Panel presentation for freelance corporate writing

Yesterday I spoke on the “Conquering Corporate Markets” panel at the ASJA conference in NYC (the American Society of Journalists and Authors).

Since my first book (How to Write & Give A Speech, St. Martin’s Press) was published in October 1984, I have run my own business:  writing corporate speeches and helping executives give effective presentations.  My experience is deep, wide, and first-hand.  Yesterday, as a panelist, I tapped into my corporate speechwriting experiences to offer these three suggestions:

1.  Make good use of professional organizations:  IABC, PRSA, NAGC, etc.

2.  Improve your marketing materials.  When is the last time you polished your resumes (yes, resumes, plural)?  How good is your Linkedin profile?  (In my annual “How to Break into Freelance Writing:  Using Bylines to Build Your Career”, participants get to bring samples of their work, as well as copies of their various resumes and business cards.  I show them how to improve these materials.  Next date:  Saturday, November 3, Philadelphia.)

3.  Run your freelance writing business like a business.  Focus on client service, and your clients will hire you again and again.  Many of my corporate clients have hired me 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 times.  Repeat business should be your goal.

Back