6 Ways to Get Your Buddies on PolicyMic

You may remember politics junkie and PolicyMic enthusiast Christian Rice from a few weeks ago, when I spotlighted him as our pundit of the week.

This month, we asked you to refer friends to write for us during our April 50 Under 30 challenge so we could level you up to PolicyMic expert, and promote your work all over social media.  Christian is back to share tips galore on how you can encourage your contacts and colleagues to join PolicyMic, bringing fame and glory upon your work all at the same time.

 Christian has referred a record 20+ people to our platform, 3 of whom are now part of our April 50 Under 30 challenge. Here's what he has to say about his near-perfect recruiting tactics, and why so many of his friends are eager to take him up on his offer.

Christian Rice: I would say that getting people to sign up for PolicyMic is all in the pitch. My most-recent one has close to a 100% success rate. I use a six step system:

1) Talk about what you've done with PolicyMic and briefly invite them to join

For example: "Hey John! I've been writing for PolicyMic for a while now, but I just wanted to reiterate how much I suggest it. In just over one year, we've grown to 4 million monthly readers."

2) Say what PolicyMic does (since the possible recruit may not know PolicyMic)

For example: "PolicyMic is a high-quality democratic news and media platform powered by millennials and its mission is to engage smart young thinkers in thoughtful discussion about news and current events."

3) Tell them why they should be interested in PolicyMic's writing opportunities 

For example: "Right now, PolicyMic is looking for writers on topics ranging from updates on President Obama to the latest social media fad. The time commitment is whatever you want it to be, there is no commute, and it's is a great way to develop writing skills and look good on a resume at the same time."

4) Offer to get them in touch with someone at PolicyMic (saying that you know someone "on the inside" is crucial)

For example: "If you're interested, please send me a message and I'll put you in contact with one of the editors. They're friendly, and will be excited to hear from you."

5) Let them know why you want them to write

For example: Elaborate on whether it be that you respect their opinion, they work for the school newspaper or they just seem to be exceptionally smart. Make them feel special and let them know that this special trait is why you want them, this specific individual, to write for PolicyMic.

6) Tell them to let you know if they are interested

For example: "If you're interested, please send me a message and I'll put you in contact with one of the editors. Again, I can't say enough how great this has been for me and I seriously hope that you will apply to publish some articles on PolicyMic soon."

For more news on Christian, follow him on Twitter: @C_Rice3

Have friends you can refer to PolicyMic's April 50 Under 30 challenge? Send 'em our way! Remember, if 3 are accepted, you become a PolicyMic expert.

Deadline: Monday, April 29. Email Caira Conner (caira@policymic.com) (Subj: April 50 Under 30 Challenge) with the following:

- Resume + Section you want to write for (Politics, Culture, Feminism)