Back in
days when I supervised customer service employees, I developed a standard (albeit somewhat corny) reply whenever anyone on my staff came to me with a problem."There are no 'problems' in Customer Service," I'd tell them, tongue planted firmly in cheek, "only challenges and opportunities for growth!"
Eventually, my staff began to join me in my quest to eliminate negative-sounding "p-word" (problem) from our collective vocabulary-- perhaps so they wouldn't have to listen to my canned response. "I have a challenge for you," they'd say instead, or "Could you help me with this dilemma?"
But fact is, just as a rose by any other names smells as sweet, a p-p-p-problem (see? I *still* have trouble saying it!) requires a solution, no matter what you call it. And talented writers who can help businesses and individuals solve a "p-word"--or several of them-- will seldom lack for clients and assignments.
What kinds of "p-words" do your potential customers face?
· Work overload: A small advertising or PR agency suddenly gets swamped with more work that they can handle. The head of a company's communications department wishes she could have a few reliable freelancers to call on when her staff is on vacation or disability. The president of another company needs to give a speech at a convention next week, and doesn't have a clue as to when he'll find time to write it. Especially during times when organizations are downsizing, overworked people could certainly use helping hands of freelancers to help them solve their particular "p-words."
· A limited advertising budget: Many new businesses simply can't afford to hire an agency to handle their advertising and publicity needs, but they need to get their names and products out to public nevertheless. Freelance writers provide a cost-effective alternative to full-fledged agencies. Some of services you can provide include press releases, fliers and brochures, email marketing services and newspaper print ads.
