J.D.R. Hawkins

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Archive for the tag “business”

10 Aug 2023

Guest Post by Andre Griffin

The Art of Curating a Stellar Writer’s Portfolio


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The US has birthed countless creative talents, from Edgar Allen Poe to John Grisham. With the country’s literary heritage so rich, it’s clear the passion for storytelling runs deep. If you’re an aspiring writer aiming to add your narrative to this illustrious lineage, understanding how to get your work noticed is critical. This article, courtesy of author J.D.R. Hawkins, offers insight into strategies that can help you amplify your voice, secure an audience, and enhance your chances of making a living from your craft.

Securing Patronage for Your Literary Endeavours

Just as famous authors and poets, today’s writers might need to find their own champions. Harvard Business School notes that this begins by seeking potential investors who align with your vision and creative goals. Whether it’s securing a traditional publishing contract, pitching for grant funding, or leveraging the power of crowdfunding platforms, building a compelling case for your work is the key.

Creating a Compelling Portfolio

Just as artists have galleries, Authory points out that writers too must curate an engaging portfolio to show the world their unique voice and literary prowess. This portfolio may include excerpts from your works, samples of your writing style, and brief synopsis of your works-in-progress. Demonstrating a range of styles and ideas not only attracts potential investors but also builds your reputation with your audience.

Seek Opportunities to Showcase Your Work

Visibility is a crucial part of getting your work on the map. Besides traditional bookshops and libraries, consider digital platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and online literary journals to share your work. Utilize the power of self-publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Smashwords. Don’t forget literary contests either; they offer the chance to win not just prizes but much-coveted recognition and readership.

Crafting a Personalized Website

In the digital era, a strong online presence is no longer optional. Creating your personal website is like building your online “home.” It’s a place to showcase your portfolio, share your writer’s journey, and connect with readers and potential collaborators. Make sure your site is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and representative of your personal brand as a writer.

Partner with Fellow Creatives

Harnessing the power of collaboration can significantly bolster a writer’s creative journey, opening up fresh paths of inspiration and broader exposure. Tactics such as guest blogging, co-authoring a novel, or organizing joint events can provide a mutually beneficial platform to expand your reach and generate innovative ideas. By pooling resources and audiences with other creatives, you’ll enrich your creative influence, carving out a stronger position in the literary landscape.

Amplify Your Online Presence

Embrace the digital world to extend your reach beyond geographic boundaries. Blog about your writing process, share snippets of your work on social media, or start an email newsletter. These digital marketing strategies not only help attract potential readers from around the world but also help build a community around your work.

Harness the Power of Local Literary Festivals

Engaging in local literary festivals and events offers a unique opportunity to connect with an audience that includes avid readers, industry insiders, and peers in writing. High-profile gatherings like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Library of Congress National Book Festival serve as significant platforms where you can learn, network, and even generate sales for your books. By making the most of these occasions, you can elevate your profile in the literary community and advance your career.

Digitize Your Literary Business

Digital organization is a less glamorous but crucial aspect of running a professional writing business. It involves turning essential paperwork like contracts and copyright forms into digital records, enhancing both accessibility and protection for your work. When it comes to drawing up terms and contracts for clients who commission work from you, you can use a tool that allows you to sign and fill out PDF forms online so your clients can sign documents without having to print anything out. As you look for an easy-to-use tool, you should check this out. The signed PDF helps to streamline your records and ensure quick and easy access.
While you’re weaving words and creating memorable narratives, remember to take time to strategize and market yourself. After all, your stories deserve to be read, and with the right steps, you can make that happen. Your masterpiece could be the next on the map!

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25 Jan 2022

Guest Post by Suzie Wilson

Read more informative articles on the J.D.R. Hawkins blog today!

Launch a Business and Move to a New Home All at Once

Many people dream of launching a business. This is especially true of veterans; in fact, JPMorgan Chase notes that 25 percent of veterans would love to set up their own businesses. Of course, many people will likely start a business out of their homes. The issue is, if their current house doesn’t have enough space for working and living, that dream can’t become a reality. Luckily, by handling the process correctly, it’s possible to launch a business and move to a new home all at once.

Here’s how, presented by J.D.R. Hawkins.

A Cost-Effective Strategy for Buying a House While Launching a Business

Both starting a business and moving can be expensive. If you need to buy a new home to make your professional dreams a reality, finding a cost-effective approach is a must.

In some cases, buying an existing home can work. However, home values have risen by 15.0 percent year-over-year according to the National Association of Realtors, and projections say they’ll keep climbing.

One option is to keep the cost down by buying a home as-is. By not asking the seller to handle repairs, they may offer a better deal. Just make sure to consult with a lawyer, get a buyer’s inspection, and research land records to ensure there aren’t any issues.

Another option could be to get a custom-built home. With that, you can get a house that meets any unique business needs. Plus, you could make economic choices about layouts and finishes, ensuring you can keep the cost down.

Before doing anything, however, make sure the area you’re moving to suits your needs — especially if you’re moving to another city. For example, if you’re moving to Denver, look into Denver apartments in the neighborhood you’re interested in. This way, you can check out the neighborhood and what it has to offer before making that long-term commitment.

Coordinating a Move Without Breaking the Bank or Derailing Your Company Launch

If you’re starting your company and moving at the same time, careful coordination is a must. Here’s what you need to consider.

Launching Your Business

Many of the steps to officially start your business require little more than a computer or mobile device. You can choose a business structure by doing some research. You can request a federal EIN (and state tax ID, if you need one) online. Similarly, preparing to register your business is mainly computer-based.

Since those activities don’t require much physical space, handling them while you pack up your home and head to your new house is doable. Just make sure to save digital copies of any paperwork and back them up to an external hard drive for safekeeping.

Handling the Move

When it comes to the move, you can schedule most of what you need in advance. Reserving a DIY moving truck online is fairly simple. Just make sure that you compare shops to get the best deal.

Additionally, look for low-cost options for supplies. Find places to get free boxes. Buy packing tape in multi-roll packs to save some cash. Buy thick tip, multi-colored markers for labeling boxes at a dollar store.

If you’re using a full-service mover, you’ll need to gather quotes from several area companies. That way, you can pick one that offers you the best deal.

While full-service movers are more expensive than using the DIY approach, they’ll manage everything. From packing supplies to furniture disassembly/reassembly to recycling the packing materials at the end, they’ll handle it.

Overall, the average cost of a move is about $1,500. However, if you’re using a full-service company and it’s a long-distance move, the price could come out to $10,000 or more.

Take some time to think about your budget and workload preferences. If you want to focus on your business, a full-service move could be a better fit. If you want to save money and don’t mind handling the work, then DIY could be the right choice.

Image via Pexels

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