It’s the end of the year and everyone is getting retrospective, including your editors and clients. What will they remember most? Your killer copy? That amazing lede (lead) you wrote? How many times you were late with an article? How hard you are to critique? If you’ve been naughty you can’t rewrite the past, but you can begin to repair your reputation with clients and editors by asking one simple question: How can I better serve you? Writing is a business and you provide a service. Good customer service will keep you in business for years to come so why [Read more…]
Naughty or Nice? What Would Your Editor Say?
Will you get Christmas cheer or coal in your writing stocking?
December 10, 2010. 4 Comments
Ridiculous Freelance Ad of the Week
May 4, 2010. 3 Comments
I’m finding that when I post these insulting ads, I have less and less to say about them. I mean, how many ways can you call someone a “cheapskate,” anyway? That doesn’t mean that I don’t still find them infuriating, or in cases like this one, downright flabbergasting! “Definitons are needed for a new and upcoming tech website. 200+ definitions need to be typed an hour in order to truly earn pay. Computer and technical definitons are what is needed. These will go through review as well before approved. They must be your words and only 1 to 2 lines [Read more…]
When You Just Can’t Please the Client
April 30, 2010. 1 Comment
If you’re good at what you do and if you have an overall spirit of customer service, the vast majority of your clients are going to walk away happy. That’s just the nature of business. A transaction in the freelance writing business is one in which both sides win – just like in any other business. You provide something of value, and in turn your client provides payment. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can be a real blow to your ego. It can also be a real blow to your freelance writing business. If that one [Read more…]
Flame Away, Fancypants
April 29, 2010. 28 Comments
I spend a fair amount of time on this blog making fun of so-called “employers” who think it’s totally reasonable to pay decent writers a pittance for their hard work. I’ve heard every argument for why they can get away with this. New writers need some way to get started, and these gigs get their foot in the door. What seems like a ridiculously small amount of money to my bourgeoisie self may be a fortune to someone in another country. Blah, blah, blah. Today, I want to look at the other side of the equation, though. I want to [Read more…]
Using Facebook for Something Other than Showing Off My Kid
April 13, 2010. 5 Comments
So, do you let your clients follow you on Facebook? I’ve been loathe to do it. Frankly, I don’t want them to know about my addiction to online Scrabble or the fact that I’m often up at 1 a.m. commenting on my friends’ posts for the day. Also, I like to have that little bit of personal space, like when you’re at a Junior High dance and the chaperones shove balloons between you and your dance partner to make sure that your naughty bits don’t touch. I really, really don’t want anything to do with my client’s naughty bits. On [Read more…]
Why the S.Larson Approach to Customer Service Doesn’t Work
April 10, 2010. 6 Comments
S.Larson has been sending me customer service notes from Citibank for decades. At first I didn’t give “S” a second thought. Just a random worker on an impersonal form letter…nothing to see here. After several years, I began to wonder about “S.” This person, with the unchanging signature, was a long-time staple, handling my account for over a decade. What a good worker this person must be in order to have such longevity! But then I had some questions: Was S.Larson a man or a woman? S/he was starting to resemble a gender-netural “Pat” like person in my mind. If [Read more…]
When Does Customer Retention Begin?
March 23, 2010. 1 Comment
I’ve said it many times before: one of the biggest keys to success for your freelance writing business is customer retention. When you can bring clients back over and over again, you greatly reduce your marketing and sales overhead, the learning curve that comes with each particular client’s niche or preferences, and you build a long-term reciprocal relationship.If you can’t bring clients back over time, you’re going to work harder for less money. If you ask some freelance writers about what they do to increase customer retention, they’ll tell you things like: Produce quality work that will provide the customer [Read more…]
My Passive-Aggressive Plea to an Unnamed Client
March 21, 2010. 4 Comments
Dear Client, Thank you so much for choosing to work with me. I’m pleased to hear that you are so ecstatically happy with the final results of our project. I agree that the work ended up being pretty damn good, and I hope that is reflected by the response you get from your upcoming presentation of it. That said, if we are going to work together again in the future, I think we may need to set some ground rules. I hope I’m not overstepping the bounds of the client-contractor relationship, as I certainly wouldn’t want you to feel like [Read more…]
My Job. Well, This Week, Anyway.
