Our platform was built on the idea that great content can only come from real relationships. And in order to have a relationship, neither the company nor the writer can be anonymous. But just knowing a writer’s name only tells you so much. In the latest installment of our Writer Spotlight series, we’d like to formally introduce you to Patti Podnar, one of the most successful, prolific, and talented writers in our growing community.
nDash: If you could only write about one topic for the rest of your freelancing life, what would it be? And why?
Patti Podnar: Business, because I think it’s fascinating. I love everything from “proof of concept” to the psychology of determining demand to operations and results.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part about being a freelance writer? The most challenging?
A: For me, the most challenging part is finding new clients. I love helping other people market themselves and their products/services, but I don’t love doing it for myself. The most rewarding part is exceeding my client’s expectations.
Q: What do your most successful clients all have in common?
A: They know what they know and what they don’t know.
Q: What made you decide to become a freelance writer?
A: I knew I wanted to be a writer since second grade. As far as “freelance,” – I don’t really like that word. I prefer to think of myself as a business owner. I think it’s an important distinction that directly affects how you approach your business. Semantics aside, though, “freelancing” lets me work from home and be available to my kids when they need me.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake you see brands making with their content?
A: Writing for people who do what they do instead of people who buy what they do and aiming too far down the sales funnel.
Q: What marketing trends should brands be keeping an eye on in 2017?
A: How to market via connected devices and the IoT.
Rapid Fire:
- Favorite marketing buzzword? “She’s a few sugars shy of a sweet tea.”
- Watched any terrible movies lately? I think most movies are pretty bad.
- The world record you are most likely to break is ____? Most consistent use of the Oxford comma.
- Are you cool with the Oxford comma? I’m way more than cool with the Oxford comma. I insist on it.
- What is a reasonable punishment for people who double-space after a sentence? To spend eternity using a manual typewriter.
To work with Patti Podnar, you can hire her on nDash! Sign up now!
