Kristen King over at Inkthinker has a great post up today on the 7 Heinous Practices You Should Stop Immediately. I love her writing style, but the real gems in this post are the tips. Kristen’s hit every one, too.
A few that stuck out in particular were numbers 6 and 7 about reciprocal work and the ensuing embarrassment. Let’s tackle those one at a time. Reciprocal work, as one of Kristen’s commenters brought up, is often tough to do. But it doesn’t hurt anyone for the recipient writer to acknowledge the referring writer in some way. A book by a favorite author, an Amazon gift card, or maybe even lending an unpaid hand whenever the writer is busy. Me, I’m content with thank yous, but if it’s a case of someone always needing a referral and I’ve never had any type of reciprocation, well, I’m not so into being helpful for the fourth or eighth time. Besides, each referral you give out is a direct reflection on you. Hence, number 7.
I have had a few instances where I’ve referred people to clients. The times I have did work out, except for one. That one came very close to sinking my freelance ship, too. It was a referral to a well-paying client, and the writer I referred nearly ruined my career with this client because of bad behavior. Not sure about bad writing, but the behavior was just awful, and it caused a lot of grief for me. And I got no apology, either, despite the fact that I’d taken a huge risk is referring this writer in the first place. Instead, there was self-righteous diatribe about how awful this client was. Rare is the day I want to physically hurt someone, but I was close. I know some clients are not for everyone, but that’s no way to repay someone’s kindness, eh?
In one case I referred a writer friend to a client and the client embarrassed me. The work my friend did was torn to bits (this is a veteran writer with tons of big-name clips). The client took out all references, thus making every statement plagiarism of some form. I protested. The friend protested. The client ignored. Thank God we were both working as subcontractors for this person with no visible link back to the buyer. But that another writer would do that (yep, the client was a writer) and turn around and offer that up is just nuts. It was the last day either of us worked for him.
As Kristen’s post points out, you have to conduct yourself like a professional and not like a trained animal who occasionally bites its handlers. Treat your writer friends well, and accept the same in return. Don’t refer if you’re unsure. Don’t expect reciprocation, but if you’re receiving help from another writer, do acknowledge it in some small way. Act human, not heinous.
Thanks for the link love, Lori, and for adding your $.02 to the conversation.
I don’t need someone to pay me back referral for referral, but for the love of Pete, at least say thank you! And if I say that things are slow and ask if you could let me know if you see anything that might be a good fit, don’t act like I just asked you for a kidney. Sheesh.
LOL! Luckily, I’ve not had that experience. 🙂
Hi, Lori –
All good advice — especially “Don’t refer if you’re unsure.” Your professional reputation is too important to risk!
– Rebecca
Good tips about referrals. Personally, I get a lot of leads through referrals. However, I also try to conduct myself as professionally as possible in all circumstances. You are right to be careful about who you refer.
I’m off to read Kristen’s article now.
Interesting contrast with my profession. Just recently a largely neglected theory by the great philosopher Monty Python has freed librarians to behave like animals-trained or otherwise!
I quote the theory below:
“You see, I don’t believe that libraries should be drab places where people sit in silence, and that’s been the main reason for our policy of employing wild animals as librarians.”
— Monty Python
It always amazes me how rude people can be. Every time. You’d think I’d get used to it after a while. Nice to have the perspective. Makes me feel less dense for getting riled up at this kind of stuff. 🙂
Oh, and no one can have my kidneys.
Spot on, Lori. I’ve become guarded in recent years about recommending others to my clients. When I do, I almost often include a disclaimer, and then try to keep the whole situation at arm’s length.
Now, I’ve done the whole subcontractor thing, but in those cases I have dealt directly with the client and the sub. It is surely more work for me, but it is also the only way I can preserve the integrity of my brand.
Bookie, I hope you’re a cheetah – stealth, sleek, and hungry. 🙂
Great idea, Bob. Being directly involved is a great way to know just when to separate from your sub, should that need to occur.
Amy, keep your kidneys. The people working at Starbucks are the only ones giving them away. ;))
Some good points, Lori. Saw you linked by Mir, which is a huge compliment. Nice job!
I hope to get to the point where I’m getting and receiving referrals.
becky