What are your 2026 wants?
Tell me! I want to hear about your big asks for the year!
Hello and Happy New Year! It’s such a joy to be writing to you again! Today, I want to chat with you about wants and asks….
A few years ago, I worked with a coaching client who, a decade earlier, had a short-term posting as the food editor for a popular Canadian magazine. The gig lasted for less than a year, but she still had people asking her, ten years after the fact, “So how are things at Chatelaine?”
It’s funny what people will cling to. My client’s friends and family likely asked about the magazine because it was a brand and a job they could grasp; it stood out in their minds. I often have people ask me about travel (fair - I was primarily a travel writer for a long time, and who doesn’t like to chat about travel?) and running (a long time ago, I ran half marathons and even coached at the Running Room). But that’s not me anymore! How can I let people know what I’m doing? How could my client do the same?
The answer is to tell them. And not only do we tell them, we also share exactly what we’re looking for. We need to start putting things out there. I don’t mean in the “If I put it out in the universe I’ll manifest it and then I’ll be rich and famous” way. I mean, in the “Well, lately I’ve been working as a freelance food stylist, helping restaurant owners and magazine publishers get really gorgeous arrangements for their photos. In fact, I’m hoping to take on more restaurant clients this year and I’ve adjusted my packages so there’s something for small businesses like bakeries and cafes. If you know anyone who’s looking to promote their food business this year, I’d love to hear about it.
Dare I say it: We’ve got to hustle.
I recently asked two friends what they wanted more of in 2026, and their answers surprised me. One, an incredible science writer, was eager to connect with more clients who needed newsletter writing and editing. Her science background makes her an especially good fit for a wide range of industries, from technology to construction. Another, whose background lies in blogging, content creation, and social media strategy, was especially keen to have more small-to-medium business clients who need help formulating realistic, manageable, and sustainable Instagram strategies, and she has a superb eight-week planning-and-content package that helps them do exactly that.
Now that I know what they want, work wise, I get to help spread the word. Funnily enough, I had the chance to do just that when I saw a massage therapist (who was also the clinic owner). They were musing about Instagram problems, and I said, “You know, I have a person to recommend to you.” And now I can forever say that I promoted a friend’s business when I was pretty much naked.
While I do NOT promise to talk about your work under similar circumstances, I want to know what YOUR want is for the year. What kind of work do you want? What do you want to promote? What specific thing do you want people to know about what you do, and do well? Please tell me! Paid subscribers, you can respond to this email. Other subscribers, email me at VanessaChiasson@gmail.com. Give me two or three sentences on what is your ask of the year. You have nothing to lose, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to help a few of you make that connection. And if I can’t, you’ve still been able to practice getting your ask out there.
So what are my asks for the year?
I want to connect with people who need help on LinkedIn. I find that people struggle with what to say and how to improve their profiles. Many are scared that they’ll either look desperate for work OR that their boss will see it and think they’re hunting for a new job. This doesn’t have to be the case, and I think I do a pretty good job helping folks navigate these concerns.
I want to work with more freelancers across a broad range of industries and improve their pitch process. My “Fix My Pitch” coaching package is just $50 (affordable and accessible!), and the feedback I’ve had so far has been amazing. Sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes to point out - with kindness and clarity - where things aren’t working and how things can be improved. I want to do more of this!
(You can find more info on both in my list of coaching services!)
Finally, I want more anchor clients, clients who need content from me on a regular basis each month. Right now, I have one corporate client for whom I supply monthly informational financial blog posts and one media client for whom I write home and lifestyle content. I want more! I love this kind of work, and I enjoy anything in the human-interest field, from jazzing up corporate biographies to writing cookbook reviews to crafting ‘did you know’ blog posts. I have space for two more clients like this, and I’m putting the work out in case you know someone who is a good fit.
My challenge for you this week: Tell someone (maybe me!) what your want is for the year. Craft it in such a way that it resonates with that particular person. You’ll phrase things differently if you’re speaking with a friend versus a colleague. And then ask them what their want is - get specific. And just like that, you’re a connector and you’re making things happen. Dare I say it; you’re even hustling.
Yours,
Vanessa