So…a few people have mentioned to me that they would be freelancer by now if they only knew how to make it happen. I’m here to tell you, there’s no magic formula: but talent and persistence will certainly get you far.

I was inspired to post this by one particular PR pro who I know is going to light the Midwest ablaze as soon as she figures out how awesome she is. If you’re looking for help getting started with a new business idea, or as a freelance copywriter or marketing/public relations professional, you may benefit from my experience. It’s certainly not a road map for everyone, but for those looking for a little direction, it may be a start.

Name: Amber Naslund
Age: 33
Current City: Chicago, IL
Job Title: Director of Community
Company Name: Radian6
Length of Time in this Role: 6 months-ish
Web Site: Radian 6
Blog: Altitude Branding
Twitter : @ambercadabra

Mopwater escribe your path to PR. How did you wind up in this field?
AN: Accidental! I was a music performance major (flute) in college, and have worked in non-profit fund development, corporate marketing, and as an independent consultant. I’m not a formally trained marketer, rather I’d like to think I’m a communicator and connector.

Mopwater: What aspects of the industry are you most excited about?
AN: The potential for social media to break down internal boundaries within companies, and bring out the best of marketing, PR, customer service and product management. I’m excited about how it gives the community a voice, but I think it’s really bringing businesses back to the tenets of doing good work that’s based in very basic principles.

Mopwater: Describe a typical workday including your work hours. What do you do all day?
AN: Woo. Well, I work on average 9 to 12 hours a day, but that’s often split up into chunks. I spend my days creating content, engaging with our customers on social sites (mostly Twitter and blogs), creating ideas to better support our community, and traveling all over to events to meet all these people face to face. Read the full story