Make Lemonade Out Of Occupational Lemons
May 21, 2009
By Guest Blogger Wendy Coakley-Thompson
Some time ago, I wrote Five Alphanista Things to Do When You Get Laid Off.
The first comment I received on the piece came from The Hooker Chronicles, who said she tells people sensing a layoff to start their own businesses. According to Chronicles, “In the age of the Internet and social networking sites, this is the perfect opportunity to start networking with people.”
Apparently, The Hooker Chronicles is on to something. More and more of my friends who’ve been told not to let the doorknob hit them where the good Lord split them on the way out have decided to freelance instead of taking yet another thankless corporate gig. Donald O. Graul Jr., Executive Director of American Independent Writers (AIW) here in DC, says that freelancing is a popular career move in this recession.
Why? Because both employers and freelancers get over like a fat rat. Employers can hire a freelancer without having to pay for pesky things like benefits and a workspace. On the flip side, freelancers can sign on only for work they want to do. It’s a win-win for everyone.
One person making lemonade out of occupational lemons is Rakia Clark. In January of this year, Kensington Books laid her off from her position as Editor. Rather than cry in her Cosmopolitan, Clark launched her own web site and blog, got her business affairs in order, and hung out her proverbial shingle as a freelance editor and proposal writer. USA Today even documented Clark’s career change in its March 13 Money section.
Clark is so successful that her biggest challenge is finding the time to do all of the work that constantly falls into her lap. Also, rather than feel the isolation that some people who freelance experience, Clark says that her fellow freelancers have not only welcomed her, they pass work her way from time to time.
Clark and others like her show that it’s what you make of adversity that determines your level of success. As the old slogan goes – lemonade, that cool, refreshing drink!
Author Wendy Coakley-Thompson is the DC Publishing Industry Examiner at Examiner.com. Check her out at http://www.examiner.com/x-6658-DC-Publishing-Industry-Examiner.
12 days to the “Alphanista Inner Circle”–a 6 month members only site!
To find out more and for FREE tips via email fill out below!
Email This Post
Loading ...
First let me just say that I’m freaking honored to be mentioned in your blog Wendy, THANK YOU!
Secondly, let me give an example of how blogging has opened up a completely different business portal for me. One of my female blog readers contacted me to host a “sex toy” demonstration class for her bachelorette party. I mentioned in a blog post a year ago that I was a distributor for Pure Romance adult parties, and the reader remembered that and contacted me to host a party for her. The party is next month, but I’m excited because this is actually the first Pure Romance party that I’m hosting. If all goes well, I’m going to host one every Saturday with live entertainment (strippers), food and beverages.
@THC Congrats! That is big business that industry, blogging def has taken me in new directions, too, still learning everyday tho. It’s really something anyone can do starting TONIGHT, then step by step.
@Maryann
I forgot that I was even a distributor with Pure Romance because I purchased the starter kit in 2007 and stuffed it away in my closet. I had blogged in 2008 about buying the kit just to get the products, but never really had any intention on selling anything.
I’m telling you… The Gods and Goddesses work in mysterious ways!
@The Hooker Chronicles, the honor is all mine. Your quote was the inspiration I needed to fire this piece up. Wow! Sex toys, huh? And I thought cosmetics was recession-proof, as my friend the Mary Kay salesbabe constantly tells me. I might holla at ya offline. LOL!
About blogging, Rakia Clark says that authors today seeking a book deal need to have a substantial online presence (not just the perfunctory web site). This online presence includes both having one’s own blog, linking other’s blogs with that blog, and guest blogging. Someone has caught on to the power of the blog, ladies. Finally…
@The Hooker Chronicles, the honor is all mine. Your quote was the inspiration fo the piece. It just so happened that I had some great information from Rakia Clark, so it all came together just right.
Wow, sex toys, eh? And I thought cosmetics were recession-proof. At least that’s what my friend, the Mary Kay salesbabe keeps telling me.
In addition to good freelancing advice, Rakia Clark also told me that authors today need to show that they have a substantial online presence (not just the perfunctory web site). This presence includes blogging, linking your blog to others and having their owners do the same, and guest blogging. Someone in publishing has finally discovered what we all knew already about the power of the blog.
@Wendy
Honey the sky is the limit!
And no matter what business venture you invest in, make sure to ALWAYS think of your customers needs first. Find a niche market and milk it like a cow!
I find that success lies within filling a void or offering a service that improves the life of others. When you do this, you can make a residual income based on the fact that people will continuously need your service or product.
Build good connections…
I haven’t paid for an oil change, concert tickets, eye exams, and a host of other things for YEARS based on the connections that I have with certain clients.
It’s good to have shit done for you just because they like you!
@THC I am totally with that, that’s how rich people get things done, no wonder why they hardly ever carry cash, they have folks who do favors, and have a person they know in this place or that place, and they dug their ditches.
You guys are so impressive & inspirational… I’m in.
Ladies, you’re all so right. I’ve discovered the wonders of bartering and building conections. Especially in this effed up economy.
@Josie. Come on in. The water’s surprisingly warm…