The Business Writing Portfolio

Posted by Terence P Ward Jul 26, 2008

I never would have gotten to be a writer on Suite101.com if I hadn't been able to demonstrate that I already knew how to write. I was required to submit a writing sample or two as a demonstration of the calibre of my writing.

Porfolios Set Apart Professional Writers

Not every business is as forthcoming about asking for such a demonstration of skill, but every business wants to see it. Small businesses looking for someone to write a brochure, business plan, or newsletter may not have the experience to ask to review the writer's portfolio. The writer that comes to the interview with samples, or sends them along whether or not they're requested, can set himself apart from the competition.

Here's a tip, though: if it isn't asked for, don't bury your prospective client. One or two examples should be fine.

Building the Portfolio

The internet makes it much easier to develop a body of work.

• Keep a blog for your writing business
• Write for revenue-sharing sites
• Submit articles to web sites that interest you, such as hobby or business sites.

Getting your writing online is a convenient way to focus and distribute it, but for portfolio development it is primarily about giving your client a chance to review your style and quality. Clients don't know how many hits your pieces are getting, they only know if they like the words you choose.

Presentation of the Portfolio

If you are meeting with a client in person, bring hard copies of your samples and organize them by style or topic into a presentation folder or binder. After all, a lot of people do judge a book by its cover!