Tip #1 to Find Writing Gigs Locally
Chamber of Commerce
You can find writing gigs through the Chamber, if you do it right. It'll cost you - but you should designate part of your revenue to use for marketing expenses. On top of the membership fee, you'll pay for lunches and breakfasts. It's not the cheapest way to go, but if you find writing gigs there, your expenses are covered pretty quickly.
Tip #2 to Find Writing Gigs Locally
Bring Your A-Game
Usually you get about a minute to introduce yourself. If you can't wow them with what you say, you just bought yourself an expensive scrambled egg breakfast because you won't find writing gigs there. Make sure your intro stands out as being creative, professional, funny (if possible), and loud enough that everyone hears you. Most people just get up and say the same old stuff, and nobody's really listening. If you can get up and make a positive impression, you'll be amazed by how easy it is to find writing gigs.
Tip #3 to Find Writing Gigs Locally
Go with the Right Attitude
Go to these events with one goal - to meet some nice people. Don't go with the goal to find writing gigs or to make a ticker tape parade of your business cards. And don't collect cards like you're going after a complete set. Don't spam these people afterward, either. Remember that building relationships takes time. Think of it like dating - you don't want to throw yourself at people. Have some dignity, be friendly, and see how you can help others.
Tip #4 to Find Writing Gigs Locally
Quality is Better Than Quantity
It's better to chat with a few people and really listen to them, than to get with everyone in the room for three seconds each. See whether there's anything you can do to help them with their business or life (recommend a plumber, and accountant, a free advertising venue) and you may find more writing gigs than you can handle.
Tip #5 to Find Writing Gigs Locally
Networking Luncheons
In my area, there are a few of these luncheons for businesswomen (sorry guys!) and a couple that anyone can go to. Some are free, but most run about $15 - $20. They're held once a month, which is nice because it's easy to get too busy networking to actually get any writing done otherwise. You RSVP for the lunches you want to attend rather than committing for an entire year. If you don't have something like this near you, see if anyone's interested in starting one up with you. One of the lunches I attend regularly started out with only ten women several years ago. Now it's usually got about 80.
Tip #6 to Find Writing Gigs Locally
Bring a door prize if you're allowed
Offer a free something writing-related (not a coupon!) - it's an easy way to give something that's impressive, useful, and doesn't cost you anything but time. A free press release is a great idea. With your prize, include your business card (duh!), and include the value of the prize on its description. You'll get extra exposure when your prize is announced, and a nice opportunity to find writing gigs by "auditioning" for a potential client.
Tip #7 to Find Writing Gigs Locally:
Bring some marketing postcards with you
These are easy to make, and don't cost a ton. I use Vista Print, but not their ready-made templates. Make your own cards, keeping in mind that they serve two purposes - to help you find writing gigs by getting your name out there, and to demonstrate your incredible copywriting skills. You can get 100 of these postcards for about $30. They're glossy and gorgeous, and beat the pants off of anything you can make at home or at the office supply store. I hand them out along with my business card. This way the postcard can explain exactly what I can do to help, and they can keep the business card for reference.
What else works? We'll look at a couple more ways to get regular local clients next time.
About the Author
Sue LaPointe is the owner of WorkingWriterHappyWriter.com, a successful freelance writer, and writing coach. Come for a visit, and be sure to ask for the freelance writers report - Top 5 Tactics to BOOST Your Writing Business.
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