One way to get better gigs: helping others to write stuff

Helping others to write letters and resumes is a good way to help you begin, get some experience and a little money as well. If you're still attending college, for example, consider posting a sign advertising your writing services with little tabs for potential clients to take. Each tab should include the name of your service and phone number. Consider telling friends about your writing service and asking them to share that information with people they know. As you wait for clients, invest some time reading books on resume and business writing at the library and consider investing some money to buy one or more books that you can use for reference. (Buying books related to your business is a business expense that you may be able to deduct on Schedule C later on. Other examples of business expenses include office supplies, phone, and postage.)

Also contact local printers, especially any that you've already patronized, and ask them if they need help in proofreading and editing. To be sure, you'll likely get a few "no's" but that's okay. Check the Yellow Pages for other business that could use help, such as local publishers, restaurants, landscaping services, utilities, and organizations. Again, you will likely get a few "no's," but don't let them discourage you. Consider getting business cards to distribute to others as reminders of your writing services.

Remember to spread the word about your writing service to family members and encourage them to share that information with their friends and coworkers. If you persist and refuse to be discouraged, you will most definitely gain clients and grow your business! And if you have questions to ask or experiences to share, please post them here and gain another advantage: free publicity for your business!