Past meeting: March 7, 1998
Successful Freelance Strategies

Forty-three seasoned and aspiring indexers learned about the skills needed to start their own businesses from R. Jean Bryant, a 25-year freelancing veteran, at the PNW/ASI meeting in Portland on March 7.

Bryant started Bryant Ideas, an independent-learning and writing service, by publishing articles in newspapers and magazines. At the same time, she worked part-time in a bookstore to get more exposure to the publishing industry. Her goal was to "become the best writer's workshop leader in the Pacific Northwest."

Reaching her goal took several qualities that are important for any successful business:

• Self-esteem
• Surviving rejection
• Creativity
• Working well with a variety of personalities
• Promotional skills

Before starting your own business ask yourself these questions:

• Do I love this profession? "Listen to your heart," Bryant advises. "The path you choose offers the most satisfaction."
• How bad do I want it? "If you wait until you're completely prepared, it may be too late," Bryant said. "Get some information and then try it."

Although there's no science to finding clients, self-promotion is important. For the one-person business, Bryant recommends flyers and letters. Advertising is expensive and doesn't work. Brochures project a better professional image and are good for targeting certain industries, but don't generate work.

Networking is effective - if you do it right. "The art of networking is not telling people what work you want," Bryant said. "Find out what they want.

"The whole point about being a freelancer is a lifestyle decision. What you're selling is your competence. What they're buying is your energy."

Business meeting summary...
written by Cheryl Landes

The Pacific Northwest chapter reached an all-time attendance record at its March 7 meeting at Portland State University. Forty-three potential and seasoned indexers networked and learned more about how to start their own freelancing business (see related article).

Outgoing Chair Carolyn Weaver reported that the chapter's treasury is healthy, and membership is growing rapidly. Currently 90 members are affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Chapter, an increase from 10 when the chapter started in 1996. Of these, 60 are from Washington and 30 from Oregon. Sixty members currently subscribe to the chapter's listserv.

Carolyn also introduced the new chapter officers, whose terms are now underway:

• Kari Bero (now Kells), President
• Jan Wright, President-Elect/Program Chair
• Louise Martin, Secretary/Treasurer