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Freelance Writer Gets Word-of-Mouth Referrals

August 27, 2009 By 3 Comments

Being a freelance writer is a great job. Actually, it’s not a job because it’s so much fun! The perks of the business are setting your own hours; working with clients from diverse industries, working with clients around the world, and helping clients gain new business through word-of-mouth referrals. Most small business owners are backwards about being forward when it comes to referrals. This is where a freelance writer comes in handy.

Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to grow your business. The use of words on your print materials such as business cards, brochures, and postcards can make the world of difference. Think of a freelance writer as your muse who can bring your business of out the deep, dark forest and into the bright world of small businesses.

Networking events are the most popular way to obtain word-of-mouth referrals. When you had out your business card make sure it stands out by using a catchy headline or quote. A skilled freelance writer can whip up a snappy headline and tagline in no time. For example, if you’re a health and wellness coach you may have a headline such as “Health Equals Wealth” and a tagline such as “Investing in Yourself Today will Yield a High Return Tomorrow.” This eye-catching headline and tagline is sure to spark interest.

Business Female_Networking1

Most small business owners don’t know how to get word-of-mouth referrals or they’re too shy to ask. Don’t be shy about promoting your business. Stand by your business and be confident. Even if you stumble at first, you’ll find your footing. It may help to write out a note card to take with you to ensure that you hit all of the key points. Remember, you’ll only have about 5-minutes to speak about your business.

Using the services of a freelance writer to get word-of-mouth referrals is a step in the right direction. After all, these are people who write for a living and enjoy it. They’ve written countless blogs, articles, headlines and taglines, and other materials they’ll be able to get your message across.

It’s important to communicate with your freelance writer to ensure they convey your message to your audience. You’ll have to spend some time meeting either in person or over the phone if you want to receive plenty of word-of-mouth referrals.

Business referrals can come from anyone. You could be at the grocery store and strike up a conversation with the person in front of you in the checkout line. He or she may require your services. When you present your business card, give the person two or three cards. Ask for referrals. You have nothing to lose.

You may consider giving clients an incentive to give your business referrals. You could give them a discount on their services, provide them with a gift card, or give them a gift certificate to a restaurant. There are many ways to say ‘Thank You’ for the referral.

A freelance writer can assist you with referrals. If your current marketing materials are not working, contact your freelance writer to see what revisions are necessary. Perhaps it’s time to hire a new freelance writer, one with a multitude of experience and creative ideas that seem to go on forever!

Rebecca

How’s your word-of-mouth referrals?

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Networking Tagged With: , ,

The Art of Networking — The Dont’s

July 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

In the previous post, The Art of Networking, I covered The Do’s. Now it’s time to look at the The Dont’s of networking. Many small business owners don’t network effectively and end up frustrated because they don’t receive the results or referrals they’re looking for.

Networking is really an art form. If it’s not done properly, it can be pointless and time consuming. Small business owners who don’t network efficiently can waste a lot of time. More importantly, you may not make connections that can serve you.

Strength in Numbers

The Dont’s

  • Don’t pile up the business cards. You’ll receive a lot of business cards when you attend networking events. Instead of stacking them on a table or putting them in a shoebox, create a system. Put them in clear plastic business card holders and into a binder. Make sure to file them according to industry. You could staple each business card to a note card, write the person’s name and industry on the card then file them accordingly in a file box. This way if you’re looking for a realtor, you can go straight to the real estate section;
  • Don’t “chat” with the person next to you when someone is presenting a business. It’s rude and disrespectful not to pay attention to others when they speak. After all, they gave you their undivided attention when you spoke;
  • Don’t leave a networking event or meeting when it ends unless you DO have to be somewhere else. Mingle with people and get to know them;
  • Don’t just sit there, take notes. Listen to people when they speak and take notes because they may something that strikes a chord with you. If they do, you can speak with them when the meeting ends.

Small business owners, if you follow the dos and dont’s of networking you’ll be successful. Remember that networking is an art form. Take advantage of networking events and meetings and connect with others. Develop relationships with others and you’ll see an increase in your business and make some friends along the way.

Savvy Writer Rebecca

How are you at networking?

Filed Under: Networking, Overcoming Obstacles, Tips and Tricks Tagged With:

The Art of Networking — The Do’s

July 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Many small business owners don’t know how to network. When it comes to networking, people fall flat on their face. When you attend a networking event or meeting, the plan is to meet and greet as many people as possible to generate new business. Listen intently and takes notes. When the meeting ends, walk up to those you “connect” with and strike up a conversation.

Networking is more than just getting business. Unfortunately, small business owners don’t know how to network. The “operative word” in networking is “work.” Yes, you may have to pick up the phone or send an email to someone you meet at an event. You may have to get in your car and drive somewhere to have lunch or coffee. It takes some real effort to network.

