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an insider with the same interests who just happens to have a skill in writing. The real benefit is that you will be privy to breaking information in your field of expertise. You'll be there when many great ideas are createdideas you can take to the bank.

Look beyond organizations that relate only to your specialties. Your local Chamber of Commerce is a must do, but think beyond that. Civic organizations (Moose, Kiwanis, etc.) and school organizations will always be a good way to improve your business, your community and your spirit. I've written many articles aimed at teaching entrepreneurs how to market on the cheap. One main principle is to become part of the community in which you live. At one point I wrote and edited a newsletter for a local police organization. I edited and scanned work to create a literary magazine for my daughter's elementary school class. I did it because this is how I live my life naturally. I would have done this sort of thing because writing is the best asset I can contribute to my community groups. That these efforts may help my business is a great plus.

SELL, SELL, SELL. Most writers hate the idea of becoming salesmen. If you can't sell your work, however, how will you survive and pay the bills? This is a must-do proposition. When I first started out, I was rejected often. My record was three rejection letters in one mail delivery. I say that glibly now, but I was despondent then. Worse, rejections put me into a very unproductive funk. When I opened that all-too-thin envelope from a publisher, I would mutter to myself, walk out of my office, and put on the stereo or TV. Then a funny thing happened: I gave birth.

At some point, I realized I would have a child care bill to pay. It was a crushing weight-and a blessing. I would panic with each rejection. I didn't have the luxury of listening to my stereo for the afternoon. Instead, I set up a mind game with myself. Each time I got a rejection, I put a tough plan into place. For every rejection I received, I had to get two more query letters out that day.

In terms of a real learning experience, I think this has been the single most effective lesson I've every learned in my career. This wasn't just a mind game after all. It was a marketing effort in disguise. In the end, I was doubling my marketing efforts. And that means sales. I started to sell a lot of ideas. I've played with many variations of that mind game over the years to keep myself going. Each time, I've had the same result.

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