. Plus, a third editor came back and offered some more editorial space for the article I’d sent in February, so I was able to increase the payment on that one, as well. Plus, a newer client bumped up his project needs from two a month to eight.
New clients:
Here’s where I scored a deal — one of the aforementioned editors referred me to her work colleagues. The result — a nine-month project and guaranteed income through December. Who wouldn’t love that?
Poetry:
I’ve sent off a manuscript to a publisher, and I’ve written four new poems with a specific theme I’m working on. No sales, but I did get a poem published this past month. That makes two total since I started down this path.
Earnings:
I slammed this past month out of the park. Not only did I meet my earnings goal, but I went over it by 22 percent.
Bottom line:
I did a ton of marketing last year and most of this year, and it’s paying off. The client whose project paid the most was one I started working with in October. That one-off project has turned into numerous projects and a great relationship with the client.
My plan going forward — more of the same. Despite my insanely busy schedule right now, I’m not banking on anything being permanent. The LOIs will continue going out, as will the lumpy mail campaign, and I hope to connect with more clients at the trade show in three weeks.
That’s it for me. How did you do?
What worked this past month?
How have you changed your strategy?
What a great month you had Lori!
Mine was busy, but I've yet to see the fruits of my labor.
Queries & LOIs – I should have done better here. Only sent three queries (two were assigned, the other is a longer range idea but the editor replied right away saying we're on the same wavelength). I followed up on one LOI.
Social Media – I still haven't figured out a way to measure it, but the past week or two have been pretty hectic for me as well, and I've gone entire days without checking any of my social media accounts.
Job Postings – I replied to two. One is for a company I already have an "in" with, but the application was automated, so who knows if it will count for much.
Existing Clients – Thank goodness for my regulars! I turned in three articles to Favorite Editor; did one massive listing for one client (am neck deep on a second big list for them now); sent in an article from one of the queries (am working on a second article for them from one of the other queries; picked up a more manageable listing assignment from another regular market; and turned in four columns.
New Clients – I had an assignment from a promising new-to-me client, but the sole source bailed at the last minute, citing he'd be "on the road"…yeah, um, he runs a major hotel chain, so I think he'd have phone and internet access, but whatever. It was disappointing for that to happen on the first assignment. My graphic designer sister referred one of her clients my way. My sister is creating a website for her and knew the client wants to incorporate a blog but knows she's not a good writer. She also needs help with social media (contrary to a lot of people, she's good at sharing via social media but not good at promoting her own accomplishments). We discussed her needs this week and I sent her a few options.
Income: Actual income was about $350 below my goal, but my outstanding invoices total more than my monthly goal, and the three projects I'm working on now (all due within 10 days) equal about 75% of my monthly goal. So not bad.
Bottom Line: More queries and LOIs are needed.
Damn, Paula. Just a few hundred shy is great! I know you and I measure differently, but it's great to see you're getting the invoices paid.
Sounds like the source would be the last one I call next time. I don't like the single-source stories for that very reason.
The secret to getting invoices paid was dropping LatePayer last year. Freeing myself of that albatross allowed me to focus more on marketing and less on collecting.
Oh, the irony of that particular executive canceling the interview is the focus of the story was supposed to be a positive, helpful approach he's brought to his chain's staff, encouraging them never to say "no" to a customer (unless they're asking for something illegal or unethical), but instead to seek creative solutions to keep customers happy. Yeah…. right. Then again, I'm not a customer.
That kind of "attention" by these execs is exactly why I don't believe they'll follow through on that customer commitment pledge. If they can't apply it to all facets of their lives, how do they expect to maintain that focus beyond the bottom line?
What a fabulous month, Lori. Congratulations.
Most of my work came from ongoing clients, but I was $500 short on my monthly target. The amount was invoiced, just not collected.
In March I sent out 18 LOIs and applied for 5 gigs on job boards. i also emailed clients I haven't worked with in a while, pitching them for projects and/asking for work.
The old clients brought in 3 gigs and the LOIs brought in two. The job boards didn't bring anything.
My focus in April is going to be on sending a lot more LOIs to PR agencies. They tend to pay better rates in my neck of woods. They can also bring me work in larger volumes.
Same here, Damaria. I don't count on collection — just invoices.
You're having good success with your efforts! An 11-percent conversion on your LOIs is good.