New Issue of Resume Writers' Digest Available (Fall 2008)

The new issue of Resume Writers' Digest is now available. The cover story, by Wendy Terwelp, is about how to use social networking websites to grow your business -- and help your clients.

Wendy is also offering a special offer to readers if they purchase her "Rock Your Network® Online" social networking course. If you are one of the first 10 people who respond by Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, you will receive a free 15-minute laser coaching session with Wendy to crank up your online network.

The issue also features an article on how to "Turn a Good Customer Into a Loyal Customer in Just Six Steps," Robert Middleton's Action Plan Marketing article on "Nine Key Marketing Lessons," a Resume Writer's University article on using DISC profiles ("Resume Writing is DISC Easy," and an article on how to get publicity using New Year's Resolutions as a hook in your news release.

You can receive the newsletter for free if you are a subscriber (use the form at the top right-hand column of this blog). Or you can purchase this issue for just $3.

The Value of a Newsletter

My husband, Jon, was cleaning out a desk drawer earlier this week, and came across an old issue of the "image building newsletter." Although it wasn't dated, the return address on it was from our very first issue, which means it was produced sometime between 1996 and 1999.

Ahhh.. some things never change. In an article about business promotions, I wrote:

Ever wonder how you can get more clients? Sometimes it seems new clients are dropping out of the woodwork ... while other times you wonder where they all went! There are ways you can help increase the likelihood that prospects will choose you ... and you can increase sales from your repeat customers when business slows down.

Most service business owners don't have the time it takes to devote to marketing their services -- they are too busy providing services to existing customers. But you need to continue marketing even when you're busy, because business can slow down at any time.

Marketing your services requires a commitment to ongoing promotions, advertising, and marketing.

Funny, I'd write the same thing today.

Resume Writer's Action Plan - Part 1

Attracting resume clients to your business requires action on your part. This series of blog posts will provide a mixture of tips -- some that are meant to be implemented in the short-term and some that can be developed over time. A few are designed to produce a one-time boost, while others are geared towards multiple exposures to targeted audiences.

Any one tip, if implemented, can mean an extra $1,000 a month.

1. Write a news release for your local newspaper. As a resume writer, you are often in the position to spot emerging trends. News releases don't have to be long or flashy to be effective. But they do have to be newsworthy.

For example:
With the unemployment rate at a 10-year low in Iowa, job searchers in the Des Moines area are "trading up" to better jobs, according to a local resume writer.

"We are seeing many of our clients taking advantage of a competitive hiring environment by updating their resumes and sending them out to be considered for higher-paying jobs," says Donna Rose, a Certified Professional Resume Writer and owner of Rose's Resumes. "In many cases, they are increasing their take-home pay an average of 15 to 20 percent."

For more information on this trend, contact Donna Rose at 555-4224.

2. Send thank you notes after your client receives their final materials. You can use generic thank you notes or create customized thank you cards featuring your business logo. Tuck two or three business cards into the notecard and write a short, personal message.

3. Produce a client newsletter. Write your own articles or purchase pre-written stories. Send it out quarterly (at a minimum) to clients, friends, family, referral sources, the media, employment agencies, career counselors, and real estate agents.

4. Call your competitors. Perhaps there is an area of specialty you work in that they don't (for example, military separation) ... and vice versa. Help your clients... and yourself... by referring to each other.

5. Host a workshop. Develop and promote a one- or two-hour workshop. Possible topics are the job search strategy, finding a better job, even writing a resume. You will be targeting qualified prospects. Charge $10-$50, depending on the value of the information you present.

November/December 2007 Issue Ready

Well, another issue is on its way to subscribers! This one is 16 pages, and features a cover story on resume writing certifications. It's a comprehensive, 7-page article comparing all of the major certifications. If you're not yet certified -- or are thinking about pursuing certification, read this article!!

The Resume Writer's University article is a review of the book "Competency-Based Resumes," and Robert Middleton talks about "Marketing Without Marketing" in his Action Plan column.

There's also an interview with Norine Dagliano on how public speaking can build your resume business and help you generate new revenue.

If you have not yet subscribed to Resume Writers' Digest, remember it's FREE. It's supported by advertising, the sale of our special reports and books, and donations. Use the form in the upper right-hand corner of the RWD Blog to sign up!