Year End Reflections, Resolutions, etc...

REFLECTIONS...

2012 was a year that will be embraced and remembered for me, for many reasons. Here at Pen and Prosper, it was symbolic of growth.
I posted approximately 102 articles, interviews, tips and quips. I saw my page views double daily.

Along with your support and readership, Pen and Prosper placed as a finalist, last December for the Top 10 Writing Blogs, at Write to Done, (amid some tough competition, and a slew of nominations).
Writing-World.Com Recognized us as an "Awesome Blog" in May, 2012, along with recognition by PocketChange. com.
I sponsored a fun contest. Profiled some interesting writers and creative artists. Laughed and learned.
Received requests from advertisers, even.

I ghost wrote a book. Sealed the deal with a few new clients.
I worked with new editors; said goodbye to some former ones. Experienced the joy of one editor surprising me this week with a Xmas bonus.

I lost a few readers.
I gained a few readers.
And through it all, many of you have been faithful supporters. As this year comes to a close, I'd like to reiterate how grateful I am for your readership, following, and "pen-ship".
You guys are awesome! A special shout-out to all my new Pen & Prosper peeps--welcome.

I'd also like to encourage those of you who have been "silent spectators" to please come forward, comment, and let us know a little about who you are.
Blogging, by its very nature, is intended to be an interactive medium; so let's connect! :-)
If there is anything or anyone you'd like to see featured in the future, please feel free to share this as well.
I look forward to more in year four!

RESOLUTIONS...

In the spirit of growth, I also make it a point to revisit my goals at each year end.
In 2012, some were achieved, while with others...well, I missed the mark.
Like my aspirations to secure an agent and pen a non-fiction book. Not!
But, it's going on my list for 2013, folks.

There's also my vow to get published in the Chicken Soup Series---let's just say I chickened out on this one this year too. But, next year, I intend to come up with a winning recipe!

I also resolve to be more specific with my goals--assigning definite deadlines and dollar amounts.
How about you? What do you resolve?

ETC...

Pen and Prosper wishes each of you a joyous holiday season, (and a safe one).
Please note that Jen will be stuffing her face with turkey, chocolate, pie and egg-nog (though not simultaneously), and thus will be taking a much needed holiday break to recover-- until January 2, 2013.
Feel free to leave comments in the interim, as I will be periodically checking to see what you guys are up to.

Coffeehouse for Writers will begin its new, exciting offerings of online classes for scribes of every genre and level in January, 2013. Stay posted for details. Learn more, earn more. Register at Coffeehouse for Writers today.

That's a wrap, lovely readers! Happy holiday season to you and yours. "Parting is such sweet sorrow..."

Warmly,

Jen  

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

10 of the Most Fascinating Bloggers of 2012! Continued...

Last week, we explored five hot spots, based upon folks I designated as most interesting amid today's vast sea of bloggers. Today we'll continue sharing links I believe to be "bookmark" worthy.
Please be sure to connect with me and leave a comment to let me know if you find these types of posts to be beneficial. Or if you would simply like to share a site that you think deserves recognition, "have at it".
Don't be shy; you're amongst friends. :-)
So grab your favorite brew and let's get started...shall we?

• MONIQUE @ DIVAS CAN COOK

Writers can't live on chocolate alone. And though we've been referred to as "starving artist" we do love our food! So today's shout out goes to Monique at Divascancook. Her tag line aptly reads: "Old fashioned cooking for today's modern super woman." Here you'll find both simple and elegant fixings to impress family and friends. Not to mention, the dishes are beautifully displayed and "tasteful" in every sense of the word.
Monique has even been featured in Forbes, Kraft, and the popular Nate Berkus Show.

• MARY JACKSH

I "met" Mary some time ago, through her great work at Write to Done, (which by the way, is a must-read for those seeking to become better bloggers). I also came to learn that she operates her own successful site, known as Zen Habits. What I dig about Zen Habits is the array of topics purposed to help readers live a more peaceful, progressive, productive life. Categories include: creativity, fitness, spirituality, and meditation. As for Mary? She seemingly does it all: she's a psychotherapist, has a Black Belt in Karate, and loves to "tango in skimpy dresses". You go girl!

• JARROD CLARK

Jarrod is the blogger behind Optimistic Journey, a personal development site that helps readers to be encouraged in their daily walk, and find strength through trials and tribulations. With 100s of posts on a variety of themes, you're sure to find words of comfort and food for thought.

