Making assumptions—that is, formulating beliefs without solid evidence—can lead to trouble. Just ask the investor who put his money in the wrong place because he didn’t do enough due diligence, or the hiring manager who accepted the wrong applicant because she didn’t check their references.
Freelance writers are no different. When you make the wrong assumptions in this business, you risk missing out on great clients and gigs. In this post, we’ll be discussing the the top writer assumptions that could be costing you some sweet revenue opportunities.
Check them out below. Are you making any of these assumptions in your freelance writing business?
1. “I’m no expert.”
Erase this statement from your vocabulary. Remember, whoever you are and whatever your background is, you are most likely an expert at something. Do a bit of self-exploration and ask yourself the following questions:
– What are you good at / interested in?
– What are your hobbies?
– What did you study in school?
– What types of jobs did you have?
You’ll likely find your expertise in the answers to the above. And whatever it is—whether it’s astrophysics, gardening, tattoos, or music—there’s someone out there looking for a writer to cover that particular topic.
Still don’t feel like an expert? Read this post on Be a Freelance Blogger to find out the steps you can take to up your level of expertise.
2. “This company isn’t looking for a writer.”
And how do you know that? Did you even ask them?
Look, you won’t know for sure whether or not a company is hiring unless you approach them and ask. Just because a business isn’t posting job ads for writers doesn’t mean they’re not looking.
In fact, one of the most common things I hear whenever I approach a prospect is “Thanks for contacting us! We’ve been meaning to add a blog / do content marketing / update our website / [insert content job here] for quite some time now.”
Don’t assume that a business doesn’t need a writer. They almost always do (even if they don’t know it yet). So touch base with them and offer your services.
3. “The prospect didn’t respond so they’re probably not interested.”
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I can’t even count the number of times that I landed a client just because I took the time to follow-up.
People are busy. They’re bombarded with emails. So there’s a good chance that they missed your message or they meant to respond but didn’t get to do it right away. Don’t miss the opportunity to seal the deal with these people. Send them a follow-up email after a week or two. Or try reaching them through other channels such as Twitter or LinkedIn.
And if they still don’t respond? That’s okay, at least you know you did everything you can to reach a prospect. Let it go and move on to the next one.
(Note: if you REALLY want to work with this particular client, keep their contact info and re-connect in a couple of months. Also try looking for a different point-of-contact and pitch that person instead.)
Have you made any of these assumptions? Can you name other writer assumptions that are costing them clients and opportunities? Comment below.
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Great article! I think one of the biggest assumptions is that you’re not experienced enough to get paid well, and that’s sad.
I suffered from that for a while. Thankfully, that’s gone now. 🙂
I think we’ve all been there. 😉
Thanks, Alicia! Tell me about it. And the funny thing is, sometimes writers who *do* have experience/expertise still feel this way.
It’s pretty embarrassing how many of these I’ve used before! One more that I would add is assuming that it’s too late to pitch a story. I can’t even count the amount of time I’ve sat on an idea and finally tossed it away thinking it’s probably been done, only to see the same idea pop up a year later in a publication.
Great article, really got me thinking
Thank you, Joel. Glad I was able to stir things up in your mind.
And great addition. Lesson learned though: When that bulb in your head lights up, go ahead and pitch the idea. 🙂
I’m still guilty of these assumptions even if I’ve been freelancing for
more than 4 years :P. These just creep up to me every once in a while so
it’s good to see them front and center in your blog.
They still haunt me from time to time… sometimes in different words or forms. Thank goodness for writer communities though–they’ve really helped me get over these assumptions (time and time again.) 😀
Yes, hands up, guilty to all of these to some degree. Keeping in touch and following up is essential – people might not need your services at that particular moment, but months, or even years, later!
Being a journalist also taught me that expertise in a particular field isn’t necessary. Coming to something from a fresh perspective can stop you getting “bogged down” in the details. Having a broad general knowledge and knowing how to research a topic is invaluable though.
“Coming to something from a fresh perspective can stop you getting “bogged down” in the details.” — I LOVE this, Sharon.
And you’re absolutely right. Sometimes, companies hire writers because they want a fresh perspective from someone who isn’t too close to the product or industry.
I make all those assumptions every time! But I’m glad I’m surrounded by great mentors. 🙂
Yep–I know I wouldn’t have gotten over my misguided writer beliefs if it weren’t for awesome mentors. 🙂
Francesca, you bring up some very valid points. I love the reminder to follow up with prospects who’ve not responded. I keep a spreadsheet of prospects I approach and the method by which I contacted them. It seems time to take a look and pop back in for a quick “Howdy”!
Glad you agree, Shauna! Keeping a spreadsheet is a great way to stay on top of your outreach efforts. I do the same thing! And I also set calendar reminders to make I don’t forget.
I really like the idea of pitching a different person at the company. That’s awesome!
Works like a charm. 🙂