Comments on: Where Smart Freelance Writers Network In-Person

By: Vivinne

Vivinne — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:16:42 +0000

John do you have any tips or a post about expanding your niche? I’m a bit pigeon-holed in health and wellness, and want to broaden out a bit. I’m really good at SEO having gotten my writer’s website to rank well. But lost a job in construction industry (because she saw only yoga articles…) Oh and I would have sub-contracted the former as it was to be very detailed and industry savvy.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:11:27 +0000

In reply to Lindsay Pevny. Very good point, Lindsay. It's definitely easier to get clients through networking if you have a niche and then interact directly with people in that niche. Lori Widmer writes for the insurance industry, and she lands new clients whenever she visits a nearby conference for insurance agents.

By: Lindsay Pevny

Lindsay Pevny — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 05:24:54 +0000

Ever since I niched down to writing for the pet industry, it’s been easier for me to find the right in-person networking opportunities. Networking comes much more naturally when you’re writing in a niche you’re passionate about.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 13:43:15 +0000

In reply to Dave Lynch. You're absolutely right Dave. You are always welcome to go as a guest as many times as you like. Check out the different clubs in your area and see which one suits you best.

By: Dave Lynch

Dave Lynch — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 13:34:42 +0000

Toastmasters just came to my attention recently – definitely a group I plan to join. I think learning leadership skills from a group like that will help all aspects of a writer’s business.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:47:44 +0000

In reply to Jake Poinier. I network informally with other business owners and writers here in the Rogue Valley, but I haven't yet joined an official mastermind group. I'm also a bit wary of BNI, especially the high level of commitment, but I know one person who gets a ton of business from it.

By: Jake Poinier

Jake Poinier — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 00:15:09 +0000

I belong to a monthly “mastermind” group of about a dozen people from different businesses and industries. (It’s run by a longtime client who invited me to join.) I’ve gotten a few business projects out of it, but one of the main values is the accountability–when you talk about what you’re going to do in the next month, people will ask about your progress at the next meeting!

Toastmasters is fantastic for networking, and also for polishing your communications skills in general. I haven’t been a member of a group in years, but the lessons stick with you. I was a little freaked out the one time I went to a BNI meeting. Too much of a commitment, and not quite my style.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 14:27:00 +0000

In reply to Marcie. Good for you, Marcie. There's a wide variety of members in my local Toastmasters group, from small-business owners to mid-level executives at large companies.

By: Marcie

Marcie — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 14:05:18 +0000

Thanks for reminding me about Toastmasters. I can start attending corporate meetings. I’m a member totally forgot about this opportunity. I’m about to find a meeting for this week!