Good Business Moments

[dahmnait]

I started my business because I love to write. Some may consider me perverse, but I get enjoyment out of a well-executed business or technical document. It is just a guess mind you, but I have a feeling that many of you feel the same. I know this isn't a very active forum, but I would love to have a place to make comments about the good experiences I have doing what I love. I want to hear other people's experience. I want to know those little moments everyone has that just makes the whole thing worthwhile. Besides, it would make a great thread for those thinking of getting into the business.

And to demonstrate that this is completely selfish, my client had a meeting today to review the work I have completed and to prioritize current projects. I received an email with new work requests, and this little tidbit: "The comment at the meeting was that 'there is enough work to keep her employed for a very long time'." I'm sure I don't have to tell you how good that made me feel.

[dahmnait]

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Hi Tammy,
I enjoy putting together a good business document too. Here's one of my moments:

A company I work for has a business process they are required to do quarterly. The process had never been documented. It was in the heads of the people that did the work. Every quarter, the company would struggle with the tasks and waste time (typically working to midnight for a whole week), because they couldn't remember how they did everything from the previous quarters.

I decided that the quarterly process needed to be documented and I created a procedure manual for their entire process, including process flow charts and a reference section of how to use the software they used as part of the process. The procedure manual has had a major impact and is saving the company money. Now, they cruise through the procedures , no longer have to work to midnight, and get their work done on time. The manual has also become a training tool for new employees. It might seem obvious that they needed to document their process, but they had been working this way for a number of years.

I got some nice comments from my work, but here's one quote I liked:

"I feel like the smartest person in the world! Your instructions are excellent and I was finally able to do this myself. "

[dahmnait]

.This morning I finished editing some documentation for a company that makes software that is used in the pharmaceutical industry.

I think what felt great was having the repeat business. It's my second time working with this particular company. But also, the writer whose work I edited is someone who I used to manage when I was a doc manager at a software company a few years back. It feels great that he appreciates my contributions to his work over the years. He's a good writer, too. This is the third company I've worked with him at, and it's as nice as getting the check.

By the way, Tammy, what a great idea for a thread.

[dahmnait]

.Although I've been a copywriter for some time, I can still remember the day when, out of the blue after at least 9 months, one of my first clients called me. I can still remember it because he wanted to know if I was still writing and had a big job for me doing some white papers.

That was my first taste of repeat business from a happy client. Since then I've gotten more business than I can handle from him and from other repeat clients. When you can spend a year working and making good money then suddenly realize you didn't have to life a finger to do any marketing, it's a great feeling.

I'm sure you'll have a similar experience very soon.

[dahmnait]

.I'm just getting started with a serious effort at copywriting (I've done press releases and small stuff here and there, but never actually focused on business and copywriting). It's good to read these stories.

I'm trying to build up a list of clients, and I find that it is difficult. I'm not spending 40 hours a week on it, so maybe my plight is typical for a part timer.
Thanks for the encouraging stories!

Laura

[dahmnait]

.I think this is a great thread. Very positive. I would like to share something nice that happened to me today.

Each month, I write profiles of businesses for a local shopper. Today, I called one of my interviewees to follow up because he hasn't approved the story yet. He literally shouted into the phone, "Wow, you are a GREAT writer!"

Obviously, that left a smile on my face for the rest of the day!

[dahmnait]

These are great stories guys. Keep them coming.

[dahmnait]

So where have all the good times gone? ;) There have to be some more stories out there.

I don't really have anything to add at the moment. I am finally seeing more black than red in my checkbook, a definite plus. The business still takes up most of my time, which is why I haven't been on lately. I am appreciated by my clients, and for now that is enough. (Ok, the checks don't hurt either.)

[nessa2shoes]

Great thread, guys! I love writing a good business report too! Most of my stuff is in the area of qualitative market research, and at times, I'll be working on a project that required 60+ reports of around 2,500 words each. The biggest kick I get is bringing all the relevant business issues together at the end, and finishing off with a well-executed summary. Bliss!

Are most of you guys freelancing, or employed by specific businesses?

Regards, Ness