Re: Cold calling (resending message)

[Leslie Bythewood <leslie -dot- bythewood -at- EROLS -dot- COM>]

JIMCHEVAL wrote:
>
> Have you tried marketing yourself in the sense of cold calling?
>
> Assemble lists of anybody who could possibly need technical writing
> (manufacturers, software companies, some banks, ad agencies with technical
> clients, theme parks or anyplace else that needs equipment explained), call
> them up and say "I'd like to talk to whomever does your documentation.  I'm a
> technical writer and I'd like to offer my services."  Don't be pushy or
> -unless encouraged - chatty, just say what you got, see what they need.
_________________________________________
Jim,

If I were cold calling, I'd be more specific about whom to speak with.
Otherwise, you might find yourself talking to technical writers who may
not feel so charitable, particularly if they feel threatened that you're
angling for their job.  Why not play it safe and ask to speak to the
person in charge of documentation?  Documentation directors, managers,
and supervisors are the omniscient ones who get paid to plan and track
their department's documentation requirements, documentation schedules,
workload, staffing and contractor needs, budgets, headcounts, and
organizational changes. So, as I see it, your best bet is to get the
scoop directly from them.

P.S. Wondering why I resent this message? The first one had
wrap-long-line problems, making it difficult to read.  Sorry about that.
__________________________________________
Leslie Bythewood
(Need help with an online help project in DC, MD, or VA?  Contact me!)