Lining Up Work and Thinking Ahead to 2020 - Tips for Health Writers

You may think I'm crazy talking about 2020 when we haven't even got Christmas out the way yet. But hear me out. If you're hoping to run a sustainable writing business, it's crucial that you start thinking ahead to the new year and line up sufficient work.

This is something I'm trying to focus on right now, because if I'm being honest, I'm getting a little worried! 2019 has been a busy year for me, but it seems that my writing clients are already starting to wind down for the year, which means I need to put in more work than ever!

Here's how I'm working on new year opportunities:

• Nurture existing relationships - suggest ideas to existing clients for 2020. I've already lined up my writing schedule for the new year with some of my ongoing writing clients.
• Attend networking events and conferences (I'll be at Food Matters Live and a few Christmas parties for my membership associations).
• Prepare a Christmas email to send out to past and present clients in December - firstly wishing them a Happy Christmas! But also asking if they might require your services in the new year, or whether they can refer you to a colleague/friend who might need you.
• Pitch to magazines for a new year column - I've just successfully gained a column from pitching to the Healthy Food Guide magazine. We kick things off in January!
• Keep posting on Linked In and your social networks - share client testimonials, work completed and business updates.
• Cold pitch...yes, it does work. Think carefully about this one. You want that email/message to get read, so find the right person to contact and prepare a great pitch email. This method has worked for me so many times!
• Connect with people in businesses you'd like to work with (another dietitian/nutritionist, perhaps)? Message them on LinkedIn or take them for coffee. With the goal of getting an introduction to someone who might be able to offer you a role. I'm always connecting with PR, food and nutrition companies and this often leads to work opportunities.
• Be honest with people...I think we all get a little nervy admitting that things are slowing down. I certainly do! But I'll tell all my friends, family and colleagues that I'm looking for more work, as most of my opportunities come via word of mouth.
• Keep looking for freelance job opportunities on Indeed Jobs and Linked In Jobs...there's new stuff every week at the moment.

Do you have any advice to add?