• ONIBALUSI @ YOUNG PRE PRO

Younger and more profitable than the average blogger, "Oni" is the one to watch! At his site he teaches bloggers how to score more traffic and make more money. And he walks the talk! He's been featured at just about every "top-dog" site online, and was "profiled" by Carol Tice in Forbes Magazine in recent years.   

• LORI @ TINY BUDDHA

With over 320,000 followers, Lori has a cult-like following and a distinctive voice. At her site, she provides tools and tips to enhance and "de-clutter" the lives of busy readers. Check out this easy to navigate spot with many useful articles, and I'm sure you'll consider it a wise choice to include in your weekly readings!

Well folks, there you have it. I hope you'll check out these sites and that you will be enriched in so doing. :-)

Thoughts? Any of these familiar? Any you'd like to add? I'm waiting... :-)


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

6 Ways Freelancers Can Warm Up to Cold Calling and Lose the Fear

　

Many writers construct online sites with all the bells and whistles, expecting it to be the equivalent of a lottery ticket to a better life.
Though websites are great promotional tools, today’s savvy writer recognizes that a website or blog should be used in tandem with other marketing efforts for optimal results.

Look at it this way: an attractive site may get potential customers to your virtual doorstep, but it doesn't guarantee that it will necessarily convert them into paying clients.
This is where cold-calling can be beneficial. This popular, age-old technique that's been used effectively to enhance sales by other industries for decades, can increase a writer’s client base, confidence and bottom line.

In fact, many will discover that in this technological world, a small gesture like a phone call can make a big difference. Why?

It provides a personal touch, can help establish immediate rapport,and increases efficiency.
For those who believe cold-calling puts them in the same category as “pesky telemarketers, “it‘s time for a paradigm shift. In today’s tough freelancing climate, one must employ every advantage to stay in the game and stay in the black.
According to Peter Bowerman, author of the Well-fed Writer series, “Assuming you’re a competent, reliable writer, if you pursue this business, you’ll be a professional marketing a valuable and needed professional service to other professionals.”

Note: This year alone, I landed several major clients by simply dialing up businesses that had advertised in our local community newspapers. And you can too.

Now that you know why, here are six savvy ways to warm up to cold-calling:

1. Believe in what you’re selling.

Are you a killer copywriter? An expert in SEO? Have you written an informative self-help book that you’re convinced bookstore owners in your area should know about? Ask any veteran salesman and he’ll tell you the better you feel about your product or services, the easier it is to get “geeked” about it, and have others feel good about it too.

2. Remember, practice makes perfect.

There’s no doubt about it: many writers are rather shy by nature. But, don’t let that stop you from closing the deal. Write out a script and rehearse it. However, don’t recite it word for word, or it will sound “scripted” when you’re communicating with others. The more you “pitch“, the easier it becomes to score big.

3. Work smarter, not harder.

Do a little background research on the companies you target. What are their strengths? Who is their customer base? Go even further. Purchase “lead lists” that specifically identify your ideal client . For example, a list can be bought according to a preferred geographic area, income level or business type. Keep in mind that a strategic approach increases your odds of success and prevents potential burnout

4. Understand that there’s a psychology to selling.

Whether you’re peddling widgets or words, it‘s crucial to get into your potential customer‘s head. What specific needs does your service or product address? How can you help others to become more productive or profitable? Assess then deliver.

5. Recognize that timing is everything.

To optimize your efforts, call when it’s likely you won’t be considered an intrusion or inconvenience. For example, don’t make contact ten minutes before closing time, or five minutes after the start of business hours. Always be polite to “gate keepers”.

6. Mentally “suit up”.

Boxer, Muhammad Ali, used to chant “I’m the greatest” before entering the ring with his opponents.
And a similar preparation is needed before you do battle in business! Preparation might be repeating positive affirmations, or listening to your favorite motivational speaker on audio tape, or visualizing your success first. Preparation helps to cushion the blows of rejection and equips you to go the distance.

Observe these six strategic tips and you’ll discover that cold-calling can be another valuable way to “connect” with customers, build your business and your bottom line.

Thoughts? Anybody here have any good or bad experiences with cold calling?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

How to Get the Scoop (when you have an aversion to the news)..."Sources" Revealed

It simply boggles my mom's brain, that as a “professional” writer and columnist, I rarely watch the news.

