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

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handshake

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 value, he’ll want to keep you around. If your words sell, you’ll survive budget cuts. If your words bring results, he won’t see you as dead weight. If you meet your deadlines, turn in clean work every single time, and keep up good communication, your client will see you as a necessity and not an expense. There’s more to the job than the task, good customer service, work habits, ROI,  and an exceptional finished product will help to keep you around. Always deliver what you promise. Make it hard for your clients to function without you, and make sure they see value in your work.

Anticipate your clients needs

Don’t wait for your clients to call you, call them to see if they need anything. Get to know them, and what they want. Anticipate their needs. If they’re considering a marketing campaign, present them with a quote for a one stop shopping list including brochures, newsletters, web copy and direct mail. Think about what they need beyond the usual writing. Ask for their long term goals and consider what products they’ll need in the future. Put together a plan and proposal. Show them the effort beyond the project, go for the end result.

Check your ego at the door

Don’t be that writer.

Don’t storm off in a huff because your client had the audacity to want what he wants and not what you think he wants. Too many writers feel they’re artists and know what’s best for the client, even if the client doesn’t know this himself. Mostly, your job is to do what your client is paying you to do.  If you give him something else and he’s not happy, it’s not his fault.

Listen to your client. Learn exactly what he wants from you and what his long term goals are for each project. By all means, offer suggestions but don’t take it to heart if your client doesn’t want to go that way.

Do you want to be indispensable?

Always do your best. Don’t go through the motions, don’t just get by and don’t wait until the very last minute to complete your project. Give it 100 percent of your effort. Don’t sign your name to anything that isn’t perfect. People who are indispensible don’t give anything less than their best.

How do you make yourself indispensible to your clients?

5 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Black Friday

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black friday crowd

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 working in a mall, I can honestly say I haven’t been to mall on Black Friday since those days, and  I try to avoid the mall during evenings and weekends throughout the holiday season.

Still, there are lessons to be learned. For example, freelance writing and Black Friday share a few similarities.

1. There are perks for early birds

Many stores participating in Black Friday events open their doors to crowded parking lots between 4:00 and 6:00 in the morning. Ambitious shoppers fill their carts with Christmas list must-haves in order to save money and take home items before they run out. Freelance writering also offers perks for early birds. For example writers who get an early start on their day have the rest of the day to work on personal projects or spend time with family. Moreover, writers who apply early for gigs, might have a better chance of standing out in a potential client’s mind before the flood applications starts to come in.

2. It doesn’t hurt to lower prices once in a while

If you’re having problems drumming up work or if your regular clients aren’t in need of your services, there’s nothing wrong with offering a sale to generate interest. You don’t have to lower your prices for every project, but offering a discount every now and then will entice both new and old customers to come calling. Make sure you have a little not so fine print to ensure clients are aware sale prices are only a temporary thing.

3. Sometimes it’s more about the event

There are always people who show up for Black Friday shopping events simply because it’s an event. They don’t care about the sale or the goods, they only want to say they are there. Your loyal readers will always be there for you. If there’s a book signing or interview, your loyal readers will offer support. As many well-known authors can attest, they’ll even invest in your worst endeavors, simply to show support.

4. It’s all in the marketing

Many times Black Friday bargains aren’t really great bargains at all. However, they’re advertised as such. A good marketing person can sell anything. It’s important for freelancers to market themselves well also. We’re selling ourselves. Our name is our brand and our writing is our product. It’s up to us to give the best representation of that brand possible. 50% of writing is selling and bringing in new clients. A good marketer can sell ice cubes to people in cold places.

5. People will pay more money for convenience

While millions of people are braving the malls and shops today, millions more will be enjoying time with their family. They’ll also be enjoying time with their family for the next month. Like me, they may even stay away from the malls during weekends or when people generally aren’t working. Many don’t mind missing sales or paying extra shipping costs to shop online. They do so because the convenience is more important to them than the sale.  Most clients like the convenience factor also and don’t mind paying for stuff they can’t do themselves. For example, if they’re paying you to blog, they may be willing to pay more if you offer to moderate comments and promote the blog using social media tools. Package deals enable you to expand your horizons and spread your name to more people and places.

What are some similarities you see between freelance writing and Black Friday?

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6 Tips for Receiving Feedback from Your Freelance Writing Clients

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feedback

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 offense, and don’t fire off an angry email in return. Keep the relationship respectful, even if you disagree. Your client isn’t dropping you. He’s saying, “here’s a few things you could have done better.” That’s never a bad thing. It’s an opportunity waiting to happen.

2. Take everything into consideration

Both good and bad feedback should be given the same consideration. You want to think about the things you do right and how you can apply them to your business, and, also, what you can do to improve. Feedback is valuable because our clients tell us the things we may not see on our own. Thinking about negative feedback and making necessary adjustments might mean more business.

3. Ask questions

Your client is reaching out to you and telling you he either liked something or that there was something about your service that was lacking. Ask questions about what you did right, what you did wrong, and what you can do to improve.

4. Poll a variety of clients

Sometimes a client can be a little difficult. If you’re not sure how to take your client’s feedback, poll a variety of clients to see if they have the same experiences. If they do, you’ll have a lot to think about and a lot of decisions to make.

5. It’s Nothing personal

If you have a good relationship with your client he’s not offering criticism because he wants to make you feel bad. It’s because he values your business and wants to keep you on. By offering suggestions for improvement he’s letting you know the steps you can take to keep him as a client. He’s giving you a second chance.

6. Take action

If you receive negative feedback, take action. Put your customer service skills to good use. Offer a discount or a freebie in order to get back into your client’s good graces. Make the necessary improvements.Your clients will appreciate your going the extra mile.

