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Large Conferences, Small Conferences, Webinars — The Benefits Are Endless!

July 11, 2022 Post a comment

Now is a great time to think about attending one or two conferences over the next 12 months.

In thinking about attending a conference, what would you like to get out of it? Is your overall goal networking or training on a particular software? Do you want to discuss pricing or working with others in the publishing industry?

Large conferences offer some great benefits, but so do small conferences. Small conferences may lend more to networking, as there are fewer attendees and making connections is a common goal of many of the attendees. I’ve noticed that I am more at ease at smaller conferences, and I meet more people and pass more business cards to others.

Webinars offer some of the same benefits as large and small conferences. If in-person events are too much of a challenge, financially, location, or otherwise, think about participating in some virtual events, such as NAIWE monthly webinars!

Some of the topics that will be covered in upcoming webinars include reputable sources for journalists, video marketing, copyright law, and marketing on Facebook!

And here are some names of people you may want to learn from: Suzanne Lynn Cheesman (NAIWE’s Media Interviews Expert), MJ Courchesne (NAIWE’s Copyright and Permissions Expert), Kristen Fischer (NAIWE’s Journalism Expert), and Ruth Thaler-Carter (NAIWE’s Networking Expert).

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published three books.

Categories: Board of Experts, Events, Professional Development

Kristen Fischer, The Journalism Expert

July 8, 2022 Post a comment

We wanted to get to know Kristen Fischer (NAIWE’s Journalism Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

What is classified as a legitimate source?

In this webinar, I’m going to talk about two types of sources: people and written sources. A legitimate source is usually someone who has been through a certain situation or is involved with it, or a professional from a legitimate institution. When it comes to written sources, that can include published research but also anything written on the internet. Separating legitimate sources from all the other sources out there is key. And it’s hard to define, because the outlet you’re writing for may have a list of sources that they will not consider legit.

Where should your research begin to find a legitimate source?

This depends on the story or type of writing you’re doing. In journalism, you want vetted sources—that can mean a certain official or a professional. But if you’re on the scene of the story it can mean verifying the person you’re interviewing has the credentials to make a comment.

How many sources are usually needed? Is one enough?

Again, this depends on your story. Most stories do best with at least two to three sources so you can either validate what one source is saying, bring up related sources, or have the sources oppose to therefore give a more objective view and show multiple sides of an issue.

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We live in the age of “misinformation” so it’s vital for journalists to use reputable sources. How can you sift through the information and research on the internet and find legitimate sources? How can you pinpoint sources for interviews and ensure they are legitimate? This webinar will take a deep dive with tips to help you ensure that your research and interview sources are solid.

You can join in this conversation on July 25, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on finding and vetting legitimate sources. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!

Categories: Board of Experts, Events, Professional Development

2022 Summer Challenge

July 1, 2022 Post a comment

This summer, NAIWE is challenging you and your fellow NAIWE members to be the best version of yourselves. You may personalize this challenge to fit your needs and summer goals. Choose a book to read that you classify as a self-help book even though its genre is far from that. Choose a project that has been nagging at you but will also produce great reward upon completion. And finish the challenge by spending some quality time with our experts learning how they mastered creating multiple steams of income. Throughout the challenge, be true to yourself and your goals!

There are three parts to this challenge:

  1. Read one book that will stretch your mind and inspire your creative spirit. The 2022 Summer Challenge is a great way for you to catch up on those business reads that have been piling up.
  2. Finish one project that’s been nagging at you for longer than you care to admit. This is not so much about the length of time to complete the project as it is about finishing what you started. (For some motivational tips, listen to NAIWE’s Productivity Expert Meggin McIntosh’s teleclass on How to Complete Your Projects, Especially the Ones that Have Been Bugging You.)
  3. Brainstorm a new project that will bring you an additional stream of income, then take the first step to make it happen. NAIWE is willing to be your partner and advocate to bounce ideas off of.

Leave a comment below with your URL so that others who take the challenge can cheer you on as well.

Categories: Events

NAIWE Signs Amicus Brief

May 20, 2022 Post a comment

Why

NAIWE strongly supports its message about the need to protect the choice of self-employment and the need to reject California’s failed, anti-independent contractor ABC Test.

The amicus brief gives us a voice as it explains how the push to restrict independent contractor work creates an unfair regulatory landscape, favoring paid lobbyists and those with special access to lawmakers. Thus, NAIWE is among those bringing it to the forefront of policymakers’ and lawmakers’ agendas nationwide.

 

What NAIWE hopes to accomplish

NAIWE is advocating for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) not to adopt the ABC Test. (Congress tried, and so far has failed, to copy in the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.)

 

What NAIWE members can do

NAIWE encourages you to amplify your voice with that of your fellow freelancers by sharing the brief on your social media accounts (please use the hashtag #ReadTheBrief) and contacting your representatives in Congress with your concerns for the ABC test and similarly restrictive tests that classify independent contractors as many of our decisionmakers are not aware of how we choose to operate our businesses.

