So You Want to Be a Subcontract Resume Writer

Although Diana LeGere and I first published the "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" report in October of last year, I've been working constantly to update it with new listings (it now features more than 25 separate individuals or firms that hire subcontract resume writers).

Earlier this week, I added a new listing from a resume writer who had an immediate need for writers, so I told her I'd help spread the word. I sent out an e-mail to the previous buyers of the MMRS report plus culled a list of about 200 CPRWs from my database of more than 3800 resume writers and career coaches. I also sent the information in my e-mail yesterday with a reminder about the availability of the July/August issue of Resume Writers' Digest.

Although I mentioned in my e-mail to non-purchasers that this was for a colleague, I was amazed that some of the responses I received were directed towards me as the "hiring manager." Another contacted the resume writer, asking for general information, although I had included all of this information in the e-mail I sent to [him/her].

Such little things can make the difference for individuals looking to hire subcontractors -- as they can for our clients, who don't pay attention to the details. If the job posting says "No phone calls" and the client calls anyway ... they're not seen as "persistent" -- they're seen as "non-compliant." And they're out of the running.

In the "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" report, I've gone to great lengths to outline exactly what the hiring resume writers or firms are looking for from prospective contractors. Follow their instructions exactly -- although you should feel free to also include your own resume and cover letter/letter of introduction (samples of which are provided in the MMRS report).

On the other hand, I did see some excellent "statement of qualifications" e-mails from the individuals who approached me (thinking I was the one looking for subcontractors). I hope they take the time to follow-up with the colleague who actually is looking to hire.

Halfway Through International Update Your Resume Month

September is International Update Your Resume Month, as designated by Career Directors International. The postcard above is an example of some of the marketing materials designed by CDI to help resume writers spread the word about the importance of keeping your resume up-to-date. You can order the postcards on the CDI website (click on "Marketplace/Join").

Whether you're a member of CDI or not, now is the time to remind your clients that NOW is a great time to update their resume. Send a postcard, drop them an e-mail, write a news release .... spread the word!

Business Interruptions: Natural Disasters

When you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters -- think Florida, Louisiana, Texas for hurricanes, or California for wildfires and earthquakes -- it's important to diversify your business, just in case disaster strikes.

I've written before about disaster planning ... but a key component of that is being able to get back to doing business -- either while you're evacuated, or after the power comes back on.

Hurricane Ike -- and the devastation it has brought to the Texas coast -- is a perfect example of this. If you're a resume writer in this area, it would be wise to consider partnering with another resume writer who doesn't live in an affected area, or shifting at least part of your business to subcontract writing for other firms. That way, when disaster strikes, your total income is not dependent on local clients, who may also be suffering from the tragedy.

Look at New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. A huge proportion of the state's population simply left the state after the storm, in September 2005. If you were reliant on local clients, they simply disappeared. Many of them never came back. If you're a resume writer in Galveston today, your clients (hopefully) left in anticipation of Hurricane Ike. Who knows when they'll come back. My database of resume writers shows 20 professionals in Houston alone. What are they doing today? Many of them don't have power. Some of them have damage to their home and/or office. Business interruption insurance is nice ... but it will take time to get back up to speed.

If you have a relationship with a subcontracting firm, you can adjust your workload while you evacuate ... and then quickly start accepting new projects once you're settled somewhere (if you evacuated), or once the power comes back on. With firms like CareerPerfect, you can write from anywhere you can get access to a computer and Internet connection. Everything is stored on their digital servers, so even if you had to leave without your paper files, it's all on there.

If you're interested in learning more about subcontracting, be sure to order my special report, "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" (it includes more than 30 individuals or firms looking for subcontractors; available for immediate download as a PDF.)

The report also includes a sample cover letter you can use when approaching subcontracting firms, plus "red flags" you should watch for when selecting a firm for a contracting relationship.

Note: If you are looking for IMMEDIATE subcontracting opportunities, I received an e-mail from a resume writer who is actively seeking out 2-3 new subcontractors to assist her with projects. Pay ranges from $100 to $175 per project, and no client contact is required. She's looking for creative, dependable CPRWs with at least five years' of experience. Purchase the MMRS report and look for the "NEW!" designation in the listing of Subcontracting Firms for her contact information.

Get More Prospects Into Your Pipeline

I'm taking the "Get Clients Now"™ program with Joan Friedlander and am really enjoying getting back to the basics of marketing by following the steps of the program. I first learned about C.J. Hayden's program in 2003 at the Career Masters Institute conference in Kansas City (now the Career Management Alliance) and always had an interest in applying the program to my business. I'm enrolled in it as part of my training to become a facilitator for C.J.'s "Get Hired Now!™" program.

One of the keys to the Get Clients Now program is filling your pipeline with prospects. I came across a neat little free 5-minute video, "List Building" with Stu McLaren, hosted by David Frey as part of his Small Business Marketing Best Practices video newsletter.

As David notes, "The money is in the list" -- whether an e-mail or snail mail list, having a defined way to contact prospective clients is vital to building your business. This should be an opt-in list, and the individuals should have given you specific permission to communicate with them. David even uses terminology familiar to those of you who know the Get Clients Now! system -- mentioned that these are people who already "like and trust" you ("CJ's system mentions the value of creating relationships for people to "know, like, and trust" you).

David and Stu share the three keys to building your list, and three ideas to help you generate traffic. I haven't tried them (YET!) but thought you'd enjoy hearing about them too.