What do you do when a client gives feedback?

Sending Holiday Cards to Your Freelance Writing Clients

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business holiday card

It’s only September yet Lowe’s and Kohl’s both have Christmas displays. They’re thinking of the holidays already and so should you. Among your considerations should be whether or not to send holiday cards to your clients. You may laugh, but business holiday cards are good customer service.  They tell your client:

  • You’re wishing him/her well
  • You care about his/her business
  • Good customer service is important to you
  • You go the extra mile

Keep in mind it’s better to send holiday cards as opposed to Christmas cards because you don’t want to offend your client or his religious (or non-religious) affiliations.  Some freelancers order specific business holiday cards, while others will buy a generic box of holiday cards when they’re getting their own personal greetings to send out. Some freelancers buy a stamp with their business details to post at the bottom of the card, others write their names at the bottom while including a business card. A few even put out the extra money to have imprinted holiday cards made up. It depends on your budget, and all options are fine. If you’re thinking about ordering your holiday cards online, order sooner rather than later. The closer it gets to the holidays, the more expensive it can get.

Here are a few places to get business type holiday cards:

  • Cards Direct has a nice assortment but they’re rather pricey for the average freelance witer.
  • Classic Designs offers an elegant variety, but again, many freelancers don’t have this kind of a budget. They’re offering a discount if you order early, however.
  • As always, Vista Print offers a much more affordable solution.
  • Executive Greetings has a selection of corporate holiday cards.

How do you say “happy holidays” to your clients?

5 Reasons Not to Burn Your Bridges

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Dewey Bridge Fire

So you lost a gig. Maybe your client felt you weren’t a good fit. Maybe she ran out of funding or maybe  it was you who wasn’t feeling the job. Does that mean you should go openly badmouthing your former employer all over Twitter or the forums? Does that mean you should ignore this former clients emails and questions? No. No, it doesn’t.

You may be unhappy with the present circumstances, but burning bridges doesn’t do anyone any good. Before you start talking smack about the people you used to work for, consider this:

5 Reasons Not to Burn Your Bridges

1. Your Client May Be Back in Business One Day

If your client had to let you go or take a break because his funding ran out, that doesn’t mean he has no intention of using you again in the future. That money may begin flowing again soon. By burning your bridges, you’re erasing the possibility of him contacting you once he’s back in a position to hire your services.

2. Your Client May Want to Recommend You to Others

If you did a good job for your client and parted on good terms, she may want to recommend you to others. If she doesn’t trust you anymore, this won’t happen. Every future client has the ability to recommend you to another client or two and so on, don’t blow it by saying or doing things you may regret.

3. You May Need that Client One Day

What happens when you need a job recommendation or testimonial? If you’re bashing your former clients on your blog and it’s not pretty, they’re not going to want to put in a good word for you.

4. No One Wants to Hang Around with Mr. Grumpy

Self explanatory, really.

5. It May Turn Off a Potential Client

Why would any potential client want to hire someone who is indiscreet or saying unkind things about the people he has worked for before? Before you bash a client, keep in mind that words do stay online forever and they can come back to haunt you.

Bad feelings happen, it’s only natural and writing is a good release. Before you fire off angry missives and hit “enter” or “send”, think about what you’re doing and how it will affect your future.

When you burn bridges you’re not hurting your client as much as you’re hurting yourself.

When Was the Last Time You Said Thank You?

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by Deb Ng

Growing up, my mom used to make us write thank you notes for everything. Even the lamest, last minute five and dime gift from friends of friends we barely even knew. She said regardless of the gift, it’s always the deed that counts. Someone was thoughtful to us and we should be thoughtful in return. That advice stayed with me and I carried it all through my career and also through my life as a mom. My son, much to his chagrin, has to send thank you notes as well.

Saying Thank You Can Get You Noticed

As many people who I freelanced for over the years can attest, I always send a “thank you for the opportunity” note after a job is done and this has presented me with more work on many occasions. Clients appreciate the professionalism, the customer service and the good manners. Every year around this time I also send thank you notes to the woman who spends two and a half hours getting out my gray every six weeks, the people who care for my lawn and anyone else who has done something nice for me – even if I paid them for their service.

As a Community Manager I also send thank you’s to many people who take the time out of their schedule for an interview with us. I just feel it’s the right thing to do. Recently, after sending him a thank you note, I was rewarded with this “Tweet” from social media whiz Chris Brogan. When someone like Chris takes the time out to make note of your work, you know you’re on the right track.

I also send thank yous to people who interview me for jobs, even if I don’t make the cut. Once, even though I didn’t get the job a client remembered my thoughtfulness and professionalism and hired me for a more lucrative project. I also send thank you’s to folks who interview me for their blogs or podcasts. After all, they’re helping to promote me and what I do. They deserve a thanks too. [Read more…]

Who Are You Writing For?

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by Deb Ng

When you accept an assignment, what’s the first thing you do? Depending on the task, one might assume you either begin writing or researching the subject matter. Perhaps you Google the topic or go to the library. You might even call a few experts to interview. Do you research the readership as well? If not, you might consider moving this to the top of your list.

It’s not enough to  simply write an article or blog post. Knowing who you’re writing for will help to set the tone and ensure you have the correct focus.

Trust Me, It Matters

Clients should give us all the information we need, but we can’t always count on them to do so. They might overlook certain details or not know exactly what we need. For instance, your client might ask for an article on proper nutrition for large dogs. The request is simple enough and you could probably write in general terms. Knowing your client runs a website for St. Bernard breeders will help you to narrow your focus.

When writing an article or blog post you might wish to: [Read more…]

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