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In my experience in Ireland, the vast majority of positions (contract or
fulltime) are filled through networking. My colleague got no less than
four different contracts through recommendations (that is, the fourth
client was three degrees separation from the first). I've had the same
experience to a lesser degree in North America.
I'd recommend this approach. First, identify one or more industries that
you want to work in. Ensure that you're relatively informed about these
industries. Then attend industry events--trade shows, user groups,
society meetings--and schmooze your butt off. In my experience, this
will get you more work than attending technical writing events because,
guess what, they're filled with technical writers who mostly want jobs
or have jobs.
Secondly, if you're particularly knowledgeable about an industry (that
is, you could convincingly "talk shop" with other industry people), I
would try to target a few companies in that industry. Then find the
people who are likely to be hiring you (in software, that's positions
like Director of Engineering, CTOs, etc) and call them. Be polite and
professional and prepare yourself for a lot of rejection. It helps if
you've already done some work in the industry, particularly for a
competitor. If that's the case, make sure you mention that early in your
conversation: "I recently completed a project for Bogger.com where I
built an integrated help system for their new PeatExtractor 3000."
And, of course, make yourself a professional Web site. Hope that helps.
DB.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bounce-techwr-l-118566 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
> [mailto:bounce-techwr-l-118566 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com] On Behalf
> Of Damien Braniff
> Sent: 29 January 2003 12:42
> To: TECHWR-L
> Subject: Freelancing - advice needed
>
> TW company so there could be a good market out there.
>
> My question is really on the marketing side. What have you
> found to be the best approach when going to companies cold:
> phone? Contact development manager etc, ask about their
> documentation etc
> flyer? The 'does your docs suck?' approach - they CAN
> be improved,,,
> letter? Similar to phone but by letter stating services
> provided etc
> other?
>
> While doing some research for a college project a survey I
> did had a question that asked could their documentation be
> improved by being professionally written/edited. Quite a few
> answered 'Yes' so I have a few possibly 'not so cold' leads
> that I'd like to get right.
>
> All advice/comments welcome.
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