Jillian Tessman, business writer
According to GuideStar, there are over 17,000 non-profits in Los Angeles alone. Most of these organizations are in need of writing services for marketing purposes, campaigns, events, and any host of communication pieces. Working with a non-profit is a great way to build your portfolio while finding a sense of satisfaction in the work we do as writers.
Jillian Tessman, an aspiring business writer and entrepreneur in Los Angeles, has found great inspiration working with local theater companies.
"I like the excitement and drive that people have working at a non-profit," says Tessman. "Everyone from the person stuffing envelopes to the executive director has a passion and a drive that you don't see in other working situations because they know they have to make a difference."
There are a couple of key points to consider when working with a non-profit:
- Find a group whose mission is near and dear to your heart. You will be that much more enthused and inspired knowing that you are helping a cause that is important to you.
- Keep in mind that budgets are often less than what for-profit businesses can pay, and consider offering a discounted non-profit rate.
- Volunteer with the group to really get to know who they are, the community they serve, and the need or void they fill.
In addition to creating a sense of satisfaction for yourself, the non-profits also benefit by having services of independent contractors available to them. Many non-profits, particularly the smaller ones, do not have budgets for marketing staff, but they may be able to afford one-off or sporatic costs of an independent contractor. Without the overhead or the cost of a staff person, non-profits get the work done that they need at a price that fits into their budgets. These reasons were also cited in a recent article about freelancers working in a down economy.
Ultimately, working with a non-profit can be a win-win for everyone involved. Jillian's passion is theater, and working with theater groups not only instilled a sense of excitement in her projects, but also took her in directions she did not expect to go.
Comments