Just checking - did you watch this yet? Better hurry!

Hey, did you get in on the Local Business Money Machine webinar Kevin Wilke did last night?

If so, you probably still haven't gone to sleep yet! Bet your head's just spinning with ideas.

If not, you're going to want to go NOW and watch the replay. I believe they're taking this down Monday - maybe sooner.

Why am I "strongly urging" you to watch this thing and get in while you can?

A few reasons, really.

1. This is a sure-fire way you can get paid to write - again, like I say in my freelance writing book, you don't need a portfolio, an English or Journalism degree, paid writing experience, or a client list to get started. My book helps you get internet-based clients FAST, and local clients kind of as an afterthought. But local clients were kind of back-burnered because I didn't have a system for working with them profitably. THIS takes that problem and chucks it out the window.
2. I've been through a LOT of programs... and some have been a complete waste of money. There are tons of those kinds of programs out there even now - and my guess is that wasting money on a program that only gives you half of the info you really need is NOT on your wish list. I've been working with the Nitro Blueprint System to launch online publishing ventures for myself, my hubby, and some clients. It really works, and was a tiny fraction of the cost of another program I went through (to remain nameless) that was very hard and ended up being a waste of about a year of my time and more money than I'd like to admit.
   Nitro's stuff is consistently excellent - easy to follow, step-by-step. This LBMM program is no different - except that maybe they've packed even more stuff into it than I've ever seen. I've learned "little" skills that have stumped me for years, things I never knew could be so easy.
3. I know Kevin and the other Nitro guys personally - and have interviewed at least a dozen people who've worked with them or used their programs to create remarkable results. Without exception, here's the gist of what they say: " These guys are for real. They are all about helping people succeed and make the money they need to follow and fulfill their purpose and passion in life. "
4. I'm starting to work with my team of writers to be able to provide this local marketing service to our clients. It's a huge win for everyone involved - the clients get more business, the writers get more gigs, and it's so systematic that I can build a solid income without having to work so much. I'm even working with one friend who's a whiz at sales and she's going to market this service in her area - I'll manage the projects, and we'll split the fee.
   If enough of us are doing this program at the same time, we can HELP each other!!

I believe the program will close on Monday - if you're thinking you want to do it, NOW is the time. Not sure whether they have any plans to open the doors again.

Do yourself a favor and watch the video - then let me know what you think!

Funny places freelance writers write

You know what? I'm going to be a little nosey here, because I just want to know...

Where do you write?

My prediction: Most will say either the kitchen table or the dining room table.

And I've done that, too - and sometimes do.

But for a long stretch, I worked from "the blue chair" in my bedroom. It's an old Lazy-Boy that's been around longer than my kids. It's comfy, roomy, and I've gotten a TON of work done sitting there.

However, on those crazy days where it's time to pick up the kids from school and I realize I still haven't gotten into the shower, going anywhere near anything with "lazy" in the name just feels... wrong!

Here's an article about a spot that's been pretty hot for writers so far.

Bozeman Montana Local News

So, which DID you choose?

So, in this week's newsletter, I asked what you'll do after your freelance writing business takes off and you're able to either sell it or step back and have other people work it for you (while you still get paid!).

Some answers so far from writers who've answered this question:

· Write a novel

· Do missions work

· Travel

· Invest in real estate

· Do it again, starting another business using what I learned

· Teach my kids how to do what I did (in principle) so they can build some kind of business of their own as they grow up

· Start a charitable foundation

How about you? Leave your comment here.

And here's the book resource I mentioned. It's meaty... and you'll love it.

By the way, if you're not already subscribed to the Working Writer Happy Writer newsletter, what are you waiting for? : ) It's free (for now!). It's good. And it may get you started on the business (and life) of your dreams.

Click THIS and add to your freelance writing income

One. Two. Three.... Click!

If you've got a knack for taking pictures, you may have a built-in way to increase your freelance writing income.

I'm not a good example. My photos tend to have a thumb in them, or they're blurry, or somebody's lost a head or appendage. But I know people who can take some amazing pictures.

This is a skill that could come in handy. I know there are sites out there that buy photos. Anyone have any success in selling some?

What's involved?

Order! Order!!

Boy oh boy, do I need professional help!

Not that kind (well, maybe). I need an organizer, an assistant, okay, even a mom with a cleaning compulsion. My work space so easily gets disorganized and overwhelming. I'm good at ignoring it, and can work with concentration even in the midst of too many piles of paper. But even I reach a point where something's got to go.

And the clutter can fill both space and time if you're not careful. I'm working on creating order in both now, and know it's a matter of daily practice.

