How to Get Started as a Subcontract Resume Writer

 

Fifteen years. That’s how long ago I published the first edition of “Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor.” But that was probably five years after I actually started writing resumes for a contracting writer. I also wrote for CareerPerfect from to May 2004 to October 2008. But before that, I wrote for a solopreneur contracting writer. Along the way, I earned between $500 and $2500 a month from my subcontract writing.

Before, during, and after my subcontract writer phase, I also worked with my own clients. Many subcontract writers do the same. They write as a subcontractor to smooth out the peaks and valleys in their own client load and income as they build their business. Or they want to get exposure to writing for a variety of different types of clients while seeing how another writer or firm operates their business.

But with so many resume writers feeling burned out these days, there’s a third reason to subcontract: To focus on the writing instead of the marketing and business management. Sometimes, you just want to write resumes, not spend your time creating content to attract jobseekers and filling your days with talking with prospects. 

If you’re interested in learning about how to get started as a subcontract resume writer, I’ve got you covered. The 51-page “Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor” special report addresses it all.

Chapters in the special report include: 

• Who Are Subcontractors and What Draws Them In?
• Show Me The Money! (Compensation for Subcontractors)
• Client Interaction & The Information-Gathering Process
• Managing Your Business: Can You Market Yourself and Subcontract?
• Signing on to Subcontract
• Comparing Contractors: Big or Small?
• Once You’re In, How to Stay in the Contractor’s Good Graces
• Don’t Forget Legal Issues
• Other Subcontracting Opportunities
• Golden Nuggets: Benefits of Subcontracting
• Keys to Success as a Subcontractor: From a Contractor’s Perspective
• Words of Wisdom from Experienced Resume Writers
• Results of Survey of Subcontract Writers
• Red Flags When Selecting a Contracting Firm
• Making a Pitch to Subcontracting Firms (including a sample Resume/Cover Letter)
• Your Contract
• Seven Profiles of Subcontract Resume Writers

Even if you’ve never thought about subcontracting before, there might be a subcontracting opportunity that is the right fit for you right now. One way to know is to check out the 25+ listings in the Directory of Subcontract Opportunities.

Each listing includes the following information:

• Specialization (what kind of clients does the contracting writer/firm target, and what services are provided)
• Client fee (what the client pays, not what the subcontractor gets paid)
• Writer qualifications (desired/required)
• How to apply
• What spells rejection for a candidate
• Special requirements
• Turnaround time for projects
• Pay to subcontractor
• Demand weekly (# of projects)
• Client management (client contact vs. ghostwriting; also, if the contracting writer uses a CRM)
• Phone consultation? Paid extra?
• Do writers upsell?
• Revisions? (how are revisions handled; included in pay or compensated separately?)

The Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor Special Report — and the 25+ listings in the Directory of Subcontract Opportunities — are INCLUDED in Bronze membership on BeAResumeWriter.com. There are opportunities with no client contact — and some with. Some offering 1-2 projects a week … or 1-2 a month. Some that pay as little as $75 per project, but some that are $500+. Like I said, there’s something for everyone, even if you’ve never considered subcontracting before.

Join as a Bronze+ member for $27/month or as a Bronze Annual+ for $279 a year. 

You’ll get full access to the “Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor” resources, plus all the other benefits of Bronze membership:

• New done-for-you content each month (Pass-Along Materials)
• A Special Report to help you with some aspect of your bsiness or work with clients
• A Profession-Specific Career Worksheet (licensed from Evelyn Salvador), based on member votes
• Two new Content Checklists each month to help you create client-attracting content
• 30 Ready-to-Use Social Media Graphics (conversation starters, inspirational quotes, and month- and holiday-related themes)
• Discounts on Resume Writer’s University courses (including the signature “Pricing Right” course)

Learn more here.

Note: If you are a contracting writer looking to connect with subcontract writers, fill out this online form to be included in the Directory of Subcontract Opportunities.

Struggling With Marketing Content Creation for Your Career Services Business?

You know you need to create content to market your career services business.

Content is at the center of your email marketing, driving traffic to your website, marketing, branding, conversion, list-building, authority-building, relationship-building, credibility, social media presence, revenue generation, and everything else you do to generate benefits for your audience and profit for your business. 

