The Word Wrangler

I found this interesting rule of thumb on Rules of Thumb.org.

One personal call to a newspaper reporter is worth 20 news releases to newspapers. Terry Larimore, writer and therapist, Houston, Texas

So what’s it got to do with cold calling and marketing yourself? Simply this: Making personal contact with someone in a position to hire you for a job is many times more effective than just sending them an information package or an e-mail.

I’ve worked in the newspaper industry and can tell you that press releases and e-mails to the editor often get brushed aside. However when someone calls in with a good story, the chances of a reporter acting on it, and it getting published are pretty good.

That’s why it’s vital for you in your freelance career to strive to make as many personal contacts as you can.