Forget "Quick and Easy"

I recently read an article for new writers trying to "make it" and build their business.

One of the things listed to do was to get "easy wins" via jobs on sites like odesk or elance.

This irritated me because I don't believe there's really such a thing as an "easy win" when it comes to getting writing jobs... any writing jobs.

But I did believe it, at one time.

I heard several people saying how they got "quick and easy" jobs on sites like those.  They may not be the highest paying jobs, but that's ok (they said), it was a start.

Ok... so I went to those sites, applied for jobs, and have gotten one.

One, which paid $30, in about a two-month period (maybe longer).  

Full disclosure:  I could apply for more jobs.  And I intend to.  My point is, it's not as "quick and easy" as some people make it seem.

I'm not trying to point fingers at anyone, and if another writer did have a relatively quick and easy time of finding early jobs, that's awesome for them!

I'm just sharing my experiences, in the hopes of helping, enlightening, and informing other writers like me.

Another person I heard in an interview said to expect to apply for 60 jobs (on sites like odesk or elance) and actually get 1 or 2.  At first.

Then for the next 60 jobs you apply for, you may get 4 or 5.

The point is, at first you are unknown.  Untested.  You don't have (probably) the credentials or experience.  So would-be prospects are less apt to jump at the chance to give you work.

It's a numbers game (apparently).  And I suppose I'm right on target.  I would estimate I've applied for 30-40 jobs, and have gotten one.

On another front:

I sent out emails today to the businesses who I originally mailed that letter to on December 18th.

Not all the businesses had email contact listed on their website, so I just emailed the ones that did.

I sent basically the same email to all of them (with minor tweaks to make it personal).

It was short -- about 4 paragraphs.  And not pushy or too salesy.

I just asked if they got the letter I mailed, told them again about the limited time offer ($100 for the reconnection letter to past clients of theirs), and said I would love to work with them.  In a few more words.
I will let you know if I get any responses from those businesses.

*Note: I haven't heard back from the one business, who emailed me a few days ago saying they might be interested in working with me.  I sent the email with ballpark price estimates, and more description about what I do (per their request).  Granted, it has been a weekend, and bad weather on top of that, so I haven't given up hope that the guy isn't going to email me back.  Again, I'll keep you posted.