Strength in Numbers

The Do’s of Networking

  • Make connections. Networking is about connecting and developing relationships. You must make the effort to reach out to people otherwise your business will be stagnate;
  • Trust your gut instinct. Just because you meet a ton of people at a networking event doesn’t mean that you MUST work with everyone. Work with people who are like-minded and that will add value to you and your business and vice versa;
  • Really listen to people when they speak. Give each person your undivided attention and take notes. You’d want them to listen to you so be respectful. Your notes can help you to decide whether or not to network with a person;
  • Create a business card filing system. When you receive a business card just don’t file it away in a folder or box. There are a couple things you can do. You can buy clear business card holders and put each business card in a holder and then into a binder. You could take each card, staple it to a note card, write the person’s name at the top, write down the business/industry on the note card, and place them in a filing box under different categories;

Small business owners can win big at networking. It really is a win-win situation. You can create long lasting relationships and gain business at the same time. Networking is not something that you can do in one day. You’ll need to pick up the phone, send an email, and meet with people. It’s NOT a one-time deal!

The art of networking is one of finesse and sincerity. Be sincere when you network with people and get to know them. Many small business owners attend networking events for one reason — to gain business. This is only part of it. Networking is more than increasing profits; it’s about getting to know and help each other grow each other’s businesses.

Savvy Writer Rebecca

How would you rate your networking skills?

Filed Under: Networking, Overcoming Obstacles, Tips and Tricks Tagged With:

Attract More Business with Twitter

June 17, 2009 By 1 Comment

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Twitter can help drive traffic to your website. This social media platform has taken the world by storm. If you’re not taking advantage of social media, what are you waiting for?

Twitter is FREE and easy to use. You can set-up an account in no time and connect with new and current customers.

Social media platforms such as Twitter can help small business owners grow their business. Spending a small amount of time using Twitter each day can increase your business prospects. How do you get Twitter? All you do is “Google” Twitter and sign up. It’s that easy.

Twitter Tips & Tricks

  • User name can be 15 characters. Twitter will let you know if a username is available. If the one you want is not available you’ll have to think of another username;
  • Choose a design that correlates with your website. If you can, choose a design that coordinates with your website, i.e., colors and design;
  • Tweets are 140 characters. What makes Twitter popular is the fact that you can only TWEET 140 characters. Keep it short and get to the point. Not only TWEET about your business, but give “brief” tips.

Reasons to use Twitter

  • Twitter is free to sign up. Your business can soar to new heights by TWEETING each day;
  • Fast and easy to use. It doesn’t take a “users manual” to set-up a Twitter account. What takes a bit of time is tailoring your Twitter page;
  • Limited to 140 characters. If you have a tendency to be long-winded, you may find Twitter a bit of a challenge;
  • TwitPic complements Twitter. This is free as well. If you have a Twitter account you can use TwitPic to upload pictures. This is great if you have an interior design or graphic design business;
  • Network with other people. You can meet people within your industry, gain new customers, and keep current customers up-to-date;
  • Drive traffic to your website. Social media such as Twitter is a great tool to drive traffic to your website.

Twitter has taken over the world! Everyone who is anyone has a Twitter account. You can TWEET all day by using “Twitter Tools” such as TweetDeck. You can keep this handy little tool open and submit your TWEETS throughout the day. Just don’t over do it!

If you don’t have a Twitter account, sign up today! It’s a great social media tool for small businesses. You can follow other businesses and they can follow you. It’s a great way to connect to people and to the community in which you live.

~ Savvy Writer Rebecca ~

How could Twitter enhance your small business?

Filed Under: Freelance Writing, Networking, Search Engine Marketing, Social Media, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Get a Business Referral in Five Easy Steps

June 9, 2009 By 1 Comment

Women small business owners, you can get a business referral in five easy steps. Now, if you’re a bit shy about asking for referrals, it’s time to get over it! This may sound easier said than done, but it really is easy to do. It just takes confidence — in you and your business!

Successful small business owners know how to ask for a business referral. It helps if you know how to network and understand networking. That’s another blog post! Obtaining a referral is quite simple — all you do is ask! What’s the worst that can happen? The person may decline. No biggie. Thank him for his time and move forward and ask the next person. As women small business owners, you must be discerning when you deal with people.

Referals Will Get You Far

Networking Will Get You a Referral

Five Easy Steps to Business Referrals

  1. Join networking/referral groups online and or in your area.
  2. Tell everyone that you know about your business — this includes family and friends.
  3. Place an advertisement on Google and in the local newspaper.
  4. Do social Media. This includes Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and other sites.
  5. Ask for the referral.

Many women small business owners will not ask for referrals — some feel that they will not be able to receive any business referrals. It comes down to an “old way” of thinking — that it’s a man’s world! Change your thinking, change your business. You can receive a referral for your small business; all you have to do is ask for them.

Asking for a referral doesn’t have to be painful. It just takes CONFIDENCE and determination. If you want your business to be a success, you must do what it takes to promote it and obtain clients/customers for it. Sitting in your home or home office waiting for the phone to ring or for someone to walk through the door is wishful thinking. Although, it could happen, but there’s a slim chance it will not happen that way.

Women small business owners, who want to succeed in business, will seek out business referrals for their business. Join groups such as BNI. This organization can help you generate leads and sales. They are located across the USA. It does work. In fact, one member, a chiropractor located in the Phoenix, AZ area earned $33,000 from a referral! Obviously this is a HIGH amount — not the norm. The key point here is that it happened by being a part of a networking/referral group. These extraordinary income amounts do and can happen. So…Women small business owners get out and get those referrals!

~ Savvy Writer Rebecca ~

What’s holding you back from asking for a business referral?

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Networking Tagged With: ,
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