But do you sit down at the keyboard and think, “What should I write about?"

If so, you’re not alone!

In December, I added a new Bronze member benefit for BeAResumeWriter.com members that is designed to help increase the productivity and profitability of the marketing content you create!

Content Checklists are a series of checklists — really, mini blueprints — that give you an overview of the steps you need to take, plus plenty of tips, ideas, insights, examples, templates, dos and don’ts, and more to make your marketing content creation faster, easier, and better.

I’ve already uploaded five of the checklists to the Paid Members Resources section … and I am adding a new one on the 7th and 21st of each month.

The ones already up there are:

• The Ultimate Checklist – gives you an overview of everything you need to do to create high quality, highly effective content to grow your career services business.
• The Goal-Setting Checklist – helps you decide how to use your content in the most profitable way.
• The Topic Generation Checklist – helps you quickly and easily generate dozens — if not hundreds — of topic ideas that your audience is sure to love.
• The Brainstorming Checklist – shows you how to expand your creativity to brainstorm topic ideas, content angles, and more
• (NEW! Added today!) The Idea Starters Checklist – helps you generate dozens or even hundreds of content angles and ideas for ANY topic and ANY niche.

Whether you have a blog or online newsletter you need to create content for — or you’re looking for ideas for LinkedIn Publishing posts — these checklists will give you a boost, giving you only the best and most important steps and strategies and ideas to help you with your content-creation needs.

You can download one of the Content Checklists for free here:
Download the Ultimate Checklist

It’s just one of the many benefits of Bronze membership in BeAResumeWriter.com – including Pass-Along Materials (done-for-you content you can use to educate, help, and inspire jobseekers), Special Reports to help you be more effective in managing your career services business, Career Worksheets to help you gather impactful information from clients to create interview-winning career documents, Ready-To-Use Social Media Graphics to increase engagement with prospects and clients on social media, and now the Content Checklists! (Plus, more great stuff is coming soon!)

Join now:
BeAResumeWriter.com/join

Membership is $13/month or $144/year currently. You get immediate access to content you can put to work in your business right away!

And if you’re facing writer’s block when creating your marketing content, be sure to check out the Content Checklists first!

Here are the ones scheduled through the end of 2022:

The Talking Points Checklist (Jan. 21, 2022) 
Shows you what to include in every piece of content you create so you always have something helpful to share. 

The Knowledge and Experience Checklist (Feb. 7, 2022) 
Shows you how to maximize your knowledge and experiences to create unique, highly effective content.

The Research Checklist (Feb. 21, 2022) 
Shows you how to do great research for any piece of content so your audience grows to trust what you say.

The “Know Your Audience” Checklist (March 7, 2022) 
Shows you how to get deep insights into your audience so you can create content they want that really resonates with them. 

The Surveying Your Audience Checklist (March 21, 2022) 
All about the RIGHT way to survey your audience while avoiding skewed and biased answers. 

The Titling Checklist (April 7, 2022) 
Delivers a surefire process to help you create attention-getting content titles that stand out and get clicks.

The Outlining Checklist (April 21, 2022) 
Helps you create a logical order for your content to make it more useful for your audience (which makes them happy).

The Organizing Checklist (May 9, 2022) 
Goes a step beyond outlining to help you organize your content in a way that makes it faster and easier to write.

The Writing Checklist (May 23, 2022) 
Provides tips and tricks for making the writing process itself faster, easier, and better. 

The Opening Checklist (June 7, 2022) 
Helps you get your readers’ attention immediately and builds anticipation so they keep reading. 

The Closing Checklist (June 21, 2022) 
Provides instruction for closing your content, including encouraging readers to click on your links or take your other desired action.

The Transitions Checklist (July 7, 2022) 
Helps you create content that flows smoothly from beginning to end so that your audience doesn’t get “stuck” anywhere.

The Revision Checklist (July 21, 2022) 
Shows you how to turn your first draft into a high-quality piece of content that makes you look and sound like a pro.

The Say More Checklist (August 8, 2022) 
Helps you decide when you need to expand on parts of your content to make it more useful to your audience.