Two sites that may help, if you're not naturally super organized:

www.flylady.com (Is this one still around? I'll have to go check. I used it years ago and it made a huge difference in my home life. It's been a while, but may be worth another look in this new context of home business.)

www.simpleology.com (This one's brand new to me. It's free for the basic level, which is pretty amazing. I started it, then stopped because of having kids home all last week - and doing well to scrape up enough concentration to meet deadlines and avoid freaking out... most of the time.) Looking forward to learning more here.

Here are some other tips that may help. But if there's anyone out there who's super organized, please share your system!!


Organizing Your Freelance Writing Career | Get Paid to Write Online

Freelance Writing: One of my favorite perks!

Jupiter.

Huge gassy planet? Well, yeah. But I'm talking about Jupiter, FL.

One of my favorite perks about being a freelance writer is that I can work pretty much anywhere. With a laptop, internet access, and some level of quiet, my business is completely portable. Throw in the cache of writing in a coffee house, plus a nice little caffeine buzz, and it feels downright Hemingway-ish. (Oh my gosh, he'd bust a gut laughing at the comparison!)

Our family took a mini-vacation to Jupiter recently and I got some writing done in the hours before my sleepy family woke up. Portability is a great feature in a business. So is something I'll call "time portability." You see, clients don't care WHEN you wrote their material - as long as it's great. They don't care that you were in shorts and flip-flops, sitting by the pool. They just want excellent copy - delivered on-time, at the price you've agreed on.

Got to love this business!

What's your typical client like?

I know there are lots of freelance writers out there who work exclusively with Fortune 500 companies. There's even a fantastic guide you can get that'll teach you how to go after these kinds of contracts (I wouldn't even dare to call them gigs!). And I used to think that was exactly the kind of writing business I wanted to build.

It seemed more respectable, more impressive... and definitely more lucrative than working for smaller clients.

And it may be!

But I also know of many, many freelance writers who've built businesses going the other way.

These "little guys" include:
- small businesses
- solopreneurs
- internet marketers
- service professionals

Having worked with both, I'm just really enjoying having some variety.

With my bigger clients, there's a lot more involved that's not so creative. We've got to worry about compliance issues, getting stuff approved by the legal department, and getting the green light from a whole committee. There's not as much room for doing things differently than they've been done before. The writing they seem to like best is, for me, a throwback to college - it's stiffer, more distant, kind of aloof... and very few contractions.

With my smaller clients, even though they can't pay as much (although mine do pay very well), we get to kind of partner together to come up with something brand new, something we hope will get amazing results for them, something we know could flop - but we're still going to give it a try. They like creativity, connectedness, friendly and casual writing. I feel like I can be myself when I write for them. It's like we're in it together - sink or swim!

What kind of clients do you work with most often? What's the "fit" like between your personality and your client list?

Writing from home - probably the biggest challenge

Anyone who works from home - who's got kids, anyway - shares this challenge, and it's a biggie.

With school just letting out, I can practically hear the writers out there groaning in unison: "I can't concentrate with all these people around!"

Some days it seems like it would be a lot easier if I just had an office to go to. I could leave work at work. I could close the door, concentrate, turn off the phone, and work straight through without interruption. Plus, there wouldn't be any complaining - or like I'm hearing lately, begging for a turn on my computer. Don't get me wrong - my kids are awesome, and I love them with all my heart. It's just that we both end up feeling bad about me closing the door and hanging the virtual "Do Not Disturb" sign while I work. And it often takes me twice as long to complete a project when they're home, because it's hard to write with "Sponge Bob" on in the background. With a little escape to a quiet place, maybe I could get it all done in half the time?

And it's always a possibility. There are writers out there who rent office space.

What do you think about that idea? Have you considered it? How is it working for you? Any tips?

Talk about getting paid to write on the Build a Thriving Writing Business Blog

Hi Writers!

Welcome to the Build a Thriving Writing Business Blog! My name's Sue LaPointe, and I work from home as a freelance commercial writer. I'm also a writing business coach, and through coaching and my book, Working Writer Happy Writer - How to Build a Thriving Writing Business from NOTHING, I've helped other writers learn how to get paid to write, too.

You can hop on over to my web site at www.workingwriterhappywriter.com to get your free report, Top 5 Tactics to Boost Your Writing Business. While you're there, be sure to sign up for the free newsletter, Write Happy! which sends you tons of great tips, resources, and support as you build your own writing business.

Meanwhile, why not take a look around my blog, hang out, have a cup of coffee, click around a bit, bookmark it, and be sure to check back regularly for all the latest in the world of freelance writing.

And don't forget to leave a comment and give your two cents about getting paid to write!

Sue