Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Power of Social Media

When I graduated from high school, I was sure that I would never speak to or hear from any of the kids that I went to school with. It was bitter sweet because I was ready to move on though I knew these people from the start of my schooling career. After being in college, the thought of some people would spring into my mind. I would wonder how they are doing and what they had been up too since haunting the halls of Villa Park High. Then a funny thing happened, Facebook.  I can now check in on people who I haven't even crossed my mind in ten years. I can see that last night they had a rousing evening of cleaning up the mess that their 3 year old made or that they were tired of their job. Most of the information that we are receiving via social media is mundane, though there are some professions that count on it for the daily survival of the company.
Social Media has become the cheapest, and some would say, most effective form of advertising. Everyday you see someone walking down the street or even in their car, checking their email,  Facebook or Twitter account. There are countless impressions that your marketing pushes are making from forwards or retweets. Some old school business folks are reticent to try social media but they need to be educated on the benefits of these tools. Being in the social media game will show customers that they are up to date and current with the ever changing business world.
I am now working on putting together a Facebook page for my freelance writing business. If your company needs some social media assistance, I can certainly be of assistance.

Creatively speaking,
Jenn

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Experience Needed

I am running into the same old story every where I look, experience needed.  I find it to be kinda funny that people are looking to get into a job so they can gain experience but they can't get the job unless they already know how to do it. I am beginning to think that I am going to have make my family and friends start a company so that I can create literature to show companies that I can put a sentence together.
I need to find my niche to focus on as that is the best way to get your foot in the door. I have been in the fitness industry for many years so that would be my warm market. I can focus on those companies that I currently know and start from there.
First I need to make a list of who I will contact.
Second, I need to make a pitch to them.
Third, I need to show them the value of having a writer on hand to reach their customers
Fourth, I need to show others what benefit my services have been to these business owners.
I have much to do so I had better get to it.

Creatively Speaking,
Jennifer

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Getting Organized

I am beginning to realize what a huge undertaking this is going to be. Part of this blog will be to document my goal of having a successful freelance business and the other will be musing on the trials and tribulations of living out a dream.
Having to start a business from scratch should be daunting, and to be honest, it is. I have attempted to start things until I remind myself that for one to be successful, you need to have your heart into it. For the first time I can actually say that my heart is fully vested in one of my hair brain ideas. I must take a moment to apologize to my husband for all of the crazy things that have popped into my mind, sorry sweetie.
Today I begin putting together samples of my past work for potential customers to see. I will have to coerce my husband to create a webpage for me so I can send those in need of literary assistance to examine my writings. I have begun listening to podcasts regarding the profession of professional blogging and researching books that might be beneficial for me to study to get going in the right direction. I am toying with the idea of taking a class but as we all know those are a bit pricey right now. I may just have to make do with books and webinars.
I also have to research the legal ramifications of being a freelancer and how to protect my work. Figuring out the taxation is also a concern. I know there are some write offs that I can look into seeing as I will be working out of my home office.
So my list continues. Check back for more insight into the start of a new adventure.

Creatively speaking.

Jennifer

Monday, August 8, 2011

And so it begins....

There are things in life that call to us though at times we choose not to answer. Is it because we are afraid that there might be some hard work ahead or are we worried about failure of not living up to the dream that we created in our mind? Either way, I have always felt like there was a path I was supposed to travel and a destiny on the horizon that I was ignoring or putting off. I look to my childhood for an pattern of habits that might give me a clue as to where I am supposed to head. What did I enjoy doing the most? What did I daydream about? What did I enjoy in high school? The answer is quite simple, writing.
My friends wanted to play with dolls, I wanted to write and perform a play. My friends would gossip and talk about boys, I was trying to figure out how to make this into a good screenplay or novel. We would be on vacation seeing amazing sights and I was thinking what an incredible backdrop this would be for a dramatic scene. The English professor would assign a long essay and I was already formulating the details before the paper was explained. I would sit in movies and get lost in the magic of the story and imagine even grander story-lines.
So there you have it, my mind is always writing a story. I love words and creating a story that was once nothing. I enjoy putting thoughts on paper and having people read them. I am a writer no matter how you look at it. I now stand before you, ready to embark on a journey that will be truly amazing. I hope that you join me on this adventure and that you enjoy the ride.
My goals are to create business literature for companies that helps them to grow and thrive. They have a story to tell and I want to tell it.
I want to write children's books that will encourage kids of all ages to pick up a book and read. I want them to have the joy of getting lost in an another world and seeing what unfolds before them.
My aunt has a story of amazing strength and determination that I am eager to tell.
Do you have a story that needs to be told? We all do and if you are anxious to see your story come alive, please contact me. I will be honored to create your story.

Creatively speaking,

Jennifer