The Say Less Checklist (August 22, 2022) 
Helps you determine when to cut portions of your content to make it more focused and fluff-free. 

The Simplify Complex Processes Checklist (Sept. 7, 2022) 
Shows you how to better help your audience with how-to processes (which, in turn, helps establish your expertise). 

The Readability Checklist (Sept. 21, 2022) 
Helps you create content that’s so easy to read that your users are more likely to stay glued to the page right until the very end. 

The Fine-Tuning Checklist (Oct. 7, 2022) 
Reveals how to do those final tweaks on your content draft to create something your audience truly will benefit from. 

The Graphical Enhancement Checklist (Oct. 21, 2022) 
Shows you how to provide extra value to your readers (and increase effectiveness) with a variety of graphics. 

The Formatting Checklist (Nov. 7, 2022) 
Shows you how to format your finished content so that it looks professional and easy to read. 

The Recycling/Repurposing Checklist (Nov. 21, 2022) 
Helps you speed up content creation by showing you how to repurpose your existing content. 

The Using Pass-Along Materials Checklist (Dec. 7, 2022) 
Provides another way to speed up content creation by licensing other people’s content. 

The Engagement Checklist (Dec. 21, 2022) 
Offers ideas and insights for creating content that engages your readers right in the beginning...and keeps them interested right until the end. 

What Does "EVERYTHING" Include?

As you may know, I run a membership site for professional resume writers that provides them with done-for-you content they can use with jobseekers. I offer an "EVERYTHING" membership for new members (or those who may not have been a member since the very beginning). It unlocks the Pass-Along Materials "vault" with more than 50 content packages -- everything your jobseeking clients need to know to help them in their job search. One amazing thing about the EVERYTHING access is that you also get the Pass-Along Materials that aren't available for sale. And, you get access to all the Special Reports too, dating back to 2012.

Here's the full line-up (as of October 2016):
Getting Started With LinkedIn In Your Job Search
Jobseeker's Guide to References
Jobseeker's Guide to Salary Negotiation
Jobseeker's Guide to Online Reputation Management
What To Do Next With Your Resume
LinkedIn Resources Bundle
Jobseeker's Guide to Leaving Your Job
How to Give and Get LinkedIn Recommendations
Position Yourself to Get the Job
Jobseeker's Guide to Applicant Tracking Systems
Brag About It
Jobseeker's Guide to Working With Recruiters
Jobseeker's Guide to Networking Your Way to Your Next Job
Jobseeker's Guide to Virtual Interviews
Jobseeker's Guide to Understanding Employment Law
So, You Got Fired (Or You Think You're About To Get Fired)
Jobseeker's Guide to Developing a Brag Book
LinkedIn Profile Update Delivery Document
Jobseeker's Guide to Getting the Job Offer
Frequently-Asked Questions About Job Offers
Your 2014 Career Roadmap
Jobseeker's Guide to Avoid Getting Ripped Off or Scammed In Your Job Search
How to Answer Six Common Questions Jobseekers Ask Resume Writers
Jobseeker's Guide to Informational Interviews
Jobseeker's Guide to Connecting With a Hiring Manager
Jobseeker's Guide to Creating a 30-60-90 Day Plan
Client Management Forms
Jobseeker's Guide to a Confidential Job Search
What To Do When Your Job Search Isn't Working
What Do Jobseekers Need?
When to Hire a Reference Checking Service
Tweetable Tips
Social Media Audit for Jobseekers
The Social Job Search: Jobseeker's Guide to Developing a Social Media Plan
The Jobseeker's Guide to What To Do After the Job Interview
Jobseeker's Guide to Applicant Tracking Systems
LinkedIn Client Resources Bundle
How to Know When It's Time to Make a Job or Career Change
Developing Your Personal/Professional Development Plan (PDP)
Jobseeker's Guide to a Modern Job Search
Job Search Letters (Letters of Acceptance, Refusal, and Resignation)
Jobseeker's Guide to Cover Letters
Jobseeker's Guide to Comparing Job Offers

