A message from the PIC chair, Sharon Aschaiek

IABC/Toronto blog
PIC email: info@pictoronto.com

Past Chair: Donna Papacosta

We were snowed out last time, but we're trying again. Please join PIC members and friends for a  social event at the Fifth -- this time on the ninth.

This evening of noshing and networking takes place from 7 p.m. onward at The Fifth Pub House, 225 Richmond Street West (corner of Duncan Street). The Fifth offers good food and drinks in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Wednesday nights are Oyster Nights, when you can feast on oysters at a buck a shuck. It's pay-your-own-way for drinks and snacks, but the conversation and company are free.

IABC/PIC social events allow you to renew acquaintances or make new ones. Help us reserve enough space for everyone with a  quick email to Roger Morier to let us know you're coming. Hope to see you there!   

How do you go from independent life to a corporate job? How do you put together a job search strategy when you haven't been in the job market for a while? If you can't attend the Career Transitions session on Wednesday, March 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., follow #PICtips on Twitter to learn key takeaways from the session. And read the April issue of The Buzz for more detailed tips on how to plan for your next career move or market yourself. 

Whether new to freelancing or established independents, we all sometimes struggle with what to charge, or question whether we are charging enough/too much. Wouldn't it help to know where you stand in relation to your fellow PIC members?

We're collecting the details you want to know in a short anonymous online survey. We're asking about what you charge for various services, if you offer discounts for non-profits, when you last changed your rates and more. By sharing the results, we hope to give PIC members greater confidence in asking for and earning what we're worth.

Complete the survey now!

Ever wonder what kinds of writing ad agencies contract out? Or what kind of assignments the government might have for freelancers? It isn't all jingles and reports. This panel will help you figure out if these markets would be a good fit for you, and if so, how to break in. Free
for PWAC members and $10 for IABC members. 

Find out more and register 

Meet Georgie Binks

Georgie Binks of Goodweather Publishing Inc. is a freelance writer and former broadcaster. Visit Georgie's website, follow her on Twitter at @georgygirl55, or reach her by email or phone at 416-489-1259.

What's your background? 

I worked as a radio and TV reporter for 17 years, first in small towns in southern Ontario and then in Toronto. Of that time, I spent 10 years with the CBC.

When did you launch your business? 

After taking time off to have children, I went through a divorce and had to go back to work. I already knew how to write, come up with ideas and pitch them, so I pitched Chatelaine on a story. They accepted, and ever since, I've been writing for magazines, newspapers and websites. I work for business clients, as well, and specialize in health, real estate and lifestyle. 

I incorporated my business in 1998. Once I did that, other people took my business more seriously and I did, too.

What are some of the things you're working on? 

Currently I write for Reader's Digest, the Queen's Alumni Review and Franchise Canada. I also write book reviews for the Toronto Star. 

I love telling stories, especially ones that reveal a part of the world no one knows about. I also love writing humour essays.

What do you enjoy most about being an independent? 

I love the independence! I don't know if I could fit into a workplace. I love being able to work on the stuff I want to work on. I love that I can put my head down and work for three hours straight and accomplish more than what most do in eight hours in an office.

Being on my own is inspiring. You have to work hard, come up with ideas, be your own motivator.

What advice would you give someone new to indie life? 

You have to be resourceful and persistent. Also, be realistic; if there isn't work in a particular area, be ready to reposition yourself.

It can be really lonely at first so it's important to get out there and talk to people.  Build a network of other independent people. They're the ones who will prop you up and give you ideas of how to deal with clients or workplace issues.

How long have you been a PIC member? Have you found it helpful? 

I've been a member just over a year and have found PIC really helpful. Every time I've been to a networking event, I came away with a tip, including good advice about publishing my book. Now that my book is off the ground, I want to refocus, get out more and get more into writing for businesses. I plan to take advantage of the PIC seminars and networking.

IABC/Toronto is always looking for your ideas and opinions on communications:

1. Communicator is the member magazine [login required] IABC/Toronto publishes six times a year, and we need your help to provide readers with interesting, well-written, topical articles on communications and PR. You can volunteer as writer, editor, proofreader or even just an idea generator. If you have a story recommendation, would like to write an article, or are great at proofreading other people's work, then Communicator is looking for you!

2. Commversations is the IABC/Toronto blog. Got an opinion or idea on PR, current events or the latest marketing sensation? Don't keep it to yourself; submit your thoughts in a written post on Commversations! Visit often, share your insights with fellow communicators and get the conversation started.

The Buzz is PIC's e-newsletter, intended to inform independent communicators about our activities, share professional development tips from past meetings and keep us aware of what's going on. Connect with us on the web at pictoronto.com.

Director, Communications - PIC                              Copy editor