Thursday, April 7, 2011

Fortuitousness and Don't Burn Bridges

As a freelance writer, you never know where your next lead for a great article or story may originate. Perhaps a career-changing project is just around the corner. But the thing is, from where or whom will it come?

It can seem fortuitous when an old acquaintance, peer or former client contacts you with an idea or a connection to a source unknown to yourself, but it takes more than good luck to bring such opportunities your way.

First, of course, it requires writing skill on your part that others would keep you in mind down the road. It also requires the building of successful relationships, both personal and professional. If you have this combination of skills and abilities, you can seem quite fortuitous to others--but you are really reaping the benefits of the seeds you've sown in the past.

This is one reason not to burn bridges along the way with an ill-thought phrase or poor timing in response to others. I'm not suggesting you pander to others, or be anyone but your authentic self. I am saying that thoughtfulness and the adage, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all," should be kept in mind at all times.

As you know, anything written and available on the Internet is available the world over and never really "dies." Thoughts and feelings of frustration or rejection sometimes fly too quickly from our minds to our finger tips. Proceed with caution. If you heed this warning, I believe your freelance career will have its share of fortuitous moments.

2 comments:

  1. Excellent! You never know where your next opportunity might come from.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You offer really good advice in these posts. Thanks for sharing what you have learned along the writing way.

    ReplyDelete