PLUS, these Pass-Along Materials content packages that are not available for purchase:
• Job Search Advice: 365+ Ready-to-Go Tweets and Facebook Posts
• The Jobseeker's Guide to Preparing for the Job Interview
• Career Checklists: 100 Tips for Success In Your Job Search
• Resume Critique Form/LinkedIn Critique Form
• Jobseeker's Guide to Working With Your Resume Writer
• Job Search Jump-Start 30-Day Challenge
• Positive Encouragement for Jobseekers -- Tweetable Tips
• Finding a Job During the Holidays AND 7 Things To Get Ready For Your Job Search
• Client Management Forms -- Prospect and Client Communication
• Why You Need a Resume
• LinkedIn 30-Day Challenge
• Client Frequently-Asked Questions
• 2016 Career Planner
• Managing Your Career Brand Ready-To-Go Workshop
• Career Checklists 2: 100 More Tips for Success In Your Job Search

Special Reports:
Resume Writer's Online Marketing Guidebook
Making Money Writing Ebooks
Introduction to Social Media in Your Resume Writing Business
Resume Writer's Guide to Article Marketing
Resume Writer's Guide to Profiting From Speaking: How to Use Teleseminars, Webinars, Workshops, and Seminars to Attract New Clients and Generate Revenue
Feed the Media: How to Get Free Publicity For Your Resume Writing Business
Capture Clients with Content: Use Information to Attract Resume Clients
Ready, Set, Goal: Business Planning and Goal Setting for Resume Writers
Securing Referrals: How to Get Other Resume Writers to Refer to You
Sell Your First Information Product in 72 Hours
Getting LinkedIn With New Resume Clients
There Is Only One of Me
Earning Six Figures as a Resume Writer

The Passive Income Project
Your Mindset Affects Your Money: How Attitude Can Amplify Your Income
Push Past Procrastination
15 Quick and Easy Ways to Get Resume Clients From Facebook
Do You Have a Book In You?
Brand Your Resume Business
Make Your Resume Business Better
Stand Out From The Crowd
Evernote for Everything: How Evernote Can Help You Manage Resume Client Projects, Remember Stuff, and Just Be More Efficient
Power Through Your Projects: Practical Strategies To Get Things Done
Attract Your Ideal Resume Client
Marketing Your Resume Clients With Stories
Writing Better Headlines for LinkedIn and Client Resumes
Membership Site Ideas for Resume Writers
Pricing Your Resume Services for Maximum Profit
Google Hangouts: Create Relationships, Cultivate Revenue, and Collect Referrals
Stepping Stones to Success: Taking Stock, Finding Your Focus, and Creating Your Action Plan
First Call Questions: Questions for Resume Writers to Ask Prospective Clients
What Should I Write About? Tips for Topics for Blog Posts, Articles, and Social Media Content for Resume Writers
Spring Clean Your Resume Business
Easy Ways to Boost Your Credibility As a Resume Writer
Three Systems for Six-Figure Success in Your Resume Writing Business
Follow Your Passion: Discover Your Purpose
Resume Writer's Guide to Selling Premium Packages
Best Year Ever
Telling The Story Of You
Connect With Clients Through Content
What To Write About On Your Website
So, You Want to Write a Book
Resume Writer's Guide to Getting Unstuck
Productivity Hacks for Resume Writers
Newsjack Your Way to New Clients

It's more than $1,000 in content that will help YOU and YOUR CLIENTS.

If you're interested in getting EVERYTHING, or have questions, email me!

8 Mistakes To Avoid on Facebook Live

Today, I used Facebook Live to teach a training on how to use Facebook Live streaming in your career services business.

In the broadcast, I shared eight mistakes that resume writers and career coaches should avoid when using Facebook Live. I wanted to share them with you here. You can also watch the Facebook Live video replay here:

Eight Mistakes to Avoid on Facebook Live:

Mistake #8: Not giving a descriptive name to your broadcast
Your broadcast name serves as a "headline" for your content, giving prospective attendees an idea of what you're talking about. The right headline can attract viewers! The best headlines are seven words or less. After the broadcast, you can add a longer description to your video. But for the name of the video, keep it short but descriptive!

Mistake #7: Not broadcasting long enough
Sometimes you'll decide to do a Facebook Live broadcast on the spur of the moment. If that's the case, your broadcast should be at least five minutes (the typical impromptu Facebook Live broadcast is 5-10 minutes). That gives people time to join your broadcast if Facebook has notified them that you're live.

