In the 2008 recession, Carol replaced her day job AND MORE! During the recession, she grew her income from $60,000 to $100,000!
This episode could not come more timely…
Questions to ask yourself:
- Who will profit from the recession?
- Who is making more money right now?
- What new businesses will come out of this?
How can someone find a writing gig?
- Most people seem to sign up straight on Upwork, or any other freelancer site. The problem is, they are a massive board with thousands of writers.
- The chances of you getting the job are very low, and they are also “bid the lowest to get the job” mentality
- There are many small businesses that could use your help!
Usually two pay big money:
o Publications: Not your opinion, but real facts and journalism
o Businesses: Writing for small businesses
- Your first gig, try to get one piece under your belt. Even if you have to write it for free. Go to a business that you frequent and just ask if you can help!
How do you know if writing is for you?
- Try it!
- It is NOT for everyone!
- Try to think about the type of businesses that you find interesting and what you’d like to write about
Am I able to make this a lifestyle business?
- Absolutely! Carol has actually travelled to customers all around the world
- At the same time, she still has local clients, but makes it clear that she doesn’t live there 100% of the year, as she does not want to be location dependent.
Community Question: How do you hone in your niche and do you think someone needs a niche?
- The first minute you start you don’t need one and you couldn’t know what it would be anyways!
- If you did this, you are being an armchair philosopher
How do you come up with content ideas as a business owner? Is keyword research necessary?
- Absolutely! Keyword research is incredibly important. If you are writing something for the internet, you need to know what kind of phrase someone who search to get to that piece of content
- Understand that having ideas is a big part of the job. If you want to be a freelancer, know that a ton of the work is just brainstorming ideas.
Is there a formula to viral content?
- Carol has had several content pieces that have gone viral in the past
- Carol doesn’t believe there is an exact formula, but it all starts with the headline
Pro-Tip: Stock ticker trick!
Use the $ when searching on Twitter. All the day traders are looking on twitter like crazy throughout the day. If you are writing about a small business, write a comparison how they are similar to Starbucks, and then tweet it with $SBUX. Tons of day traders will read your article and share if necessary!
Community Question: Is there a way to write a specific way to connect with someone’s emotion?
- If you are writing to sell, aka a sales page, then yes there is a way
- Writing and Copy Writing ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS!
#1 Tip For Hobby Hustler:
- Just do it. Stop waiting for a better time and just start doing it.
Key Takeaways:
- Double down on your business during a recession
- Don’t play small, actively promote your business
- People come out of recessions stronger, make sure you come out!
- Don’t write for content mills!
- Segment your list like Carol… and that starts from your website!
- New writers should focus on getting their first gig, even if it is free! But making sure it is someone that could pay you if they like it.
- Freelancing is a global business and you don’t have to just stick to people in your town! Don’t let that fool you
- Build a LinkedIn profile! LinkedIn is a huge tool to get leads
- Think of your niche as a science experiment. Try a bunch and then do an analysis. What people did you like to work with? What paid the best? What was the easiest to get a job in? etc…
- Always be brainstorming and document your ideas. Without ideas you will not far!
- Use the Stock Ticker Hack!
- Don’t write to sell!
