Dear Jodee, I’ve been contacted by a prospective client who wants to arrange a time to meet. I’ve been working remotely for some time and the idea of sitting down for an interview is really intimidating. Can you give me some tips? Nervous Nellie Dear Nellie, First of all, congrats on being invited to meet with a prospective client. I can understand that this is exciting but a little uncomfortable as well, but you need to keep in mind that this is not quite the same thing as a job interview. You are sitting down with someone to have a [Read more…]
The “Busy” Question and Freelancers
January 17, 2011. 5 Comments
When you are talking to a client (either a new one or someone you have worked with before) about a gig, the question of a deadline and your schedule is going to come up. Some clients keep it really simple and will explain that they need a particular job done by such-and-such a date and ask if you are available. In that case, you can either say yes or explain that you can complete the project by “x” date instead and ask if they have any flexibility with the due date. Unless the job is something that you have absolutely [Read more…]
Show Me the Money
January 12, 2011. 4 Comments
Dear Jodee, I’ve finished work for a client, submitted my invoice, and….nothing. I don’t want to appear too pushy, but I want to make sure that I get paid for my freelance work. How can I follow up without being aggressive? Hurting for Coin Dear Hurting, I appreciate where you are coming from here. On one hand, you don’t want to alienate the client by jumping on him or her five minutes after you submit the work, but you also want to be paid for what you have done in a timely manner. The first thing you need to do [Read more…]
How Can I Say No to a Client Gracefully?
December 15, 2010. 2 Comments
Dear Jodee, I’ve applied for gigs where there isn’t a lot of detail given in the ad. When the client gets in touch with more information, I realize that I’m really not interested in going any further; the pay is either less than what I am prepared to accept or the subject or the scope of the project isn’t what I’m looking for. How do I say No with some class when the client is clearly interested in getting started and this is not the right gig for me? Tongue-tied Dear Tongue-tied, Your issue is not about not being able [Read more…]
Fired! Do’s and Don’ts for the Recently Laid Off or Let Go
March 18, 2010. 1 Comment
No one likes to be fired. If you were recently laid off or let go, you’re probably very angry or upset about losing a client. You may even think your client was unfair in his dismissal. Your first reaction might be to fire off an angry missive or trash your former client on a public forum, but this isn’t the best recourse. Before you act in a matter you might possibly regret Consider these do’s and don’t. Don’t Send off an angry email: Always let your first, angry reaction pass. If you have to fire off a nasty missive, do [Read more…]
Rewarding Your Long Term Freelance Writing Clients for Customer Loyalty
February 18, 2010. 2 Comments
I just got off the phone with my Mom. We had a very interesting discussion about customer loyalty, which provides the inspiration for this post. You see, my mom’s contract with her calling plan is ending and she doesn’t want to pay the astronomical new rate. I suggested she contact the company and ask what plans they have in place to reward existing customers for their customer loyalty. She wasn’t aware she could do this, checked it out, and indeed received a discounted rate for the new package. It occurs to me we should also be rewarding long term freelance [Read more…]
40 Lessons Learned in Ten Years as a Freelance Writer
February 11, 2010. 13 Comments
As I was writing 40 Lessons Learned Over Ten Years of Blogging yesterday, I was inspired to also note my lessons learned as a freelance writer. 2010 marks my tenth anniversary as freelancer and while I may not have taken a traditional approach to my career, I still believe there are some important lessons to share. Don’t jump into it blind: When I’m asked to give tips for new writers, my first tip is always to research before beginning. It’s not enough for a writer to wake up one day and say, “I know. I think I’ll write. Yeah…that’s it.” [Read more…]
What’s the Point in Having a Freelance Writing Business if Not to Make a Profit?
January 5, 2010. 8 Comments
I’m noticing an interesting trend with each new crop of freelance writers. They’re earning money but they have no clue if they’re pulling a profit. They’re making ends meet, but they don’t necessarily have money to put away. Many don’t even factor in taxes or overhead which can be a rude awakening during tax time. With that in mind, I’d like to offer up my brilliance for the day: The purpose of any business is to pull a profit. If this isn’t happening, you may not be making good decisions…or you may not be aware you’re not making good decisions. [Read more…]
Freelance Writing and the Big Screen TV Factor
October 28, 2009. 3 Comments
Credit where it’s due: Yesterday I was making my blog rounds when I stopped at a post by James Chartrand entitled “Want More Clients? Explain Yourself.” James explained how some potential clients will choose the lowest bid, but might be inclined to change their minds if you convince why you’re worth the extra pay. As I commented, it reminded me of what I call “the big screen TV factor.” Thus, a blog post is born. When my husband and I were shopping around for a new television, we spent a lot of time researching. Instead of rushing out to WalMart [Read more…]