If you're promoting your broadcast in advance, make your broadcast a minimum of 10 minutes -- probably in the 10-20 minute range. Speaking of that …

Mistake #6: Not giving advance notice of your Facebook Live broadcast
As I mentioned, Facebook is doing a lot to help you promote your Facebook Live broadcast, but you'll still get the most traction (and traffic) from the people you already know -- your fans and followers of your Facebook Business Page, and your friends if you're broadcasting from your personal page. Use non-Facebook channels to promote your Facebook Live broadcast -- Twitter, Snapchat, Google+, email, etc. The more people you can let know about your broadcast, the more likely you are to get viewers of your live broadcast.

Mistake #5: Thinking of Facebook Live like a video
Facebook Live is LIVE television, so there are different things to consider than if you're publishing a video on your Facebook Business Page. Think of it as the difference between a TV news broadcast and a movie. Most people sit down to watch a movie from start to finish. But people "snack" on news -- tuning in at different parts of the broadcast (although some will watch the entire newscast). But in planning your Facebook Live video, you need to make sure that you're delivering your content to people who join you from the beginning as well as those who hop onto the broadcast midway through.

Mistake #4: Not being mindful of visuals
When choosing where to broadcast from, keep the visuals in mind. Watch out for weird protusions, dim lighting, and what appears in the background. Think about where to broadcast from that will best represent you -- that might be from your home office (or, if your office looks like mine!, somewhere else in the house). I did my broadcast from my living room because it has good lighting and Jon's artwork makes a nice backdrop!

Mistake #3: Talking to, but not acknowledging, the audience
One of the best things about using Facebook Live -- versus a video -- is the audience interaction component. If you simply talk at your audience without acknowledging them, you're missing out on the fun! Say "Hi" to viewers as they join. Read -- and respond to -- comments you receive while you're broadcasting. And ask for viewer feedback -- ask them to send you emojis so you can gauge their reaction to the content!

Mistake #2: Not recapping as you go along
As I mentioned earlier, people "snack" on Facebook Live videos, so they're constantly jumping in and out of your broadcast. Make sure that you recap as you go along, using phrases like, "If you're just joining me," or "To recap," and then summarizing the content.

Mistake #1: Not broadcasting often enough
One of the ways to get more clients is to position yourself as an expert resources -- especially through sharing content. Video is one of the best ways to do this, because they can see and hear you. If you're a resume writer who works with clients virtually, this is a great way to build that know/like/trust factor. You don't have to set up a regular Facebook Live broadcasting schedule (although I do give you an idea for how to do that in the training), but don't just go live once … the more you do it, the better you will get!

If you want to learn more about Facebook Live (including step-by-step setup instructions, equipment recommendations, what to broadcast about -- 12 types of content, best practices and more), become a Bronze member of BeAResumeWriter.com and get the 28-page special report on "Facebook Live Streaming for Resume Writers" as part of your Bronze member benefits. Join or upgrade here.

Facebook is just one tool you can use to attract prospective clients to your resume writing business. Getting publicity is another way. Check out my upcoming training next month: Feed the Media Webinar Series for Resume Writers and Career Coaches.

Q&A: "I'm Overwhelmed With All The Resources I Got From BeAResumeWriter.com"

Today's blog post answers a reader question!

Q. I do appreciate all the work you do and the information is awesome, just overwhelming getting so many emails from one membership (BeAResumeWriter.com). Can you give me some thoughts on how I can manage this? Are all the information you send domiciled on the website?

A. First thing: Don't be overwhelmed! :-)

You don't have to take advantage of all the information! But I can help with the "remembering that it is there when I need it" part of things! I recommend that you create three folders on your hard drive: BARW Special Reports, BARW PAMs, BARW Learning.

Each month, when you get the notification of your special report, save it to the BARW Special Reports folder. If you have time, read the report when you get it (assuming it's a topic you're interested in at the time). Most of the special reports will take you 10-15 minutes to read.  I find that some of my reports are ones that resume writers like to "come back to" when they have a need. For example, if you're not ready to incorporate passive income into your resume writing business (selling information products, affiliate marketing, etc.), just save them to your computer and then when you are ready, you'll have them there. 

