All alone for the crappy jobs
I’ve had some fluctuations in my client base, and I am considering some marketing outreach to keep my name out there. I’ve always had good luck with real letters, hand signed and printed on nice quality recycled paper.
What’s holding me back? The anticipated tedium. Being the only employee at Avenue Z means that I get to do all the crappy jobs by myself. I can’t have an envelope-stuffing party with colleagues and margaritas. I don’t get to meet others in the conference room to stick labels on postcards.
When you’re doing crappy jobs in a group, somehow you can change the dynamics and actually have a great time. In Philly I was part of a group called WUAFOP: Wussies United Against Fear of Publishing. The premise is that writers would get together once a month or so and stuff manuscripts and SASEs in manila envelopes and finally get your fiction into consideration for publication. There would be merriment and alcohol.
When I’m alone, I have to clear off a reasonable amount of desk space and steel myself for 3-5 hours of mind-numbing clerical work. I put off these types of activities almost as much as I put off doing my invoicing.
I helped a friend clean her house the other day. Sure, she could have done it herself. But it’s boring and irritating. When you’re doing things you hate to do and no one is there to keep you on track, it’s always easy to get distracted. Even when I’m running alone sometimes, I just get tired of running. I have been known to simply stop, bored and without motivation to keep pushing. But if I’m running with a friend, we manage to find a way to keep each other motivated.
I’ve got great friends here in San Diego, and if I really needed help, I’m sure people would show up for an envelope-stuffing party. But it’s a little embarrassing to ask, and I know I can do this on my own. But that doesn’t mean I’ll enjoy it.
Anyone need to stuff envelopes on a Saturday afternoon? Maybe we can do it virtually.
Posts
Claire on 07 Jul 2008 at 8:52 am #
I would help you stuff envelopes if I was there. Virtually would work too.
Beth on 07 Jul 2008 at 9:05 am #
I think the virtual session might work… we could talk via Skype and just get some stuff done. Anyone else want to join in? Skype lets you do conferencing.
Rebecca Eberle on 07 Jul 2008 at 12:36 pm #
I won’t help you stuff your envelopes, but I’m all for hanging out together to stuff my own envelopes with you while you stuff your envelopes. Add a vodka soda and I’m SOLD!
Bryan on 07 Jul 2008 at 12:41 pm #
Try putting on an audio book that you always wanted to read, but now have time to hear.
von on 07 Jul 2008 at 5:27 pm #
why not get the girl who you helped move to help YOU? makes sense
http://socialitedreams.wordpress.com/
Erin on 07 Jul 2008 at 9:37 pm #
You know I would stuff for you
I use you to listen to my problems and you can use me to stuff stuff 
steph on 08 Jul 2008 at 5:27 am #
I’d help you stuff were I there. And I’m amazed you’ve had good luck with this kind of thing: of all the letters I’ve sent out, I’ve received only one response! And I’ve sent MANY! Perhaps I’m saying the wrong thing. What are you writing?
Beth on 08 Jul 2008 at 1:05 pm #
Bec, I’d gladly add the vodka!
Bryan, I really didn’t think of that. I learned to appreciate listening to books, etc, when I was in the Peace Corps and listened to the BBC all day. Great idea.
Von, my friend would definitely help if I asked, but, again, it’s a little embarrassing.
Erin… I’ve always got an ear for you.
Steph, I serve a pretty specialized market, and I’ve had great luck with letters. Want a sample? Just let me know.