With BabyCenter kicking me out the door, I'm all about new opportunties. I could give you a virtual fruit display of reasons why this is truly a blessing, but I'm going to boil it down to one major factor: It's time to be my own boss so that I can offer what I'm really the best at - getting paid to be myself.

So many people have emailed me over the past three years ..."How can I write for national blogs? How can I start my own? How can I write for TV or magazines?"

I have always downplayed what I do because it comes naturally to me, just like many of you might downplay your careers because doing organ transplant is natural for you. "Hey, pass me that liver, will ya? Helloooo little beating heart. You're going to look so adorable in this thirty three year old's chest cavity. Lock her in, boys!"

With the economy being down and no one having extra money to spend and all those reasons that keep people from taking the next step, I figure NOW IS THE TIME TO TEACH THE CLASS! (I actually did a test run class about six months ago and it went really well.)

I need your help for my next journey.

#1: When I'm really ready to publicize it, can I count on you to promote me in your blogs in exchange for me promoting what you're good at in mine?

#2: Can you look over the class ad? What do you think of it from cost to what it offers? I don't want to ask too much, but don't want to downplay the service I can provide. I also don't know what to do if someone I "know" - someone who's been reading me - wants to take it. Do I discount? Do I say no, as I don't want to mix "friendship" with business? A pal I walk with says to keep the rates the same for all - it's a great service I'll be providing. But I am not sure... thoughts?

Here's the ad:

http://www.lifehappins.com/writing-class-frazer-freelancing-forum.html

Thanks in advance! Let me know! And let me know how I can promote your stuff, too.



 


Comments

Jacqueline link
03/27/2009 14:18

I would love to take a writing class from you!!! And no, it is not overpriced. Now I just have to convince my hubby to let me spend the money!

As far as promoting your blog goes, I will shout your name from the rooftops if you want me to, LOL!!! (By the way, I am REALLY steamed about the babycenter thing!!)

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meno link
03/27/2009 14:27

Wow, you are om IMDB, i am impressed.

You spelled moonlighted wrong on the flyer.

#1, no, i wouldn't, but that has nothing to do with you, it's just my policy.

#2, i think the price is reasonable. You will find out more when you see if people sign up or not. You should only discount if you need to attract more people.

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Sprite's Keeper link
03/27/2009 14:34

The price seems reasonable to me, Will you be looking into the bloggers that show promise before moving forward with the class or is it open to anyone who wants to apply?
I wish I could afford it, but I'm very happy with the way my site is. I think advertising on it would take some of the fun out of it right now.
I hope it goes well though!

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Arwen link
03/27/2009 16:20

I think the ad looks great. If I were you, I'd keep it at the same price for everyone, unless, like someone said already, you want to do an offer to promote it or something. Keeping it the same for everyone just protects you from having to deal with difficult decisions in that regard.

And I will definitely promote you so that all ten people who read my blog will know about it. ;) Actually, I can think of one or two other people who might be interested, so I'll e-mail them as soon as you start advertising, as well as post about it.

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Gretchen link
03/27/2009 17:51

Hi,

1. I would probably do a bloggy shout out and link to this post (or a similar one), but currently i don't advertise, nor do i have talents for exploiting. bummer

2. The class sounds fabulous. It sounds right up your alley in terms of leadership/mentorship, too. I think you've priced it and explained it super well.

Keep us posted on your new endeavor!

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Kristi link
03/27/2009 20:28

Wow! Good for you. That is awesome. I might want to look into it at a later date but not right now (just time and not wanting to actually write for a living for me personally). But I'm so happy for you that you are doing this! Very cool.

1) Definitely!

2) Check this sentance:

But you can in as much as 20.
(Under the How Much Time Will it Take heading).

Under the next heading, it says:

you will form a support group of nine other people

- I think maybe 'form a support group with nine other people' sounds better to me.

I think the price is fine. Possibly low. Also, to encourage people to sign up once you are ready to publicize, a few marketing ideas...

- tell them exactly what they are getting for your money in a line by line format - tell them what it works out for your time.

- Total up that amount, and then tell them if they sign up by a certain date, they are getting XXX off the price - 20%, half off, etc. SOMETHING BIG! And there should always be a sign up BY 'date'. Cause everyone needs a deadline.

- A few days before the deadline, tell people that you only have 2 spots left. :) It signify that you are popular and this is the cool class to be in.

Have fun! Go you!

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JCK link
03/27/2009 22:05

This is fabulous. Go, Andrea! I'm glad you are finally doing this. Charge the same for everyone. I'm happy to help any way I can. Yeah!!

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flutter link
03/27/2009 23:40

You can totally count on me and I would love to take your class. I don't think you should discount, because you need money too, yo!

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Kristina link
03/29/2009 19:07

Andrea, with the freedom you now have sans BC, you're going to freelance your ass off, for high pay. I just know it. You're such a good writer, and your honest perspective and take on life is rare. I plan to start a blog by May, and I'd definitely publicize and exchange linky love. Also, I think your price for freelancing class is more than fair.

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Emily link
03/29/2009 20:29

Andrea, you f#$king rock. I can't believe you're not already doing this! What an awesome opp to be your own boss, and promote the hell out of yourself!

Totally echo what everyone said about price, I was actually surprised by how low it sounded. And trust me, don't start discounting for friends/family. It's your business, treat it as such, and you'll be happier in the long run.

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Just Jiff link
03/30/2009 07:57

Sounds like a great class. It's not within MY budget but that doesn't mean it isn't for other people.

If you discount, don't tell anyone else that you're doing it. My husband has a small business on the side and he'll pass along his savings to family/friends but he doesn't advertise that he does this. He tells them when he gives them the money back in a rebate. They ALWAYS love that. :)

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Kingsmom link
03/30/2009 12:24

What???? No more BabyCenter??

Good thing I know where to find you.

Your class sounds great. Price is good. I agree to keep it the same. I'd totally take it but with all the crap going on right now I'm surprised if I have time to brush my teeth each day. Best of luck.

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Dapoppins link
03/30/2009 15:12

Keep the rates the same for everyone but me.

NO you ninny, seriously, keep the class rates the same, and I don't even know what it is yet because I am commenting without looking at the linkies. Is that like speaking without thinking?

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