When you get each month's Pass-Along Materials content, save it to the BARW PAMs folder. But these are more "actionable" items. These are designed to be something you can put to work for you to help your clients, so I recommend doing something with them right away. Yes, this is done-for-you content that you can put your name on and either give away to clients/prospects/the public or sell!

http://www.bearesumewriter.com/WhatarePAMs

It can be as simple as writing a blog post using the content, or pulling out 3-7 tips and scheduling them as social media content (I use Hootsuite to do this -- the free level account allows you to connect up to 5 social media profiles and schedule content in advance). OR, if it's a topic guide (like September's PAM on conducting a confidential job search), you can take 10 minutes and turn in into a short report to help your clients, or customize it more and turn it into something you sell (creative passive income for your business!).

Here's a video I made that will show you how:

http://youtu.be/pgniLgIH8SE 

The PAMs are literally things that I use every day with my clients. They're great for giving stuck/lost/confused clients a little extra boost in an area where they might need help. So if you take 15 minutes to personalize them and get them ready to use when you first get them, they'll be a resource you can use over and over again.

As for the BARW Learning folder, that's where you can download the teleseminar recordings and transcripts, and back issues of the Resume Writers' Digest newsletter to listen to and/or read whenever you have extra time. Some resume writers put the MP3s on their iPods and listen to them when they're in the car, or exercising. Or print out the transcripts or back issues and put them in the bathroom or on your bedside table. Or keep a couple in the car for when you're waiting for someone, or going to an appointment where you'll have to wait.

Like I said, though, don't be overwhelmed! Each month, there are only 2 things you need to do something with -- the Special Report and Pass-Along Materials -- the rest of the stuff will stay in the Bronze membership section for you to access at any time (as long as your Bronze membership is active). And you don't actually have to DO anything with them ... just download them to your computer for later, if that's all you have time for!

Resume Writers: Want More Clients From LinkedIn?

You know that LinkedIn is an important website for your jobseeking clients … but are you taking full advantage of LinkedIn's power to connect you to prospective clients for your resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profile development services, and job search support offerings?

Check out this special report from BeAResumeWriter.com:
"14 Ways to Get More Clients From LinkedIn"

Tips include:

1. Take full advantage of your public profile.
2. Create a unique public profile vanity URL.
3. Create a profile badge.
4. Thank people for Recommendations.
5. Create a Company Page.
6. Maintain your LinkedIn account via mobile.
7. Set up a Google Alert for yourself to monitor LinkedIn.
8. Be choosy.
9. Import all your offline and online business contacts into LinkedIn to create your social graph.
10. Share your social graph with other social networks.
11. Share your LinkedIn posts with Twitter.
12. Whitelist LinkedIn in your email filters.
13. Rearrange your Profile sections.
14. Use LinkedIn – don't just be on it!

The guide includes step-by-step instructions for implementing many of the tips too. And it's free.

Colleagues: Like this post? Please share it!

Q&A: Will Jobseekers Be Thrown Off If They See This?

I occasionally share the answers to questions I'm asked. Today's is about BeAResumeWriter Pass-Along Materials.

QUESTION: 

I do have one minor concern -- I'm not sure if this is something you address in the (Turn Your Content Into Cash) training, but since your (Pass-Along Materials) are used by other resume writers, what if a client finds the same content from two different career websites? I'm just afraid of losing any kind of credibility if a client happens to find my materials that are the same from another resume writers' website or product...

My response:

With millions of jobseekers out there, the chances that they will see the same content on more than one site is low ... HOWEVER, you have control over what you do with the Pass-Along Materials to differentiate them.

At a minimum, I always recommend coming up with a different title for the content. (That's why I purposely name them boring names.)

Second, rewrite the content as much as you feel comfortable -- certainly the first two paragraphs.

Third, change the format! You can break up the PAMs into different formats -- excerpt into a short article or blog post, record as audio or video, make into a checklist/tip guide, or use as social media content.

You'd be amazed -- do ANY ONE of those things and it will become almost unrecognizable. (I'll be reading along a colleague's blog post and think "hmm, that sounds familiar," but it isn't unless I do a search of the PAM that I realize it was actually content I wrote!

