Networking Lands Paid Writing Gig

Author: Deb Butterfield

Networking is an oft-touted tool. Why? Because it works—even when you don’t realize you’re using it. Until this past summer, I never understood the true nature of networking. It carried a negative connotation for me, as though I was using a friend or acquaintance for my benefit, but at his/her cost.

In 2005, life was getting in the way of my priorities: to focus my time on my family and achieve my dream of being a published author. So I quit my job, moved, and decided to start my own business as a proofreader, editor, and writer. I had done all three in my previous job as a copywriter for a non-profit organization’s in-house ad department, and felt confident I could do it as a freelancer.

I began my career as a writer by establishing a writer’s website in April 2006. In my excitement, I shared my website with friends and family. A writer friend, and former co-worker, knew of an immediate need for a proofreader in the periodicals department and e-mailed me the details. I crafted a promotional letter (a.k.a. direct mail) targeted directly towards the company’s needs. Then I wrote my former manager. I focused the pitch on a problem I knew existed within the department: Summer and Christmas vacations created a gap—a gap I knew I could fill. I mailed both letters on the same day.

About two weeks later, I received a very polite “no thank you” via e-mail from the manager of the periodicals department. I was disappointed, but rejection is a fact of life as a writer, so I told myself to get used to it.

A few weeks later, I made a personal visit to my old office while in town attending a conference. I told nearly everyone I spoke with about my new business and handed everyone a business card. Since I hadn’t heard back from my former manager, I made a point of catching him in-between his meetings to promote myself. It was a giant step outside my comfort zone, and I returned home elated about the seeds I had planted.

It didn’t occur to me until several months later that the technique I had just accomplished was networking.

Less than four weeks later, I received a phone call from my writer friend telling me the proofreader in the department had resigned. I was then asked if I could proofread for the company while they looked at hiring someone new. Additionally, my former supervisor called and asked if I could do some writing/editing for a project he was working on. I earned approximately $1,500 in less than six weeks working part-time. And that little jaunt helped establish an ongoing freelance relationship with both the proofreading department and my former boss.

Pitching my business to my friends and former colleagues didn’t cost them a thing. It actually benefited them because they gained a freelancer who already knew the ins and outs of their workflow and company. Don’t hesitate to speak up and let your network know what you’re doing. They want to see you succeed, too.