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If I Were Starting a Writing Services Business Today · The Daily Writer

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Hey my friend, welcome to the Daily Writer, where we help writers become authors of their own lives.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: Email subscriber Misty sent in a really fantastic question.
• 0:10
  SPEAKER_00: And she says, if you were starting out today and building your writing business, how would you begin?
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: And what steps would you take?
• 0:18
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I love this question because it creates a sense of urgency.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: And that means we're focusing on what actually works and how to put it into practice immediately.
• 0:27
  SPEAKER_00: Again, we're not talking about starting tomorrow or six months from now or a year from now.
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: We're talking about getting started today.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: Now, my particular writing service is ghostwriting, but even if you do editing, proofreading, design, or publishing services, or really any service-based offering, these four really practical tips will definitely apply to you.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: So let's dive in.
• 0:52
  SPEAKER_00: Number one, I would go through my relevant contacts and let them know that I'm offering a new service and ask whether they know anybody who might be interested.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: Now, in my case, as a ghostwriter, that especially includes people like publishers, agents, designers, and editors, and so forth.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: Basically anybody who hangs around or knows my ideal client.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: Number two, I would make sure that I have high-quality samples to show people what I offer, whether it's my own work or work that I have done for other people.
• 1:21
  SPEAKER_00: That's really important.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: Number three, I would make getting that first project or two my number one priority, even if I had to do it for free or very cheap.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_00: Now, I obviously wouldn't write a whole book for somebody for free, even if I were just getting started, because writing a book is a long process and there's a lot involved in it.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: But for something smaller, maybe doing some articles or a Substack newsletter or two or some LinkedIn post or something like that, just to get your foot in the door, I would definitely do that for free or very cheap.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: And the main idea here when you're getting started is to just do something to help you get a sense of momentum, to get some experience, and especially to get a good testimonial or two.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: And finally, number four, I would start being really active on the social media platform where my prospective clients hang out, because I would want to share my processes and my thinking about what I'm offering.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: Basically, you're demonstrating your expertise and why people should choose you over other people offering the exact same service.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_00: Now, of course, there's a lot more that goes into building a successful business than just those three or four things, but those will definitely get you moving in the right direction.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: And by the way, if you want to read more about my thinking and processes related to ghostwriting, you can get your hands on a completely free copy of my brand new book, which is called The Ghost Powered Author, by visiting KentSanders.net slash free dashbook.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_00: That's Kent Sanders.net slash free dashbook.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: Hey, as always, my friend, thanks for listening.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: Keep writing and keep showing up, and I'll see you tomorrow.