First, you seem almost defensive about your chosen field. And yes, you seem to be overthinking it.

I’ve outlined a fairly active approach to pitching and winning your dream clients (you can see the whole category of “Dream Client” posts here).

Good luck!

Do you have any advice about writing product/service development pieces for manufacturers of pet supplies and horse supplies, or pet and horse service suppliers.

The pet industry is continually growing, and the horse industry and related industries are also huge and ever-growing consumer based markets. I have developed a list with full contact information for the pet product manufacturers nationally and internationally but it has been a little more challenging to find resources and contacts for horse related products.

These two industries have been a major part of my personal and professional life for over twenty five years. I have extensive knowledge and professional credentials as a small animal technician, dog salon owner, Equestrian federation certified riding coach, competitive rider in many disciplines, and have a bachelor of applied communications degree in technical writing.

I have freelanced as a journalist writing mostly animal related stories. These types of stories just seem to find me because people in the area associate me with the pet and horse industry. I would like to use my skill as a creative writer, journalist, and technical writer in the areas of web writing, and manufacturing/ services writing. People come to me for advice all the time and I wonder how I can best meet the needs of the service provider , manufacturer and consumer. Do you have any experiences or advice that you could share.

My creative journalism and magazine article writing pieces have been very well received and people often ask where or who I’m writing for now.

I thought I might find some work at the University but feel that my creativity often is seen as a threat or weirdness in the more office-like environment, so I worry. I have taught employees to do their animal related jobs and can generate a fantastically electrified team.

I have led some clients to the water trough and they are starting to drink. One service provider needs web copy. Another, needs a proposal to have her specialized dog collars in a particular store during the Calgary Stampede.

These are small companies, but it is a start in my pet/horse industry writing career.

Writing for my own marketing is tough. I’d much rather write for someone else. I am currently filling out my own creative brief to help me hit my target audience. Somehow I still feel a bit overwhelmed. Any advice to help sort out a doable set of small goals to reach my big goals would be appreciated. I can tend to over think things.

Cheers,
Laureen

All the best,

Susan

Susan: Get that Web site done. I wouldn’t overstress about Greenspan’s comments, but use them as motivation to build your business.

It’s hard when you don’t have a track record or portfolio to sling on someone’s desk, but it’s not impossible. You say you’re in contact with local PR firms, design agencies, etc. That’s good.

As for developing a niche, that’s tougher. Still, the question I would ask is what kind of writing do you want to do? What markets do you want to write for?

What companies interest you?

The thinking is this: if you’re going to write, write about things that interest you.

Once you’re clear on your targets, make a plan. Identify the people you should be talking to, and pitch them.

I know it’s difficult for many writers to pitch themselves, but it’s part and parcel of a successful business.

Part of the block is many writers don’t understand the value they offer (or perhaps they don’t offer much value).

Make sure you’re doing more for your clients than filling space, and then make sure everyone knows it.

And Susan, feel free to contact me via this blogs contact form if you have any specific questions.

Good luck!

Working multiple streams of income keeps my hair from turning white :=)

I’d like to work more on developing a niche market for my writing but it’s a technique that I’m not entirely clear on. Do you have any advice you can share on this? What sort of questions do I need to be asking myself to grab a foothold; that kind of thing?

The real key is to develop a plan and make it a routine. e-Newsletter, blog, sales letters… try ‘em all.

Susan: New writers need to do what the established writers do. It just takes longer. Remember my recent “Tired of low-paid SEO writing…” post?

Even if you’re not writing SEO work, the same principles apply. Get a Web site, decide on the markets/work you want, make a marketing plan, and make it happen.

What kind of writing are you doing? What do you want to do?