 

Synapsis of brief

The brief represents a broad coalition of 250,000 freelancers, including writers, editors, translators, and other communicators.

The brief, filed in response to a request from the NLRB, argues that the ABC test should not be adopted by the NLRB in defining independent contractor relationships. The same ABC Test decimated independent contractor income and careers as California’s Assembly Bill 5, requiring later revisions to AB5.

The amicus brief further explains that independent contractors comprise one-third of the U.S. workforce; details why more women have been choosing independent contractor work for decades, including during the pandemic; dispels the myth that app-based workers make up a large percentage of these small-business owners; and cites a litany of studies showing that the vast majority of independent contractors want to remain independent.

Categories: Events

Stephen Colwell, The Branding and Marketing Expert

May 6, 2022 Post a comment

We wanted to get to know Stephen Colwell (NAIWE’s Branding and Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here are some thoughts he shared with us.

How do successful professionals juggle meetings and work?

Generally, there are two approaches I recommend. 1) Whenever possible, bundle calls within a specific time block. Schedule specific days, mornings, afternoons, or a combination. The key here is to allocate specific windows for calls and avoid interrupting your deep work sessions midstream. 2) When it comes to client-planning calls, consider one longer call weekly rather than multiple shorter calls. This can help open up your schedule to allow more time to focus on the important skilled work. Lastly, scheduling calls during your nonpeak performance hours will help you preserve your finite energy for the actual work you were hired to do.

Is there a best practice that small teams to big teams can apply to regain their focus?

Yes, work closely with your clients and teams to define a pre-set weekly schedule for your project planning calls, check-ins, or huddles. The goal is to define a consistent routine, a rhythm, and a cadence. This removes the scheduling back and forth, reduces noise, and helps everyone block-out the time needed to focus on real work. Also, reduce the use of messaging tools wherever possible. It’s very easy to rattle off instant messages (IMs) on a whim. Resist. Ask: does it really need an answer now, or can it wait until our next huddle or planning call. The daily barrage of IMs is a productivity killer. Reducing the noise requires more effective planning upfront to reduce the need for additional ad hoc requests and meetings throughout the week.

How does this apply to freelancers that run their business while wearing all of the hats?

I encourage freelancers to be assertive, avoid chaos, and work closely with their clients to work out a schedule that protects their key focus time. Everyone works differently. Getting this right requires working with clients who get it, who demonstrate the good faith commitment to finding a balance that works for both the employer and the freelancer. A strong project manager will find this balance.

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Far too many creative professionals are struggling with a relentless din of meetings and interruptions that too often get in the way of the strategic work they were hired to do. During this webinar, we’ll walk through a simple set of practices and routines even the smallest teams can use to improve focus without all the disruption and confusion. If you work in a team environment where strong coordination and collaboration is vital to your success, this workshop was designed for you.

You can join in this conversation on May 25, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with and managing teams. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Categories: Board of Experts, Events, Professional Development

Laura Pennington Briggs, The Business of Writing Expert

April 8, 2022 Post a comment

We wanted to get to know Laura Pennington Briggs (NAIWE’s Business of Writing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.

How is a freelancing business different than other businesses?

A freelance business requires you to sit in the role of vice president of every department as well as CEO and chief service provider. This can be a challenge for many entrepreneurs.

What do clients look for in a freelance business?

Clients want someone who is creative, organized, an excellent communicator, and someone talented in their field.

What do freelancers look for in potential clients?

Freelancers want clients who are easy and enjoyable to work with, treat them with respect, and provide interesting projects.

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You’re not just a freelancer, you’re a CEO. Discover how to systematize, protect, and run your business like a pro. Get streamlined and attract the right kinds of clients by treating your writing like a business. Discover top tips for protecting boundaries, preventing scope creep, organizing your communication, and working effectively with clients.

You can join in this conversation on April 19, at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on the managing and running your business. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Categories: Board of Experts, Events, Professional Development

WMW 2022 Writing Challenge Day 5

March 11, 2022 1 Comment

The power of a written word may begin with the beauty of the color that word illuminates. Do you find a powerhouse of colors in one word?

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2022 in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

Categories: Events, National Days, Words Matter Week, Writing

WMW 2022 Writing Challenge Day 4

March 10, 2022 2 Comments

How can you look at words differently to project their power?

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2022 in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

Categories: Events, National Days, Words Matter Week, Writing

WMW 2022 Writing Challenge Day 3

March 9, 2022 1 Comment

The power of a word can move us emotionally as well as physically. Describe a situation where this happened.

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2022 in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

Categories: Events, National Days, Words Matter Week, Writing

WMW 2022 Writing Challenge Day 2

March 8, 2022 2 Comments

What is another word for “power” that produces the same magnitude? Please explain.

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2022 in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

Categories: Events, National Days, Words Matter Week, Writing

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