In the early going, building your writing business will largely entail outreach. Many writers moan and groan when they hear words, such as "socialize" or "network" or "contacts." Yet I have never met a writer who didn't like a little company - and money.

If you have an aversion to these words, get over it. The best way to do so is to make outreach fun. When you drive to a meeting, for example, make it an event. Plan to treat yourself to lunch or coffee afterwards. Or stop in a favorite shop and browse. Begin enjoying the simple pleasures of independence that you inevitably earn when building your own business.

o Hit the pavement. When I began I lived near a business district. I rewrote the resume I used for the fax service (see Wealth for Writers: Assess & Attack - Part 1) and began visiting local business people. It's not terribly efficient, to be sure. But if you have the guts to walk into offices and declare your availability, nothing can stop you. When dropping off my intro letter, I would ask for the name of the decision maker and request their business card. A week or so later, I followed up with a call. I only got one job writing a business letter for a famous photographer. But I almost convinced him to let me help him write a book (I may revisit this fellow with another pitch). And after helping him with his letter, he introduced me to his assistant as "a great writer." My point: You're no different than the lawyer or physician or photographer who seeks community support.

o Go to free events with copies of your intro letter. I was invited to an investment party where a new "green" hedge fund was offering free food, wine and, of course, a prospectus. I told everyone I spoke to what I did for a living. It wasn't hard. At these types of events, people often ask, "What do you do?" I told them. I didn't immediately get work. But four months later I was ghostwriting for an architect who had been a speaker at the event. My point: Eat, drink and make yourself available. The more the better.

o Define yourself not as a freelance writer. Is there another title less impressive than "freelance writer?" It sounds aimless and begs questions and inspires assumptions that are not favorable to your desired outcome. I now tell people that I'm a ghostwriter. Why? It starts a conversation. Many people don't know what a ghostwriter is. How does this relate to the business or copywriting I do? I tell everyone that is my job to capture the "voice" of their business so that I can better express their unique product and mission. I also might say that I write sales letters and feature stories for businesses and sole proprietors. Why? The word "sales" connotes money. The term "feature stories" suggests good press. Again, it starts a conversation. My point: Story sells. More to the point, your story sells you. Make one up. Give yourself a title; something more creative than "freelance writer" or "president." Be ready to share your story in a pleasant, simple, upbeat manner.

o Get online immediately, but don't spend money. A free blog or creative page at Squidoo, for example, will do. You don't want to spend money on a website because I guarantee the focus of your business will change in the months to come. Why? You may discover new skills. You may discover that you like one type of writing more than another. You may discover a lot about yourself that sends you in new directions. Writers who waste time and money on fancy websites, stationary and business cards are usually procrastinators. It's more fun to design a logo than go out and get your first job. A biz card is a handy tool. Start with an online freebie, if you must. But never print more than 250. Why? You will soon want to change it, for the same reasons I mention above. My point: Open your mind, not your wallet. Needlessly spending money in the early going does not make you a professional.

o Create a sales letter not longer than two pages. By the end of the letter make a free offer that may inspire inquiries. Avoid giving away your time in your free offer. Time can't be replaced and it is precious. Offer a helpful e-book that slyly promotes you while offering useful information. Always write a personal note in pen on your letter. Sometimes I only say, "Congrats, Bob!" at the top of the letter and then sign at the bottom. But guess what? On several occasions prospective clients told me they kept my letter on file because I had personalized it. How do I know? I followed up the letter within a week with a friendly phone call. My point: Everything is personal. Politics, business and art. Reach out in the darkness.