This is a truncated version of the EFA Chicagoland Chapter News. If you would like to read the full e-newsletter, visit the archive, where you can also subscribe to have it delivered to your inbox monthly.

MIND CANDY

• Vax Perks. From a $10 million lottery for vaccinated residents to tickets to Lollapalooza and at-home shots, Illinois and Chicago are ramping up efforts to get to herd immunity.
• Online Networking. Virtual networking is here to stay. It’s convenient, cost effective, and doesn’t involve a commute (or real pants). That’s not to say it isn’t still awkward. The Mighty Marketer offers six tips for better online networking. Freelancers Union’s Sarah Duran reminds us of the importance of building personal connections. And in case the conversation stalls, Maryn Liles offers a list of 170 hypothetical questions.
• Small Biz Videos. The Shasta-Cascade Small Business Development Center of Redding, Calif., offers free webinars and guidance for small businesses, much of which is relevant to EFAers. From videos on digital marketing to financial management and business plans, you can sign up to real-time events via their Eventbrite page or find the recordings on their YouTube Channel.

FREELANCE NEWS

Highest-Earning Side Gigs

Proofreading and editing came in third on a list of high-earning gigs, according to an analysis Canva performed “to help freelancers make the most of their side hustles on Fiverr.” The report also found that part-time freelancers in proofreading and editing had earned a total of $341,945 as of March, ranking it second in top earnings for the period.

Selling Your Freelance Self

It’s probably been a good year since most of us have been asked that oh-so-American question: “So, what do you do?” Though written for writers, Evan Jensen’s four-step process on creating an elevator pitch applies just as much to any freelancer. You can then put that pitch to use on your landing page or via email marketing. If you feel your branding is weak, IttyBiz[AS1]  shows us the importance of three words in building a strong brand. And if you’re a little overwhelmed by it all, “The Editing Podcast” offers advice on beating the freelance marketing blues.

PODCASTS TO PONDER

By Amy Spungen

In addition to the podcast episode mentioned above, several others are worth a listen this month:

• “Deliberate Freelancer” celebrates its 100th episode by discussing “Lessons from a Pandemic Year” with Jennifer Goforth Gregory.
• “The Writers’ Co-op” asks author Cait Flanders, “Can you publish a book as a freelancer and still make a living?”
• “Being Freelance” offers advice on building a personal brand in this interview with freelance copywriter John Espirian.

CALENDAR

For media- and publishing-related conferences, webinars, and other events of interest to self-employed editorial freelancers, see the Media Types Omnicalendar.