In the professional world, competition is something that we all have to contend with very often; which is why a strategy to combat competition is not stuff meant for corporate boardrooms alone. We writers could do well to have our own strategies to get ahead and stay ahead in the business of writing.
The economic slowdown means fewer opportunities for all of us and here’s a take on some bidding strategies to help you land that plum project that lots of others are bidding for ………….
- Bid first, bid smart: To begin with log on to websites which advertise freelance writing opportunities regularly and remember to check for today’s listings before you browse through the entire job list. That way you’ll get a wind of the latest projects on offer before everybody else does. Though old posts remain open for a while chances are there will be at least fifty people who have already bid on the project. Hence, applying for the newest jobs “first” makes more sense than being the fortieth one to apply for a job that was posted a week ago.
- Playing specialist or generalist is your call: Each writer has his/her forte; for some it could be fiction for others it could be copywriting and then there are those of us who do a little bit of all genres of writing. So what is better playing specialist and bidding for certain jobs only or opting for the generalist approach and seeking multifarious writing jobs for your kitty? In my opinion you can “afford” to be a specialist only if you have a number of jobs in your niche area. If you don’t then you should bid for all types of jobs. Besides dabbling in different genres of writing only adds to your competencies and that is a quality that most employers look for…….versatility.
- The “right” price factor: Most jobs that invite bids have a specific amount that they offer for instance 50 articles of 300 words each at 3 USD or 50 articles of 500 words each 30 USD-250 USD. Ideally keep your bid around the average bid price. While under pricing may look like a clever move, it is best not to do that as it could indicate poor quality work at a cheap price which believe me will not get you very far. Instead stick to the lower end of the payment range on offer and remain in the fray. While you may want to get your price and quote a higher price which is within the bid price, it may not get you the job if there are too many applicants who are equally competent and willing to work for less. When bidding for project look for its time span, long term jobs at lower prices will ensure that cash flows in. For short term projects like those where you have to do only 3-4 articles stick to the price on offer.
- Samples: Advertisers will know you and your abilities as a writer through your samples which is why you should send in samples that are relevant to the project that you apply for. For instance a travel writing project demands a well written piece on a weekend getaway rather than that brilliant piece of fiction that you scripted for a screenplay writing job. Sending appropriate samples will put you miles ahead of other bidders who do not realize the importance of this fact. Besides this sending links to your blog or articles will put you across as a tech savvy writer which is s huge plus these days.
- Resumes: Your application should be accompanied by a “writer’s resume” which highlights the battery of work that you have completed, not so much on your academic qualifications.
- Time is money: When you bid for a project focus on turnaround time. Stating that you can deliver 3000 words per day or 3 articles of 500 words each, researched and written in 3 days or less is a great way of describing your level of efficiency. Few of us attach importance to “time” which could be “the” factor that will help you clinch a deal.
All in all bidding for projects is an art and in an era of economic slowdown this is an artistic talent that could help you land many projects in your kitty.
That is why bidding “smart” is a strategy that will keep the coffers full even through tough times.
- Mariam Noronha
Please Note: Chillibreeze does not endorse techniques or views mentioned in the articles here. The articles listed here are provided as reference material for writers as a support service.
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