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The Cash is in the Class
(Build a workshop and build your bank account!)
By Jennifer Brown Banks
As a writer, you may not envision yourself as a teacher. I didn’t
either until a divorce and corporate downsizing demanded I find
new ways to earn a buck and build my writing business.
An introvert by nature, I doubted I had the proper background
knowledge or personality to pursue it. I only knew I enjoyed
helping people, and I had a diverse background from which to
draw. Then one day I had an epiphany!
As a banker for 14 years, I had always been involved in some form
of corporate training. For many years I provided procedural
instruction to new and under performing employees on everything
from researching customer complaints, to efficiency measures,
to operating equipment. Not to mention, my friend Helen had
suggested it as a career option many years earlier.
So I convinced myself that I should at least give it a try.
And boy am I glad I did! Thousands of dollars, and many
students later, I’m glad I took the plunge.
And you should too! Here’s why:
· You can work smarter, not harder-- Many times a workshop
or class can be developed from an existing article. A good
example would be my current workshop on writing for
anthologies. The idea was born from an article I actually
created years before. I simply added some visual aids,
expanded the content, and added a few interactive activities.
· Teaching a class allows for much quicker pay--There’s no
waiting for “upon publication” payments, or other invoicing
hassles.
· You can build relationships that lead to future business---
Many of my workshop students have later signed up for other
services like proofing, editing and creative consultation.
· You have various options---You can present your own
workshops by renting a space of your own, offer them at a
local arts facility or community college, or even teach
courses online.
· You can write your own check--- Unlike writing for
publications that pay a per word rate, you can dictate your
own terms and fees.
· You get immediate feedback and gratification.
· We live in the information age---Which means that
people’s desire to know affords the opportunity for
today’s writers and teachers to be in great demand!
· You can provide/sell additional creative products to
people who sign up for your classes.
HERE’S HOW TO ENSURE WORKSHOP SUCCESS:
· Take a skills inventory. What do you do better than
the average Joe? Of these things, which talents are
marketable? A good start would be hobbies or areas in
which you have extensive background knowledge.
· Prepare sufficiently in advance. Remember that you
never get a second chance to make a first impression!
· Keep workshop expenses to a minimum. You can purchase
great items at Dollar stores, or thrift shops. The less
you spend, the greater your return!
· Always carry extra materials and supplies.
· Make sure to provide your students with “take-away” value.
What have you taught them that they can capitalize on right
away? Have you helped them to work more efficiently?
Research better? Save time or money? These are things to
consider.
Most of all, Remember to have fun and be creative. And you
will quickly discover that the cash is in the class!
BIO
JENNIFER BROWN BANKS is a veteran freelance writer, columnist
and instructor. Her work has appeared in 9 popular anthologies,
and numerous print and online publications. She currently serves
on the Steering Committee of the Chicago Writers Association.
You can reach her at <jenniferwriter@yahoo.com>
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