Earlier this year, I celebrated my 10 year anniversary of being a self-employed writer-artist-entrepreneur.

 

I’m proud (and extremely grateful) to earn a great living doing work that I love. 

 

In a typical month, my work includes:

 

- Getting hired by interesting companies to do writing projects: writing website language, newsletters, emails, articles, podcast and video scripts, mission statements, pitches, educational materials, quizzes, speeches, and more. (I typically charge $3K - $10K for writing projects, depending on scope.)

 

- Running writing retreats in Hawaii and other locations (8-12 people per group) and running online programs on writing, communication skills, marketing, unplugging from tech, and other topics (typically 40-60 students per course). 

 

- Running the Tiny Press, my new book publishing imprint. We have released 5 books, to date.

 

- Plus writing my own books (fiction and nonfiction), and a smattering of other fun projects like creating this card deck or getting hired for the occasional speaking gig.

 

2020 is shaping up to be my highest-earning year, ever. 

 

I consistently have a fully booked client docket—often, with a wait-list. 

 

And, I have no social media presence. Zero accounts. No Facebook. No Instagram. No Twitter. No nuthin’.

 

Many people ask, “So then, how do people find you? How do you get clients? Where do they come from?!” 

 

I know that finding clients can sometimes feel like a bewildering mystery. 

 

So, today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes tour and breaking it down…and explaining exactly where my clients come from.

 

This is how I get clients:

 

- I get word of mouth referrals. 

 

“Word of mouth” means: a happy client tells their colleague about me: “You should hire Alex!” Then the colleague hires me. This is one of the main ways I get new clients.

 

- I get repeat clients. 

 

Many clients end up hiring me again…and again. For instance, first they hire me to write website copy. A few months later, they hire me to write newsletters or a book proposal. And so on.

 

- I write a newsletter—the one you’re reading right now.

 

I send a fresh newsletter 2-4 times a month (sometimes less, sometimes more) and I try to share inspiring, interesting, uplifting info and stories. I have done this for 10 years, consistently. Many times, newsletter subscribers (like you!) end up becoming clients and customers.

 

- I teach mini / free classes.

 

Several times a year, I teach mini / free classes to give people a small taste of what it’s like to work with me. People attend. Afterwards, often, people hire me.

 

- I pitch myself to the media. 

 

I reach out to journalists, editors, and hosts to introduce myself. Even when it feels scary. It pays off. I regularly appear on podcasts and other media platforms (sometimes TV shows) to share stories, ideas, do interviews, etc. Sometimes new clients discover me this way.

 

- I do small things, daily, to keep relationships strong.

 

I send snail mail. I send gifts. I do my best to remember important dates—birthdays, anniversaries, big media appearances. I put notes onto my daily checklist (like, “Remember to congratulate Theresa on her book release!”) so that I actually remember to do this stuff. 

 

- I go above and beyond.

 

When a client directed a musical in NYC, I made sure that flowers and brownies were waiting for him at the theatre on opening night. 

 

When a guest suffering from hot flashes was flying to a Hawaii retreat, I made sure an extra fan was in her bedroom to cool her down.

 

When another client felt frustrated about a tricky business dilemma, I recorded an audio pep talk and texted it to her, to remind her, "You're strong. Keep fighting. You will get through this."

 

I try to find special ways to show my clients and friends, “I see you. I love you. I care about you.”

 

Going above and beyond = joyful clients, repeat clients, and steady referrals. 

 

- I do unexpected acts of generosity. 

 

I nominate colleagues for awards. I send media opportunities to friends to give them a heads up. I offer scholarships whenever I’m able to do so. 

 

It feels good to be generous, and often there’s a serendipitous payback. Generosity returns tenfold.

 

- I just ask.

 

This is the biggest one. I just ask people to hire me. Politely, calmly, and directly. 

 

“Are you looking to hire a writer right now? I’d love to work together.” “Would you like to purchase another package from me?” “Here’s what I’m offering. Are you interested?” “I have one spot left at my retreat. Do you want it?”

 

It’s amazing what happens when you just…ask.

 

Sometimes it feels scary to ask. Sometimes your hands are sweating. Sometimes you feel insecure or intimidated. You just gotta do it anyway. The rewards are huge. 

 

That’s how I get clients.

 

I hope this information is helpful, and sparks some ideas for you.

 

Getting clients and earning money doesn’t have to be complicated and stressful. You don’t have to be on social media 24/7. You don’t have to do 1,000 hours of busywork. 

 

For me, success comes from doing small things—consistently—to build relationships and keep them strong. 

 

Most of all, you have to be brave enough to ask. 

 

“Would you like to hire me?” = six tiny words that can forever change your income and your life. 

 

-Alex

 

PS. If you love my approach to marketing, and you would love to get more clients and make more money but without using social media, this is for you. July 5 is the very last day to register. Last call. We’re kicking off soon. :)

 

PPS. This email might contain 1 or 2 typos because my proofreader is on vacation, and because "done" is better than "perfect." 

 

PPPS. I love music by Twin Shadow. So gooooood.