March 3, 2010. Leave a Comment
As a freelance writer, do you ever just sit in front of your computer and gloat to no one in particular about how awesome your job is? I just caught myself doing that as I reviewed what is on my calendar for the next two weeks. The variety of topics is actually kind of hilarious. Want a little peek into what my days look like? Here’s what I’ve got up my sleeve right now: Two articles about funerals Twenty articles about printers and toner Ten articles about tattooing A white paper on fundraising One article on online event registration Rewrite [Read more…]
Why Your Freelance Writing Clients are Now Going to that Other Guy
March 3, 2010. 1 Comment
We often talk about ways to build up your freelance writing client base. Adding new business is good and it’s important, but don’t forget your older clients too. Here’s something to think about… while you’re looking for more work, what are you doing to keep your existing client happy? If you have a lot of one off projects, do you wonder why you never see your clients again? It might not be that they only have one project for you, it might mean after working with you once, they decided to look elsewhere for their freelance writing needs. Sure, you [Read more…]
Complaining About Your Freelance Writing Clients
March 3, 2010. 10 Comments
Package Deals: Will Freelance Writing Clients Expect One Stop Shopping?
March 2, 2010. 13 Comments
Have you ever had a freelance writing client ask for work beyond freelance writing? In the past clients have asked me for blog design, marketing, social media, and more. When we talk about freelance writers diversifying we often suggest they look to difference niches or more passive forms of income, but we never suggest they expand their skills to include other services. Many clients now prefer to trust one qualified person to perform a variety of tasks rather than hire different types of freelancers for different projects. I already see this happening in that many bloggers are now expected to [Read more…]
Clients Just Hate Those "Yes Men"
February 17, 2010. Leave a Comment
In case it’s not clear, that title is totally sarcastic. Do you ever notice how clients who really couldn’t write their way out of a paper bag somehow have a whole lot to say about your professional writing? I usually try to take it in stride, perhaps gently pointing out that I’ve got a decent command on the language and that’s precisely why they hired me. The worst was when I did some writing for a client’s client. My client paid me, but her client didn’t pay her, saying “It was garbage and I had to rewrite the whole thing [Read more…]
There’s No Job Security in Freelancing: How to Be Indispensable
January 12, 2010. 5 Comments
In this economy, it doesn’t matter if you work as a freelancer or if you’re a full time employee, there’s no such thing as job security. Even though we have regular clients, they can suffer from budget cuts and that can mean the end of our gig. The trick is to make it so your client can’t function without you. The trick is to be indispensable. Be someone your clients can rely on When it’s time to trim the fat, the first people to go are the ones who provide lackluster service. If your client feels you’re giving something of [Read more…]
3 Hints for Giving Value With Your Writing
January 8, 2010. 3 Comments
A common misconception is that freelance writing means typing a lot of words in exchange for money. Most of us know this isn’t the case at all. The majority of people who hire us, do so because they expect something of value in return for their payment. Our clients want us to sell or promote with our words. They’re not looking for sentences as much as they want bang for their buck. Our clients want results. All writing has a purpose If you’re going through the motions with your writing, you’re producing an article or a bit of copy, but [Read more…]
And to All, a Good Night
December 25, 2009. 2 Comments
As the holiday season comes to a close, I wanted to tell you all about my friend Kelly. Kelly runs a small business here in mid-Michigan. He and his father are appraisers. The look at homes and businesses and assign a value to them, usually for purposes of getting loans against those homes or businesses. They also do assessing for several of the local townships, which involves determining the value of properties for tax purposes. Each year, Kelly buys a number of cheese trays from one of our other local businesses – a cheese store. He takes those trays and [Read more…]
I Don't Think That's What They Meant to Say
November 28, 2009. 1 Comment
I’ve mentioned a few times that the need for editors is overwhelming. From misspelled signs to poorly punctuated websites, there are far too many opportunities for those of us who love grammar to shake our heads in dismay. I was downright shocked, however, to discover that even footwear apparently needs a proofreader from time to time. That’s supposed to be “Texas,” guys. see more Epic Fails
