Diversify

I was talking to a fellow resume writer in Georgia today (to clarify, she lives in Georgia -- I still live in Nebraska) about how she got started in her business. She started out as a technical writer, and continues to do copywriting and technical writing in addition to her resume writing.

That brings me to today's "idea" -- to keep your writing fresh and yourself "engaged" in your work, consider diversifying! Pursue "writing work" that is not necessarily resume writing. This can include corporate bios, copywriting, and technical writing.

One of the most interesting works I've ever written was actually a bio/profile for a former astronaut who wrote a book and is now a fairly sought-after speaker. I got the assignment through a local speaker's bureau, which had contacted me about doing these sorts of bios after finding me under "Resumes" in the phone book.

But you don't have to wait for people to call you -- reach out to get these kinds of (lucrative!!) assignments. Send a cover letter, samples and your brochure to speaker's bureaus, public relations agencies and directly to companies. Emphasize your ability to develop short bios for speech introductions and board profiles -- and longer bios for company backgrounders and press kits.

Believe me, it's a service that is greatly in demand -- and a well-written bio is GREATLY appreciated by recipients. (I'm the editor of a newsletter for the Omaha Press Club and when we honor local dignitaries with our "Face on the Barroom Floor," I can't tell you how much easier my job is when a good bio comes along.)

Developing Mutual Referral Relationships

Recently, on one of the resume writing professional association e-lists, there was a discussion about a client who seemed to be depressed and unable to find work because of this. The resume writer was trying to find a way to help the client, but realized she was not a mental health professional with the skills necessary to help this client overcome his depression and get working on his job search.

I'd like to offer you an idea of how you can help this type of client -- and help yourself develop a potential source of referrals at the same time: Develop a mutual referral relationship with a (mental health therapist) career counselor.

One place to start is your Yellow Pages -- look under "Counselors". Look for ones who list Career Counseling (or Career Coaching or Career Testing or Personal Coaching or Goal Attainment) as one of their specialties (If they offer career testing, such as the Myers-Briggs or other career tests, that can be a bonus, because you can refer the client for that -- "I think you'd benefit from having a career assessment test done, to assure we're targeting the kinds of jobs that you'd be most suited for).

NOTE: There is also a section in the phone book titled, "CAREER COUNSELING." If you call any of these services, assure that they are mental health therapists, and not just fee-for-service employment services (often, your competitors). For example, in Omaha, Voyager Career Solutions (like a Bernard Haldane & Associates) is listed in Career Counseling (but not under "COUNSELORS" because counselors are mental health professionals who must be licensed in the state of Nebraska).

Call and introduce yourself to the therapist. Ask if you can meet with him or her for a few minutes to get an idea of the services he/she provides and to pick up some of his/her brochures and business cards for making referrals to him/her. Tell him/her what you do and that you want to be able to refer clients to him/her who are in need of services beyond your scope of services. (Add him/her to your mailing list for your client newsletter too).

While I was in college, I worked at a local mental health counseling agency. One of the therapists there did career testing and career counseling. When I started my resume writing business, she was (and still is!) a fabulous source of referrals. Obviously, she's not competition, because she doesn't write resumes. I'm not a true "career coach" although I sometimes coach my clients. We collaborate on "action plans" for our mutual clients -- she gives them direction, ideas, motivation and support -- I put the plans into action (resumes, cover letters, electronic resume distribution). You can cultivate multiple relationships like this. She and I also offered a free joint morning seminar on "Career Power" that attracted media attention and prospective clients.

But start developing these relationships now, before you need it. Then you can confidently recommend these professionals to your clients when the time comes.

Find Clients Where You Are

The other night, I was in (a LONG) line at the movie theater and happened to overhear the conversation of the woman in front of me. She was telling her friend that it looked like her company was going to be laying off some people in the next couple of months as they went through a restructuring.

TA-DA! I pulled my business card out of my purse, said, "Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation…" introduced myself, gave her my card, and told her to e-mail me her résumé and I'd critique it for her.

Who knows … could be a client (or two -- I gave a card to her friend too).

Keep your business cards on you at all times. This technique also works in bars, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

Self-Promotional Information Sheet

Back in 2002, I was looking to refer a client out to another résumé writer and I asked for people who were interested to e-mail me directly. I was particularly impressed with the information sheet that one former résumé writer, Sally Clark, CPRW, JCTC, sent to me. (Sally is no longer a resume writer.) With her permission, I would like to share it with you as an example of the type of fact sheet that you should develop to promote yourself. (You could also create this type of bio online, and send it as a link.)

http://www.rwdigest.com/ExecResumesFactSheet.pdf

It's simple. It's concise. It tells you everything you need to know about working with Sally -- her contact information, her background, her areas of specialization, where she's located and payment options.

In conjunction with a brochure -- or instead of a brochure -- a self-promotional fact sheet is something every résumé writer should have!