Tricia Drevets, a writer and community college instructor from Oregon, gives insight into the perks and downsides of working as a freelancer. While the freelance work she does is writing, her experience can be applied to other industries in which freelancing is an option.
What are the primary service(s) or product(s) that your business provides?
I write articles for magazines, newspapers, websites, medical practices, non-profit associations and small businesses that are in need of engaging and informative articles. I enjoy research and interviewing people in person and over the phone or Skype for my articles.
While I specialize in topics concerning small businesses, communication and education, I enjoy delving into something new, and I am comfortable writing on a wide variety of subjects.
Who’s your perfect customer? Do you work with other business (B2B), or consumers (B2C), or both?
One of the perks of my job is that I am often learning about something or someone new. My favorite clients are ones who are clear about their audience and their expectations for an assignment. I enjoy learning about each client’s specific needs and then writing to fulfill that need.
After I get to know my clients and their audience, I am comfortable coming up with my own article ideas or following through on their ideas.
When did you start your company? Share a little about your professional history leading up to starting your company.
I have a journalism degree and have been freelancing for about 20 years. When I lived in Chicago, my clients included The Chicago Tribune, Today’s Chicago Woman and Editor & Publisher. Since my family and I moved to Oregon, I have broadened the scope of my business through the Internet. My clients now are across the country and all over the world.
What are one or two things that you’ve learned the hard way?
While most people are great to work with, I have learned some hard lessons about payment over the years. As a result, I do not work “on speculation” or “pay on publication.” Also, if I am working on a freelancing site such as Elance, I look carefully at other freelancers’ comments about a client before accepting an assignment.
I am happy to provide new clients with many examples of my previous work so they can to get a good idea of my style, and I will always revise work if it does not meet their expectations.
What is one thing most people don’t know about your business or industry that you wish they did?
Writing for a living is not glamorous. It takes time, effort and creativity. It also can be quite a juggling act. I often work nights and weekends to meet deadlines. The other side is that it is great connecting with people and writing about their lives and their interests.
Where’s the best place for people to learn more about your company?
Visit https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tricia-drevets/88/387/549 Email me at [email protected]. Or visit me at https://www.elance.com/s/triciadrevets/. I’d love to work with you on your next writing project.
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