There’s No Job Security in Freelancing: How to Be Indispensable

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 [...]

3 Hints for Giving Value With Your Writing

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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 [...]

5 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Black Friday

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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 [...]

What Lousy Customer Service Can Teach You About Good Customer Service

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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 [...]

5 Reasons Offline Relationships are Important for Freelance Writers

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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 [...]

Downsizing for the Holidays: Five Tips for Getting Back into the Freelance Groove on January 2

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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 [...]

6 Tips for Receiving Feedback from Your Freelance Writing Clients

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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 [...]

A Tale of Two Opportunities: One Missed, One with Amazing Potential

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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 [...]

Who is Right? The Customer or the Writer?

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I live by the “customer is always right” philosophy. I may not always agree with my clients but they’re the ones paying me to do the job their way. There are times when I might offer a suggestion if I feel they’re going in the wrong direction, but I always defer to them. It’s [...]

5 Reasons Your Freelance Writing Clients Come Back for More

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For many freelance writers, success doesn’t mean having clients. It means having repeat clients. Sure, we all have one-off gigs, but it’s better to have clients who contact us for all their projects. To do that, we stick out in our clients’ minds – but in a good way. Going the extra mile makes [...]

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