And so we go on to the next lesson I've learned in my 10-year (and counting) stint as a freelance writer. To wit:
Diversify, But Know Your Limitations
I've learned that it pays to do a variety of things--but then, I'm an unrepentant generalist. I can't seem to help myself. Being flexible and offering services on a variety of subjects, in a variety of formats for a variety of clients is a good thing.
If you do find a particularly lucrative niche among the things you do, focus on that. But remain open to the possibility of doing other things. What if work in that niche dries up?
However, I also know what I'm not particularly good at and don't want to do. Focus your marketing on those things you are both good at and that you enjoy. When work you don't do comes along, have a list of writers to whom you can refer the client. The writer will appreciate it and may be in a position to return the favor down the road.
And speaking of finding a niche, I'd just like to recount a little tale relevant to the notion of following trends. I remember, in the early 90s, when I was practicing law, "the experts" were saying that environmental law was going to be the red-hot field to get into. Lots of growth. Lots of work. By the late 90s, the field was passe. The experts conveniently skimmed over their mistake, and predicted instead that environmental law was the worst field you could possibly choose. No growth. No work. Nada. Zip. It's the late double-aughts and look where we are now? Environmental issues are hotter than ever (I shall refrain from a bad global warming pun here). Which leads me up to my fourth and final lesson.
Tomorrow's tip: Read advice like this, then do what you think is right.
No comments:
Post a Comment