Jason Dickson is a freelance writer out of the Washington, D.C. area. He has over 5 years in the field, with experiences in subjects ranging from law, retail, construction to technology and medicine. He would earn English credits throughout post-secondary school, but never actually major in any professional writing or journalism degrees. The fact of not entailing a degree in related fields wasn’t a hendurous for the freelance writer; he would make a way to create content that sold. He would teach himself how to write interesting professional content for websites. He would get his first break after graduating Full Sail University when he would fail to acquire a position related to his field of study [recording arts]. He would surf online one day and discover a freelance writing position online. He would apply to the opportunity, get the gig, write for the client and merit a payment from the finished content. From that point, he would gain a bit of confidence and would take on many other freelance opportunities. Today, he has written for hundreds of clients and is one of the most unique freelance writers of the 21st century.
He has written for hundreds of websites, blogs, newsletters, and marketing brochures. His copy content has glorified some of the biggest fortune 500 companies in the world: Apple, Ford, Facebook, Google and many, many others. He is the author and editor of the self-help spiritual book, “The 7-Day Solution for Loosening a Spell Knot”. Jason Dickson is currently working on a new book as we speak.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I got started in the writing business unexpectedly. I was looking for a career in recording arts [what I studied at Full Sail University] and an opportunity to write came about and I applied. One thing led to another and here I am. I got inspired to write through my post-secondary school instructors and also my grade-school teachers. They would always tell me that I was a good writer, but I never thought to much of it at the time. I thank them greatly!
How do you make money?
Clients are looking for freelance writers quite frequently. They are cheaper to hire than having an employee sit behind the desk in an office. Less over head and they do not have to deal with all of the paperwork of the hiring process. I reach out to marketing companies that may need a writer for websites or marketing brochures and when they say yes, I write content that sales and they pay.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Well, I started doing freelance writing on the side while working a full time job. I left my job as an outbound marketer, did some telemarketing, but the company I worked with ended up being a scam company, so I gave them the boot. It’s been about a year since I’ve been doing freelance writing full time. I would say half of the year I’ve been profitable as I did have a few setbacks in the beginning stages, but now things seem to be on the positive end for me.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I doubted it would work, yes. I got rejected in my early stages, a lot. But, what kept me going was the clients who did accept me. I knew if some clients are accepting me then I have potential to be a professional continuously. It felt really bad to get rejected, but it is a part of the business, and sometimes clients are just giving you a hard time and you just have to suck it up and write your next piece.
How did you get your first customer?
Well, actually someone like an agent found my first client. I found an opportunity online of a customer looking for a writer, but the advertisement wasn’t from the customer. The agent set me up with the customer and expressed that I was qualified.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Well, I do email marketing. There are so many marketing agencies around the world. What a freelance writer has to do is get their email addresses and send them over a proposal. Send some samples and if they like what you’re selling, they will buy.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Well, I had a huge assignment to complete by a critical deadline and I was running behind. I had to make a decision on how I would speed up the process to avoid any penalties by the client. I decided on a strategy to get the assignment complete on time and so it was done!
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I think what makes me successful is my determination, consistency and willingness to take risks. I left my job and all I have is freelance writing. If this fails, then I fail. Putting yourself in a position like this forces you to be successful.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Well, just the fact that I’m able to take care of many needs in my life through freelance writing creates many valuable satisfying moments for me. But, if I had to think of a most satisfying moment it would probably be the moment I knew that I wasn’t a loser because I could write. That was a very great feeling. I had been one of the least favorites on jobs and I thought I was gonna end up without nothing. That took a turn for the better.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future of my business, I hope, is for others to jump on board with me and expand this business. I’m not too far away from building a space for others to thrive, so be on the lookout for that.
What business books have inspired you?
I think the “Secret” is a great read. It teaches you the importance of positive thinking to create positive occurrences in your life. If you have a negative mind, then your life will follow suit.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I purchased a website. Now, people can search and find me on Google. I’m not too high up on the ranks as of yet, but I’ll get there!
What are some of the positive things you tell yourself to get you motivated as an entrepreneur?
Well, I always tell myself that there is something better. No matter how good of a position that you are in, there is always a place that is better than where you are at. This mindset keeps me going, it keeps me motivated and it keeps me positive.