I don’t usually share information about paid events on my blog because I know that you trust me and are loyal readers. The rare times (yes, today is one of those days) that I do it is because I really think that it is something the program is worthwhile and will likely help you further your content marketing career.

Here are two upcoming events that I highly recommend participating in to help grow your freelance business:

Linda Formichelli’s Volume Marketing Challenge for Freelance Writers

When I was first starting out my freelance career, I struggled. I was sending a ton of LOIs and hearing nothing back. I think I might have made $300 one month. Then one night when I was contemplating giving up and going back to work at IBM, I stumbled upon Linda Formichelli’s Renegade Writer blog about LOIs and decided to make a few tweaks. Her suggestions worked and I landed a gig. And then a few weeks later, I got another gig. Honestly, if I had not found her blog that night, I am pretty sure you would not be reading this blog and I would be doing technical writing in a cube somewhere.

I’ve gotten to thank Linda for the help, and she recently told me about her new Volume Marketing Challenge for Freelance Writers starting on Monday, March 13. During this fun, intense challenge, you’ll do different types of marketing each week to reveal the one that will get you the most freelance writing assignments. I was impressed by the schedule, challenges and all of the information (books, PDFs, eBooks) included in the course. While most of the courses for freelancers are aimed at newbies, Linda’s class is perfect for all levels, but especially for those with an existing business they are looking to grow.

Early Bird registration ($199) ends March 7 (which is today!), and regular registration ($299) will go from March 8-12. Linda told me that next time the price will be higher. While I have not taken Linda’s classes, several writer friends have used Linda’s coaching services as well as her classes and highly recommend her.

Note that the below link is an affiliate link. However, keeping with my philosophy of not taking money from writers (Linda included), I am donating any commissions I receive from blog readers taking the course to the ASJA Writers Emergency Assistance Fund, which helps writers who are facing significant financial hardships. It is an amazing organization that has helped out many fellow writers that are in very tough spots, often through no fault of their own.

{Join the Volume Marketing Challenge for Freelance Writers now!}

ASJA’s NYC Conference & Membership

As some of you noticed a considerable income from my last month’s income came from contacts I made because of my ASJA membership. I attended my first ASJA conference in 2013 as a nonmember and came up with the idea for starting this blog (which was the most profitable idea I have ever had as freelancer). Since then, I have become a member and am now very involved in the organization. I attribute over $70,000 of my earnings over the past 4 years to either editors I met at ASJA events or gigs referred to me by ASJA members and I am not alone. (Check out Member Success Stories to see how others have earned their dues back many times over). ASJA has many benefits that help you grow your freelance writing business including meeting with editors over phone or Skype, a members only job board, a beautiful magazine, an active forum of other writers, special interest groups on specific topics, monthly audio seminars on topics related to freelancing and many other benefits, including discounts on products and services.

If you do not have the upcoming ASJA 2017 Annual Writers Conference in NYC on your calendar for May 5–6, I highly recommend planning to attend. ASJA members can meet with top editors, content marketing agencies, nonprofits, hospitals and literary agents at the Client Connections (see list for current editors attending and check back as more are added) held on ASJA Member’s Day (Friday, May 5). Even if you are not a member, it’s worth the trip to listen to panels with top editors on Saturday and learn skills to help you grow your business. The schedule is honestly the best one I have seen in years and can’t decide which sessions to attend.

If you have national clips or brands and meet the membership requirements, I highly recommend applying for ASJA membership by March 12 so you can attend Members Day and register for Client Connections. Note that if you apply for membership after this date your application will not be processed enough to sign up to meet with editors on ASJA Member’s Day. If you have any questions about ASJA, feel free to email me or post in the comments.

Questions, comments, anything you want to ask or share?