She often kids that if the world were coming to an end, or the country were on alert for some type of disaster or attack, I would truly be caught with my “proverbial drawers down”.
Conversely, she watches it religiously, about 2-3 times a day.

For me it's definitely an “acquired taste.” I don't dig digesting daily news accounts of crimes and doom and gloom. Not to mention, the reporting mantra of “if it bleeds it leads”, speaks to how we as a society are often drawn to sensationalism and “train wreck” viewing.
I've found too, that as your typical creative artist type, I'm much too sensitive to disengage.

Whenever I do tune in, the heartbreaking stories and graphic images often bring me to tears, or makes me want to donate money to "questionable" causes, or pray feverishly, or long for former years and simpler times. (I'm betting it's probably the same for you too).

Still, as a person who's paid regularly to be “informed” and expressive on a variety of topics and themes, I must stay in the know. And you should too.

Here are a few ways I accomplish this and maintain my optimism, during challenging times.
Read on as this journalist “reveals her sources”.


For “feel good” stories
I love watching Good Morning America, (thanks mom) for their reporting balance. You'll be exposed to human interests stories like an eighty-year old returning to college to get her first degree. Or see profiles of “accidental entrepreneurs” living their dreams. It's a great way to start the day.

Celebrity Gossip
Want the latest on Mel Gibson's melt down? Curious about Kate plus eight? Eager to find out who's hot and who's not at the box office? You'll want to touch base with the girls at the popular talk show, “The View.” You may not always agree with Elizabeth's perspective, but you will be informed, entertained, and
in-the-know.

Health and Fitness topics
"The doctor's in". Handled by medical practitioners with a great deal of expertise and warm bedside manners,  is a daily show aptly titled “The Doctors”. Produced by Dr. Phil's son, it covers a variety of tips and timely reports on how to eat better, look younger, and realize the benefits of preventative maintenance. Get the updates on scientific studies and medical advancements too.

Fashionista Finds
If your focus is helping women to dress for success for less, or giving the 4-1-1- on new signature fragrances by Beyonce or Elizabeth Taylor, check out Yahoo's Home Page for "Trending" topics on a variety of themes.

Word to the wise--As times and channels may differ, depending upon your viewing area, you'll want to check your local listings for details.

Don't let an aversion to watching the news keep you in the dark about events of the day.
After all, the more you learn, the more you'll earn. Just be creative and follow these often overlooked leads.

Agree or disagree? How do you feel about watching the news?


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Holiday Gift Giving Guide for Writers for 2012

I love this time of the year. Love it, love it, love it. Besides the religious dynamics, the opportunity to indulge in sinfully rich dishes and desserts, (without agonizing over calories for a day or two), and the joy of connecting with family and friends, it's a time of charity and giving.

And each year, I am touched and tickled by the myriad of gifts and good deeds I receive that keep me mindful of my blessings. And I am grateful to the creator.

One of these "gifts" is that of being a professional writer. Much gratitude to you for the gift of your readership and faithful "follow," and allowing me to connect and express.

 Words can't convey the richness this adds to my existence.

It's truly been a blast. "Was it good for you too?" :-)

I'd like to extend even greater thanks for those of you who generously give your time and comments; through contributing to the lively discussions with sharing thoughts and questions, you help us all to grow, and you keep me motivated. :-)

In the spirit of giving, Pen & Prosper Peeps, I do hope you'll consider adding the products and books of those of my friends and selected businesses featured here to your shopping list.

Check out their sites and show support. As writers, if we don't support each other, who will? Hello!

It takes so little to mean so much.

And don't forget to score something for yourself. As a wise man once said: "Don't cheat yourself, treat yourself!"

Here's a list of recommended gifts for writers for all levels and genres:

• Pretty journals for penning thoughts
• Disposable cameras for quick pics
• Assorted chocolates for endorphin lifts
• Assorted teas and coffees with a decorative mug
• Desk accessories
• Gift certificates for creative classes
• Ramen Noodles supply
• Designer pens
• Poetry books
• A laptop bag
• A book of postage stamps
• A book of famous quotes

• Gift baskets with a thoughtful theme (movie night, pampering, etc.)
• Music CDs

Readers...Any of these on your "wish list"?

What has been your most cherished writer's gift recently? Do tell.