IWOC Resolutions 2018

Not that I always abide by this, but it never hurts to start out the New Year with a few solid resolutions – goals to achieve that represent an ideal, but not so lofty that they’re unattainable. Nor should the bar be set so low that to reach it wouldn’t engender any sense of accomplishment at all!

With those parameters in mind, I’m revealing some of the resolutions that were voiced in our Planning Meeting last October – actions/ideas we hope to see come to fruition this year that will keep IWOC vibrant, relevant and ultimately attract more members and keep current members happy and involved.

In 2018, we are resolved to...

1. ...continue bringing you the kind of programs you clamor for, chockfull of ways to improve your business, and even get you to thinking of revenue streams that may never have occurred to you. Such as Convention Writing (January) and Ghostwriting (February), to name two. Many other surprises are in the offing. Keep checking our event page.

2. ...reach out to the business community. Because businesses = jobs. We are in the process of making inroads with the Chicago Chamber of Commerce, raising awareness of IWOC among businesses so we’re top of mind as a primary resource for professional writers. We’re also creating business-targeted brochures and will have an ad run (free of charge!) in the January newsletter of the Far South Community Development Corporation.

3. ...encourage those aforementioned businesses to post job openings on IWOC’s Job Line. We want them to think of IWOC as naturally as LinkedIn when it comes to job recruitment.

4. ...reach out to University/College career centers and propose presenting our “Life in the Freelance Lane” series to soon-to-be graduates. Filled with practical advice on how to make it in a gig economy, it also may have the residual benefit of attracting millennials as members.

5. ...host more networking ops (aka “mixers”) with other professional organizations. Nothing wrong with mixing business with a good time!

6. ...conduct more extracurricular activities. Just as we were fortunate to be invited last year to special receptions at the American Writers Museum, we’d like to expand on the “fun stuff” to include events such as author readings by fellow IWOC members. Wouldn’t have to be limited to authors of any particular genre – but could extend to writers of all disciplines who are proud of their work and want to share!

7. ...continue having IWOC make its presence known at such city events as LakeFX Creative Expo, Printers Row Lit Fest – and even in community fairs. Writers are everywhere – let’s go get ‘em!

Any resolutions you’d like to add to IWOC’s list? Do tell! Our whole reason for being is to forge an IWOC that enhances your writerly life.

Until then, may all your personal resolutions come true. Wishing you a 2018 filled with happiness, good health...and winning!

- Laura Stigler

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