Virtual Client Connections

Virtual Client Connection events are held twice a year, in July and November.

All ASJA professional members who are currently in good standing are eligible to register.

Top editors from general interest and trade publications, editors from university/college alumni magazines as well as assigning editors at content agencies. Additionally, representatives from communications departments at hospitals, associations and non-profits. After each client has registered for an upcoming VCC, the name of the outlet (not the individual) will be listed on ASJA’s VCC page.

We are always looking for members who would like to volunteer to recruit clients and act as host liaisons during VCC. Please email asjaoffice@asja.org to volunteer.

Registration for VCC meetings runs exactly like Client Connections, ASJA’s signature pitch event held annually in conjunction with the ASJA conference.

Once you have registered for VCC, you will be asked to rank your top choices for client meetings during the lottery-phase which begins after VCC registration has ended. The VCC lottery will run for three days (Note: this is a shorter time frame than CC). You will only be able to register for VCC if you are a professional member in good standing.

We strongly encourage all ASJA professional members take note of the registration dates, which will be announced well in advance. If you miss the registration period, you cannot register.

Before filling out the lottery form, read carefully through the information provided by each registered client to make sure you’re a good fit; pay attention to the pay rate. 

We suggest ranking your choices before filling out the lottery form; you will not be able to go back into the lottery to change your choices. Note: The number of clients you can choose in the lottery will depend on how many clients are participating in VCC. That information will be provided on the lottery form as well as in ASJA correspondence — from social media posts to the ASJA Weekly.

What’s low-paying for one writer is adequate for another. Additionally, consider the long-game: Established writers may decide to pursue lower-paying gigs if they are in their wheelhouse with a low “PITA” factor which might make the rate worthwhile. Additionally, some established writers will accept lower rates if an assignment allows them to branch out into a new specialty or an interesting topic. It’s also worth noting that clients change jobs and positions frequently; talented clients at low-paying publications often go on to positions that may offer better pay. Networking with a client from a low-paying outlet could pay off in the long run. 

VCC has a lot of moving parts and requires many volunteers. We have learned the hard way that our team can successfully manage VCC with 8 to 10 clients. When we try to include more clients, it becomes a frustrating experience for clients, volunteers and members. From time to time, we do have more clients, but that is not typical.

Each client may be seeking a different outcome from a VCC meeting, so make sure to read about the goals each individual client has for a meeting. Some clients may simply want to learn a little bit about you, your background and your writing expertise; others may want to hear specific pitches. For clients seeking pitches, please come prepared with fully formed story ideas that are easy to deliver during a 9-minute meeting. 

You will meet with clients on Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link from ASJA a few days before VCC. Save this link in your calendar. A few minutes before your assigned time you will join Zoom and wait to be “transported” into a breakout room where you will meet one-on-one with the client. When your 9-minute meeting is over, you will be transported out of the meeting.

Meetings last 9-minutes. Time limits are strictly enforced by ASJA. At the 9-minute mark, even if you are in mid-sentence, you will be transported out of the meeting.

If a client has asked for pitches, write up a few story ideas and practice them so you can deliver them clearly and concisely leaving time for the client to offer up their POV. 

If the client simply wants to get to know you, prepare a short bio and, perhaps, a list of a few clients that showcase your writing history and expertise.

Please be prepared to turn your camera on for your meeting. Make sure to find a quiet room for your VCC meeting(s); do not take a meeting in a car or public place — it’s unprofessional and will not only reflect poorly on you but also on ASJA.

In the case of technical problems, the client will call the telephone number you provided during sign up and your meeting will take place over the phone. An ASJA volunteer will also be available, via email or phone, during your appointment to answer questions and offer assistance.

In the event that a client is late for your meeting, we ask for your patience, grace, and courtesy. If a client misses most of your meeting or the meeting in its entirety, the VCC chairs will arrange for an alternative time for you to connect.

It’s okay if a client is late for a meeting, but it’s not okay if you are. Of course we understand that emergencies happen. If that’s the case, please contact the VCC chairs or the ASJA office as soon as possible. If you cancel an appointment after it’s been assigned, you may not reschedule.

Clients fill out the descriptions about their publications and their pay rates themselves; we do not interview or fact-check them. Sometimes a publication changes its pay rates or clients mistype their information. Mistakes happen, and situations change. Both are out of our control.

Yes. By participating in Virtual Client Connections, you agree to act in a courteous and professional manner. You are representing yourself and ASJA.

Note, too, that you agree to not contact directly any participating VCC client before the date of the event. This undermines ASJA’s credibility with our client participants.