A guest post from Jennifer Brown Banks
I’d like to go on record, first of all, declaring my fondness for writers.
When I take a mental inventory of all my friends, writers dominate.
Writers rock!
And for good reasons.
Categorically, we’re bright; good conversationalists; we know how to spin a story at a cocktail party; are open-minded, and can share numerous tips and resources on how to stretch a dollar like African rubber.
But, there’s a shortcoming that many of us have, that has been irritating me lately, like shampoo residue in my eye.
Before I share this pet-peeve, please allow me to give a little “back story” for greater clarity and edification here.
Some time ago, while reading a thread on an online discussion board, a fellow-writer expressed difficulty with a blogging issue.
In distress, she sent out an “S.O.S.”
As blogging is my area of expertise, I happily responded.
After she and I communicated via e-mail, I offered to troubleshoot and fix her problem, with a discount.
She declined.
She thought that my services should have been rendered for free.
And they have been.
Numerous times.
Which made me very popular, but kept me poor.
So, here’s a “Public Service Message” that underscores why so many talented writers are not more progressive in their creative careers.
I like to call it Finance-a-phobia, or the fear of spending money on goods and services needed, to enhance and advance writing careers.
Please. Stop. The. Madness.
Other career professionals shell out good money for continuing education classes to stay on top of their game, they buy books related to their industry, seek professional coaching, upgrade their equipment, attend conferences, etc. (from beauticians, to plumbers, to teachers)…
Why not us?
Don’t get me wrong.
I understand that in this uncertain economic climate, many of us are risk-adverse and unwilling to easily part with our hard earned cash.
I can dig it.
Still, there’s great validity to the expression: “You’ve got to spend money to make money.”
Look at your career this year.
Does it show progress?
Promise?
If not, perhaps you should look at where you’re devoting your dollars.
Like other R.O.I. (returns on investment) it could be that you’re coming up short because you’re not investing enough to begin with.
About Jennifer Brown Banks
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, creative strategist, award-winning blogger and columnist. Her publishing credits include: Pro Blogger, Daily Blog Tips, Write to Done, Men With Pens, Writing-World, Tiny Buddha, and other top-tier sites.
She holds a bachelors degree in Business Management.
Banks teaches writers and businesses how to “work smarter, not harder” and increase their bottom line at her “Top 25 Writing Blog” – Pen and Prosper.