There are more than 4,000 resume writers worldwide, and most of the PAM packages have been purchased by fewer than 250 resume writers, so the chances of the same content being seen by the same jobseeker is very low. And I would hate for you to keep from sharing information with jobseekers because you're afraid that they will see the same information somewhere else. The better chance is that they need the information but aren't getting it from anywhere.

If you're still concerned about it, rather than NOT doing something with it, you can feel free to put *my* name on it and a statement that the information is provided by "Resume Writers' Digest, a trade newsletter for professional resume writers" and then put "edited by (Your Name).

But you can really put your own name on it, especially if you use one of the three "transformation" strategies listed above.

Eight Ways to Personalize Pass-Along Materials

One of the benefits of a Bronze membership in BeAResumeWriter.com is that each month, you get new, brandable careers content that you can use with your clients. But since each member gets the same content to start with, one of the biggest questions I get about Pass-Along Materials is how to make them unique.

A couple of resume writers have expressed concern about if a prospective client is looking for information to help them with their career, and they come across the same report on multiple resume writer websites. You can't control what anyone ELSE does with their content, but the easiest way to solve this for YOUR resume writing business is personalization.

Here are eight ways to personalize your Pass-Along Materials in just a few minutes.

1. Niche It!
The first way to personalize your content is to focus your content — if you can — on the specific audience you serve (or that you want to target with the guide). For example, "Jobseeker's Guide to Salary Negotiation" can become "The Graduate's Guide to Making The Most At Your First Job."

Identify the ideal client to read the content, and then target the content to that reader.

2. Name It!
The easiest way way to personalize your Pass-Along Materials is to come up with a unique name. I intentionally name the Pass-Along Content with very boring, pedestrian names, in hopes of forcing you to come up with something more exciting.

To come up with a unique, attention-getting title, use Jim Edwards' FREE "Profitable Title & Smokin' Hot Domain Name Wizard V2.1" Input four key items: topic, keyword phrase, main result/benefit, and target audience and it will generate dozens of ideas for you.

3. "Newspaper" It
Newspapers are written by different people but edited to sound like one "voice." Your Pass-Along Materials need to sound like they are written by you and are consistent with the other materials you share with clients. Read through the content and make sure it matches your voice and style (and that it agrees with advice you give your clients). Although I focus on "generally accepted" principles with the content, you may occasionally find something you don't necessarily agree with. Feel free to edit or remove that content, and add in your own advice! (And it's still easier than starting completely from scratch!)

And feel free to change the subheadings too. For example, something like "Conducting a Job Search While You're Still Employed" can be changed to "Four Tips for Looking For a Job When You've Already Got One."

You can often take the first sentence of the first paragraph of a section and make a subheading right from that by asking a question.

4. "Novel" It
One way to personalize the content to YOU specifically is to share a client story. You can also create a fictional story to lead into the purpose of the article. Sharing a personal example can also be a way to personalize the material. Stories help the reader relate to your content.

5. Give Readers "Navigation"
Consider adding a photo, graph, or chart to the Pass-Along Materials content to add visual interest,  personalize it, and make it easier to navigate the materials. You can find inexpensive photos on a site like Fotolia. (Make sure you purchase the correct rights for what you want to use your guide for. If you want to sell your content, choose a "Medium" size graphic or larger and that will give you the rights to use the graphic in a product you sell.)

6. Nationalize It.
If you're not in the U.S., adapt the advice to your country. Some resume advice is nation-specific, so make sure you've checked the content to make sure it applies to your readers.

7. Narrate it!
One of the most unique ways to change the Pass-Along Materials is to change the format to audio or video. Use the content as a script for a teleseminar or webinar, as the format for a live program, or an outline for a video or podcast.

8. Don't Neglect It!

The most important thing is to USE your Pass-Along Materials! They're not doing you any good on your computer hard drive — and, as you've seen in this article, it's so easy to personalize them!

Personalizing Pass-Along Materials takes only a couple minutes of your time — and it's also something a virtual assistant can do. It's a great way to receive maximum benefit from your Pass-Along Materials while also providing your readers with unique and valuable content.