You're Good...But Are You Strategic? 10 Tips for Today's Savvy Writer

---“If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.”

Some time ago, while watching post election coverage, I discovered that political candidates actually hire “strategists” to help navigate their careers and increase their odds of overall success. Imagine that.

When I thought about it, I recognized that many of us writers would also benefit from becoming “strategists” when it comes to elevating our careers, and making the most of our time, talent, and resources.
The savvy scribe realizes that to remain competitive in today’s market, and to be profitable, necessitates much more than a gift for words and a few creative ideas. To go the distance requires ingenuity, insight, and intellect.
“Go big, or go home!” :-)

With this in mind, here are ten ways you can become more strategic and achieve greater writing success to meet your goals in 2013!

1. LOOK BACK
Take inventory. What lessons did you learn from pursuits of the past? Were some editors more problematic than others? Did you spend too much time doing research and not enough writing? Did editing projects prove more profitable than writing creative copy? Examine what worked vs. what didn’t and act accordingly.

2. PLAN AHEAD
Explore Editorial Calendars online, and plan for national observance days in advance. This will enable you to devote quality time to producing quality work, and insure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.

3. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
What is your niche? What do you do better than the “average Joe”? Identify it and hone it!

4. ASSESS THE COMPETITION
With the many perks afforded to today’s creative writer, the field is becoming as fierce as competitive sports. Consider--- who’s at the top of the game in your particular genre of writing? What local businesses or freelance writer offers the same services or has a similar focus or style? How can you become more individualistic? Better? Quicker? Decide then deliver.

5. DIVERSIFY
Dabble in different creative pursuits and genres. The more you do, the greater your perceived value to clients and editors. For instance, if you’re a poet, consider writing greeting card verse. If you write non-fiction, try your hand at professional blogging. And if you are an avid reader, writing reviews can be profitable. Get the idea?

6. JOIN A WRITERS’ GROUP
The support and feedback will propel you to new heights! My participation in C.W.A. exposes me to like-minded individuals with similar goals and lifestyles. We serve as both a cheering squad and sounding board for ideas and projects, and help keep each other motivated and on track. Why not join a group in your local area, or sign up for many of the online groups for writers across the country? Ask other writer friends for recommendations.

7. GET ORGANIZED
The ability to successfully juggle multiple writing projects and thereby create multiple streams of income is best achieved by being organized in terms of your time and resources. Purge outdated files. Clean clutter from your workspace. Start today. Remember that time is money.

8. BUST A MOVE!
When opportunity doesn’t knock, learn to create your own good fortune. For example, if you think that you can fill a void at a particular publication or Website, don’t wait for a position to open. Pitch your ideas to the editor, and explain why you’re uniquely qualified to write that column or cover story. It’s how I got my first paid column writing position.

9. CAST A WIDE NET
Seek guest blogging opportunities, or submit a few pieces to article directories, along with a well-crafted Bio and a link to your site. More exposure for you and your work could bring in potential clients and future fans.

10. WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Use your email signature line like an electronic business card. Set it up so that it is attached to each outgoing email message. Make sure that it includes your web address, along with the business services you provide and/or your title.

By following these ten tips you’ll have a New Year of new projects, new adventures, and new money!

Your turn.
Any of these tips resonate with you? Agree or disagree?


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