I recently came across an opportunity to partner with a writing site that I respect very much. This person has been freelancing for years and put out a call for help. I didn’t view it as a partnership at first, I saw it as a freelancing work opportunity. As I delved into it a little deeper it occurred to me that even though they would be feeding me and directing the work, it was in reality a partnership.
I think that the success of these types of arrangements boils down to one thing: Attitude. I could look at this strictly as a chance to make some money (the folks over at VISA love it when I do that) or I could look at it from a broader perspective.
It’s all about ME!
It’s rather unfortunate but I do believe a lot of freelance writers out there approach possible work projects from that angle. Hey, if you’re in this for short term gains then have at it. Maybe you’ll make a bit of cash but if you ignore partnering opportunities then you are working an isolationist strategy and in this highly competitive (and social) world in which we operate, you will burn bridges and relationships and ultimately you will be alone. Remember, “No man is an island”.
But I digress
Partnering is a pretty broad based concept when it comes to writing. There was recently an offering from CopyBlogger who partnered up with Partnering Profits. There were audio conferences and an opportunity to subscribe to the program. It was interesting to listen to the audio casts and there were valuable lessons about partnering. This program is more from a business standpoint but I would argue that any writing partnership is to some extent a business venture.
Writing partnership types
The types of writing partnerships are only limited by your imagination. Here’s a few:
- Reciprocal guest posting – Short and sweet, but a partnership none the less.
- Contributing authorship – Becoming a contributor to a site that you do not own.
- Client content provider – writing content for a client’s site makes you a partner with that client. If you do a great job, their site grows as will your partnering relationship with that client.
- Ghost writing – The client has the idea and story, you have the ability to put it on paper.
- Writing collaboration – For example a single topic article is co-written with each author researching and contributing specific parts.
It’s not always easy
Writing partnerships have a few pitfalls:
- If you’ve not worked with this person or group previously you never really know what you are getting yourself into.
- You have to remain ultra-flexible
- You have to be willing to give up some of the control over your writing.
- You have to be strong enough to voice your opinion when you think something needs changed.
- You need the tact to do that gracefully.
- You need the courage to be able to bail when things aren’t working.
Finally
Think about the type of writing you do and identify anything that is truly a partnership and approach the project and tasks from that perspective. Buy into the project.
So my question for you is: Have you had any partnering experiences? How did they turn out? What did you learn?
I don’t know that what I do is a true partnership, but I have several friends that are wonderful writers that give me guest posts to publish. They aren’t interested in maintaining their own blogs but would like some exposure and a venue for their writing. I benefit from the extra traffic they bring and enjoy getting to show them off, so right now it’s win-win.
It is extremely flexible and works for all of us, although I’m not sure how we’ll work it when/if real money starts rolling in (and you have to know for me anything over 3 figures profit a month is real money!). We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Tracy´s last blog post..Playing by the Rules
You make really good points here, George. I have guest posted for other blogs and some have guest posted for me, too. I guess that’s as far as the “partnership” angle goes in my writing life. However, there is something in the works (there’ll be a contract) where I’ll be writing for someone else’s site and they’ll be doing some design work for me in exchange. I am always definitely open to opportunities like this. The designer (who is very talented!) will get a writer they know and trust and I’m also very easy to work with and they know that as well. On my end, I’ll be getting stuff done to my sites that would otherwise cost a good penny – and makes me go ARGH ’cause design isn’t my passion. I believe it’ll work out great for the both of us, especially once we fall into our routines.
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..How to Earn Passive Income at eHow.com: Residual Income for Web Content Writers by WriterGig eBook Review
I haven’t guest blog posted yet but you have given me great inspiration and fantastic ideas. Thank you George I appreciate that
Debo Hobo´s last blog post..Are You Blogging With Passion?
@Tracy; I think it’s in the same vein. The right spirit and attitude is key, and from what I’ve seen, you are right where you need to be.
@Michele: Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Your relationship with the designer is exactly what I’m talking about. I’m certain it will be wonderful!
@Debo Hobo: Guest blogging has a ton of advantages. If you are ever interested, I’d be glad to have you.
Cheers
George
You’re most welcome, George! I think it’ll be a fantabulous experience, too. (Oh, and I know “fantabulous” isn’t really a word but it’s SO FUN to say/write!)
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..How to Earn Passive Income at eHow.com: Residual Income for Web Content Writers by WriterGig eBook Review
Hi George,
Great ideas, sometimes writers need to be reined in a tad, he he. The only partnering I have involved in is guest blogging. That was fun and I look forward to doing that again. Unless you count in the 6-12th grades my brother’s friends all paid me to write their essays??
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..Do You Think Blogging Is Becoming Over Saturated?
It’s all about chemistry. When it’s right, the sky’s the limit. A client of mine. my illustrator, and I teamed up on a cartoon series that’s been quite successful – and fun. Guest blogging exchanges have been fun for me and very effective in building traffic to the blogs of all involved. I’m looking forward to our Scrambled Toast project – who knows where that will lead?
Brad Shorr´s last blog post..Today Is Cell Abuse Blog Contest Deadline
I had done a few guest posts and I have had people guest post on my own blog. I always enjoy those experiences.
Once again this is a terrific article. Thank You.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Friday Funnies: A WOMAN’S PERFECT BREAKFAST
@Dee: Ok, so did they all get “A”s? Just curious and you know you can guest here any time your lil ‘ol heart desires!
@Brad: Absolutely chemistry is the key. I would encourage folks to listen to what their gut tells them and follow their instinct. And if you follow instinct on Twitter, all the better
I’m also very excited about Scrambled Toast. I think there is something special there.
@Meleah Rebeccah: Guest posts do rock. I’d love to have you here if you’d be interested. Let me know.
Cheers!
George
My brother’s cute friend always got an “A”, the other boys, not so much.
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..Is Debt Consolidation Part of Your Economic Forecast?
Never thought of this before, very mind opening. Well done George!
100kjob´s last blog post..DoFollow Is Back – Get Yourself Some Link Juice
@Dee: Oh, that’s TOO funny. And a little scary…
@100K: Hey stumble buddy. I’m glad it worked for you. Hope all is well, I think I’ll swing by and have a look!
No Blog or business can work in isolation, partnerships are an essentail mix of any business. The partnerships would depend on the goal or the model of the business.
Which reminds me that I need to look at potentail partnerships if I need to expand my traffic or blog visibility
ZK@Internet Marketing Blog´s last blog post..Is free blogging platform recommended?
Webtrafficroi:
Good to see you here. Yeah, I’ve found partnerships to be one of the most beneficial things I’m doing…
Cheers
George
I’m considering a partnership with someone in the UK who does the same type of freelance work that I do. We already refer work to each other when one of us is too busy and we’ve been thinking that we could cover a lot of timezones with a partnership
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..How to Get Freelance Work with Twitter
Hi KW,
First, let me say congrats on last minute goal
I think what you mention is exactly what I’m talking about in terms of partnering and the benefits to the parties involved.
I hope your UK venture works out for you!
George
Is it just me or is this comment box so dark that you can’t read any comments? It’s gotta be me.
Hi Meryl.
Rut-ro. Are you an IE user? Sometimes that’s an issue here. I’m in FF and I can see the comment just fine.
Do me a favor and let me know so that I can try and fix…
Oh, and thanks for stopping by!
Cheers
George
There. That’s better. I’m using FF all the way! When I clicked link from email (subscribed to comments), it worked. But when I clicked comment count — it opened box and was very dark (like background).
Meryl K. Evans´s last blog post..Hey! Clean up Your Email Box!