Summer 2020, Volume II, Issue 3
|
|
Launching Your Own Gig
with Emily Esterson,
E-Squared Editorial Services
|
|
AHP continues to hold regular educational eGatherings as a way for members to network and learn from each other in the virtual space we've all become accustomed to in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June, Emily Esterson, owner of E-Squared Editorial Services, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted an e-gathering focused on starting a freelance business. Before starting her full-service, custom publishing business in 2008, Esterson spent more than 30 years working in publishing as a writer and editor for a local newspaper, and national business-to-business and equine publications.
"When I left [my full-time job], I did not leave the newspaper until I had a part-time gig," she says. "I knew I was going to freelance, but I wasn't in a financial position to cut the strings and wing it. So I got a part-time position with an internet startup [business] and that paid me a stipend every month, and I was able to build my freelance business from that."
Some of the keys to success Esterson offered in the AHP eGathering follow.
Start a personal platform. As a freelancer, you want to develop your following and there's no better way than creating or updating your personal and/or business platforms. This could mean building or updating your website, starting a monthly blog, or ramping up your social media presence.
Insure your business. "A lot of bigger contracts include a clause saying you must have business insurance, and so you need to get that pretty quickly," Esterson advises, adding that she had her agent include riders specific to her media business such as copyright infringement.
Hire an attorney. "Don't skimp on legal fees," Esterson notes. She suggests getting an attorney who specializes in contracts pertaining to media or your business, and have them read every contract before you sign it.
Decide how much your time is worth. Esterson suggests logging everything you do and how long it takes to determine an hourly rate for a project, and research what other professionals working in a similar field are charging. Today, Esterson rarely estimates a job by an hourly rate; instead, she bases her bids on the entire project and up-charges for deviations from the negotiated fee and process.
Find a business coach. "I'm addicted to business therapy," Esterson says. Throughout the process of starting her business, Esterson had several business coaches The first coaching she received was mandatory through her business loan program. Through her membership to the U.S. Small Business Administration, she was assigned to two volunteer mentors through the non-profit SCORE Association for free. As her business expanded, she hired a business coach she met with monthly to set goals, analyze financial records and best practices, and define the scope of her business. She also participates in local business, leadership and writing organizations.
"There are a lot of business coaches out there," Esterson explains. "Make sure you feel a connection and they understand your business."
For more helpful tips, watch this eGathering and others by clicking the button below. If you'd like to host an AHP eGathering or have a topic you'd like to see discussed, contact Judy Lincoln.
|
|
AHP Reaches Out
AHP recognizes that it's a difficult time in equine media with events being canceled, budgets being cut, companies laying off staff, employees working at home, and establishing new routines and protocol. That's why AHP developed the #AHPCares section of the website to stay connected with our family of members as they navigate changing times and new career directions.
If you or an AHP member co-worker has been laid off or lost work due to the pandemic, check out the catalog of helpful resources gathered to help you cope and get you on your feet again.
Links include:
|
Scam Alert!
During uncertain times, when people are the most vulnerable, fraud and scams rise. Before you apply or accept an online job offer or random, unsolicited freelance assignment, be diligent in fact-checking and verifying the credibility of sources and companies.
AHP Board Member Katie Navarra is one of several freelance writers who was recently targeted by a person claiming to be an academic consultant with a speech impediment.
"The email subject was "Writing project-I need your expertise," says Navarra. "In the email the sender asked, 'Can you write an article on social media for an upcoming workshop? The article is to be given as a handbook to the attendees of the workshop. I have a title for the article and have drafted an outline to guide you. Please get back to me for more information. Stay safe."
After getting the details on the assignment and settling on payment, Navarra received payment not only for the assignment, but also "the next phase of this project." After depositing the check, which turned out to be fraudulent, Navarra was notified that the "sponsor" had decided to cancel half the project and to get a money order and return payment to a random address, which she did not do.
The 'red flags' are seemingly apparent now, but some legitimate business deals have followed similar paths. Before working in media, Navarra worked in the construction industry and things were not always straight-forward. The request for a money-order was the give-away.
With assistance from AHP member and attorney Milt Toby, Navarra made it through the situation and reported it to the Federal Trade Commission. Be cautious when considering and replying to random solicitations.
|
|
|
|
Share Your Equine Media Stories
AHP is strong because of its members, and your personal professional stories make a big difference in helping attract new members and entice the next generation of equine media professionals to join. Here's how you can contribute:
Day in the Life: Share what a day is like for you in your profession through photos and videos. Maybe you're on a photo-shoot at an amazing horse farm or ranch, doing an interview with a top trainer or covering a world championship event. Show us what makes your job fun! Record your video in MP4 format using an iPhone or camera video, Quicktime > New Movie Recording or Window Media Player. Limit it to two minutes. Send questions and submissions to marketing committee chairman Emily Esterson.
Join a Podcast: Several equine podcasts are out there sharing stories from the horse industry. Ask to be a guest and talk about what makes your career (and AHP) so cool. Be sure to share with AHP when you'll be a guest so we alert members to listen!
|
|
EQUINE MEDIA CONFERENCE
May 20-21, 2021
AHP Equine Media Conference
Westin DFW Airport, Irving, Texas
May 12-14, 2022
AHP Equine Media Conference
Griffin Gate Marriott, Lexington, Kentucky
|
|
|
|
Meet a Member: Straight Arrow Family of Brands Mane ‘n Tail, Cowboy Magic and Exhibitor’s Labs
Interview by Jennifer Denison
|
Through the years, Straight Arrow Products have been a staple in grooming totes all around the world, and a fixture at the annual AHP Equine Media Conference.
Discover the company’s dedication to the horse industry and equine media, plus how AHP and its members have helped spread the word about the brands.
Read more about the Straight Arrow Family of Brands
|
Student Award Winner Named
AHP proudly presents the 2020 Student Award to Ruby Tevis. Many members probably remember Tevis from the 2019 High Desert Media Roundup in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was a travel award recipient.
Tevis attends Midway University in Kentucky, and is pursuing a degree in Marketing Communications, with a double minor in Equine Studies and Sports Management.
Shelby Agnew, a sophomore at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, was runner-up. Both students received cash awards from AIM Equine Network.
Due to the pandemic, finalists were interviewed virtually. Tevis was notified that she was the 2020 AHP Student Award winner, and she recorded this video for AHP members.
|
|
Equine Industry Vision Award Presented to Barbara Schulte
Zoetis and American Horse Publications proudly announce that Barbra Schulte is the recipient of the 2020 Equine Industry Vision Award.
A lifelong horsewoman, Schulte, of Brenham, Texas, has trained and shown Quarter Horses in a variety of Western events. Guided by her competitive experience, she became a Personal Performance Coach and has coached riders in all disciplines to develop their full potential, perform under pressure and overcome fear.
For 20 years, Zoetis and AHP have partnered in the annual award that recognizes the innovation and commitment made by an individual or organization to positively influence the equine industry. Zoetis presented the award to Schulte by video since the 2020 AHP Equine Media Conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
Did you know that staff members can also be added to the AHP e-list?
Email Chris at ahorsepubs@aol.com with a list of staff email addresses you would like added to the AHP Newsgroup list or association news only list.
Interested in hosting an AHP eGathering?
Have an idea for future newsletter articles?
Is there a topic you would like to see presented as a webinar?
For conference and membership questions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
