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Subject:Re: Valuable opiions From:Jennie Achtemichuk <JennieA -at- MSN -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 30 Nov 1995 04:19:29 UT
In article <199511280058 -dot- AA14714 -at- lamb -dot- sas -dot- com>, "Julie A. Zagorski"
<juliez -at- NIGHTOWL -dot- NET> writes:
[...]
|> Thus comes my request for your help:
|> Please send some advice for locking down contracts, or maybe point me
|> somewhere for information on more aggressive marketing strategies?
[...]
Len Olszewski <saslpo -at- UNX -dot- SAS -dot- COM> replied:
>You need to network. ...........
I'd like to add that I have a marvelous book called "Selling
your services" by Robert Bly. I'd suggest it to any freelance writer
or independent contractor in tech comm. It gives solid advice on
how to make contacts, make your sales pitch, get the contract,
write agreements, invoice, and get paid. I refer to it whenever I
get in too deep, and Bly often helps me solve my problems.
Another couple of sources of help: National Association for the
Self Employed (NASE) offers all kinds of informational and discount
services to its members. For example, I saved much more than
my membership fee just on my disability insurance premiums. And
on top of that, I can call an 800 number for free advice from business
consultants. They've helped me solve other problems with taxes,
bookkeeping, and even collections. For info, call 800-232-NASE (in
USA; sorry, I don't know about other countries). I also just got info
from the National Writers Union, and am considering joining because
they have info on contracts, working with publishers, and have a
grievance/collection service that helps writers collect money that
publishers or companies haven't paid. Their number in New York is
212-254-0279. And of course, there is also SCORE counseling
through the Small Business Administration, which is free and
invaluable.
============================================
Jennie Achtemichuk
Independent Consultant, Help Authoring/Instructional Design
Kirkland WA
