NEWSLETTER ARTICLES and PROMOTIONAL LETTERS

"FREELANCERS SHARE BUSINESS-BUILDING TIPS"

Appeared in International Association of Business Communicators/LI (IABC/LI) Spring 2000 Newsletter

What are some effective ways to get new work while completing current assignments? IABC/LI freelancers and independent business owners combine commitment and planning in order to juggle current assignments with self- marketing. Here are some of the ideas that work for them.

Network, Network, Then Network Some More!

Past president and membership chair Louise Cassano, reported that networking builds name recognition, which will help build your business. Recent "Communicator of the Year" Loretta Schorr agrees. "Cold calling is less effective than networking, and referrals are so, so valuable--a great reason to join IABC/LI.". Our Board Secretary Mary Stipe has obtained plum assignments through "positive word of mouth recommendations" from colleagues she has met at meetings of IABC and freelance writing groups.

Each month IABC/LI Past President Leila Zogby "attends .... at least one networking function... and schedules at least one lunch date .... with a client, prospect or colleague." Attend meetings that address the needs of your clients, too, added Charlene Hoey, Membership Chairperson and Board member.

Other Proven Tips

Leila suggested, "Volunteering for the chapter also is very valuable because when people have a chance to see your competence, they are willing to hire you. They're buying a 'known quantity' and nothing could be an easier sell."

Charlene advised having materials on hand so you can send them out as soon as you get a lead. And don't forget to send a follow-up note after exchanging business cards with someone, she added. To get more work Loretta recommended "mining" additional business from existing clients. In addition to networking and referrals, former Board member Robin Bernstein also "depends, to a lesser degree, on a couple of ads ...in the NY/IABC Employment Letter and the PRSA Green Book."

Time Management and Organization.

Louise uses time between carefully planned, consecutive client meetings to lunch with acquaintances and businesses associates. She reported, "I use a manual diary so I don't have to rely on my computer or turn on a machine every time I want to check an entry." Mary's best time management tools are lists--one "to-do" list for each day and an on going list for projects. She also keeps motivated with a "short list of markets" and a list of general story themes posted at her desk.

 

PROMOTIONAL LETTERS

Here is a promotional letter Joyce created for Mills Business Support Services:

Assisting Businesses and Organizations   •   Onsite and Virtual services Mills Business Support Services "You do what you do best and leave us the rest." 631-834-2299 leahbeth@mbss.biz Outsourcing Specialists of Administrative Support TOO MUCH TO DO AND TOO LITTLE TIME? In what direction is your business going?  Do you want to increase your organization’s productivity?  Are you spending too much time in your office and too little time on increasing your revenue? Let Mills Business Support Services (MBSS) provide the administrative and secretarial support you need.  Then you can focus on creating and expanding the profit-centers of your enterprise. MBSS provides quality administrative and secretarial support services to businesses and churches that would like to outsource their office work both onsite and virtually.  That is, as a business owner, MBSS provides administrative and personal support to our clients via telephone, fax and online communications.  We also manage specific projects, conduct research and facilitate meeting and event planning. Leah Beth and her network of skilled professionals assist you in performing the tasks you need, but don’t necessarily like --- or know how --- to do.  And importantly we free up your time so you can run your business.  Experience and Quality     Not sure what you need?  Owner Leah Beth Mills has had office administration experience with businesses and churches for over 25 years.  She can also help you assess what services will help your office operate more efficiently.  This, in turn, can help you meet the needs of your clients and customers and may even help you achieve your long-term business goals.  See reverse for Specific Services offered by MBSS   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assisting Businesses and Organizations   •   Onsite and Virtual services SPECIFIC SERVICES offered by MBSS Projects – Do you need someone to manage a project or to assist your staff with one?  Past projects have included: setting up all aspects of meetings and seminars; database (Excel) projects including research and data input; client contact database entry and maintenance; correspondence and mail merge projects.  There is no project too big or too small. Administrative/Office Consultation – Do you need someone to make your office run more efficiently?  Are you looking for someone who has knowledge on how to assist you in setting up your office, systems and procedures?  Do you need to purchase supplies or equipment and don’t have the desire or time to shop? Word processing – Do you have insufficient time to spend on a computer?  Or maybe your computer skills are lacking?  MBSS produces business correspondence, manuscripts, reports, etc. We provide accurate and professional services. Computer organization – Do you spend too much time looking for files on your computer?  Do you have to recreate something because you can’t find it?  Computer files just like paper files need organization.  Let us help you get organized and stop wasting unnecessary time. Miscellaneous Office Assistance – Do you need something faxed or need someone to process your e-mail?  Or someone to do research.  We also can make appointments for you and keep your calendar/schedule. Digital transcription services offered through an 800 number. Résumé services also available. Feel free to call us with no obligation MBSS can be reached by phone 631-834-2299 or e-mail leahbeth@mbss.biz, Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:30.  Off-hour appointments are available upon request.