5 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Black Friday
November 27, 2009. 6 Comments
The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally called Black Friday. It’s called this because merchants all over the country significantly lower prices to bring in customers looking to save money on their holiday shopping. The purpose is for the shops to sell so much merchandise, merchants will be “in the black” as they approach the holiday season. I worked in a mall during my teen years, and though I haven’t quite erased the Black Friday mall trauma from my mind, for me “Black Friday” represented the bleakness of the day for mall workers. Though it’s been more than 25 years since [Read more…]
What Lousy Customer Service Can Teach You About Good Customer Service
November 25, 2009. 2 Comments
I had to pick up new glasses today. Actually, I kept my old frames but needed to up the prescription. I only took the appointment today because the nice lady on the phone assured me it would be a slow day and I wouldn’t have to wait forever to switch out my lenses.”You’ll be in and out.” She promised. Bet you just said, “yeah right!” too. 20 minutes later we’re at the mall and I hand the sales lady my frames and prescription. “See you in two hours.” She waved me away. “Excuse me?” I asked. “You promise one hour [Read more…]
Customer Appreciation Lessons from Barnes and Noble
November 25, 2009. 4 Comments
I’m a big fan of Borders. It’s not that I don’t like Barnes & Noble (I do). It’s not that Borders has a better selection of books in my areas of interest (they don’t). Prices are the same between the two (well, OK. At the online versions of these two stores, BN has the better price structure). No, I like Borders because I feel like they appreciate me. You see, both stores have a membership program where they’ll send you coupons and special promotions. The typical Borders coupon is 25% to 40% off any item. The typical Barnes & Noble [Read more…]
5 Reasons Offline Relationships are Important for Freelance Writers
November 23, 2009. 2 Comments
Last week we discussed the importance of freelance writers using social media tools to build online relationships. While the benefits abound, it’s important to note offline relationships are also important. In fact, taking your online relationships offline, can further solidify a working association. Don’t be afraid to join a local networking group or reach out to people in the real world. Offline relationships are just important. No ,they’re more important than the bonds you form online. Why Are Offline Relationships Important for Freelance Writers 1. Because everyone is a potential client It doesn’t matter if it’s your neighbor, the Cub [Read more…]
Downsizing for the Holidays: Five Tips for Getting Back into the Freelance Groove on January 2
November 18, 2009. Leave a Comment
The impending holiday season means many freelancers are going to lighten their load for the next month and a half in order to handle obligations at home and spend time with family. However, does back burnering a client now mean you might lose that client to another freelancer before January? Will there still be plenty of opportunities after the holidays are over? Taking time off doesn’t always mean you’re going to achieve the same level of success two months later. If you play your cards right and plan ahead, you can come back in the beginning of the year as [Read more…]
6 Tips for Receiving Feedback from Your Freelance Writing Clients
November 6, 2009. 4 Comments
Client feedback is essential for freelance writing success. Even though we may not want to receive constructive criticism, not to do so could mean the end of our business. Look at it this way, even negative feedback offers the opportunity for improvement. Soliciting feedback from clients is just good customer service. Some freelancers aren’t sure how to take criticism, or what to say to a client who offers unsolicited advice. What follows are some tips for receiving feedback from your freelance writing clients. 1. Say “thank you” When your clients offer feedback, say “thank you.” Don’t take issue, don’t take [Read more…]
A Tale of Two Opportunities: One Missed, One with Amazing Potential
October 19, 2009. 19 Comments
One of the reasons I enjoy going to conferences such as BlogWorld is the opportunity to give and receive feedback. I chatted with several members of the FWJ community at this year’s conference, and they gave me good food for thought. Feedback is good. Feedback is important. Even the stuff we don’t want to hear is an opportunity to improve. I may not always like what people say about FWJ but that doesn’t mean I don’t take it into consideration. While at BlogWorld, I decided to offer some feedback to others as well. Most people were happy to listen to [Read more…]
