In-person Meetings can be Fun
Many writers believe that their days should be spent indoors, cranking out words and sending queries to find their next gig. While you are going to spend a lot of time at home writing, there is nothing wrong with getting out and meeting clients. This is a particularly good idea if you are trying to sell somebody on the idea of hiring you for a project.
In my early days as a freelance writer I felt that in-person meetings were a waste of time. After all, I had to put my writing aside and spend time on something that may never yield a single dollar. But soon enough I realized that this could actually be fun.
There are several aspects of meeting people in person that can be exciting. Above all else, you get the chance to talk about yourself, your writing, and how you can help the other party succeed. Even if you don’t like talking about yourself, like me, it is still fun to show off your work. Remember, you should be proud of your career.
I also find it rewarding to meet new people, even if we don’t begin to work together right away. The bigger your network grows the more jobs you will secure in the future. For example, late last year I met with a local company that was interested in hiring a writer for sales letters, email marketing campaigns, and brochures. While they did not hire me on the spot, I received a phone call from my contact four months later. Not only did they end up hiring me, but they also referred me to another division within their company.
Don’t overlook the value and excitement associated with in-person meetings. I am making this a bigger part of my business. Are you willing to give it a try?
