When you’re consistently at full capacity, it can make sense to hire a junior writer to free up some of your time.
This solution is the most common path writers consider when they get crazy-busy.
It’s also one of the most difficult ones to pursue. But when done right, it can pay off in a big way.
Over the years, I’ve hired writers to work on a wide variety of projects. I’ve also worked with many of my coaching clients to expand their teams with junior writers.
In today’s article, I’ll distill what I’ve learned about deploying this strategy.
Tip #1: Start Small. This isn’t something you want to jump into with both feet—at least not at first. It’s better to make mistakes with little things than to make mistakes with a big project for your best client.
A great place to start is by having them write your own stuff, such as articles for your newsletter, a few blog posts for your own blog, a guest article for an industry publication, or some social media posts.
Tip #2: Match the Right Skills to the Right Projects. Don’t assume that every writer can successfully tackle every type of project. Someone with experience in one area may not be the best fit for every assignment in that category.
Learn what a writer’s strengths and weaknesses are and figure out where you can best leverage them.
Tip #3: Pick ONE Client to Focus on. Once your writer is ready to work with a client, have them focus on one client at a time. Pick a client that’s giving you steady work and use them for training your writer. (Meanwhile, you stay involved to make sure you’re still delivering work that’s beyond reproach.)
This will enable them to learn the ropes and become more self-reliant over time. If the client is giving you steady work in multiple areas, assign your writer to just one of those areas at a time.
Tip #4: Document Your Processes. Document your process as you go along through documents, templates and/or videos. These will make onboarding new writers a whole lot easier.
You can also assign this task to your junior writer in some cases! After all, they’re the ones following the processes you’ve developed.
Tip #5: Pick Writers with the Right Motivation. Generally, it’s best to hire writers who aren’t trying to grow their own businesses with their own direct clients.
You want to support their success, of course. But look for writers who define success by other factors, such as time with their family or other priorities. They don’t have the time, motivation, resources or energy to land their own direct clients, so they’re more than happy to help you out with yours.
This “motivation factor” is absolutely key. You don’t want to hire writers who only want to use you as a stepping stone into a different situation.
So make your choice based on skill AND motivation. You’re going to invest a lot of time, energy and money training these folks. You want to make sure they’re going to be with you for the long haul.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Grab a free copy of my book.
It’s called Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. The title says it all. 😉 — Click Here
2. Join my implementation program and be a case study.
I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’re earning $5k+/month (or the part-time equivalent) from your freelance business … and you’d like to grow your income quickly with better clients … just email me at [email protected]
3. Work with me privately.
If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Just email me at [email protected] and put “Breakthrough” in the subject line, and I’ll get back to you with more details.
