In a discussion on one of my newest forum haunts, the writers are discussing the obvious prejudice clients seem to have about writers. If you can design a website, more often than not your clients will see the value in your work and compensate you accordingly (not always, but I digress). If you write copy…
Month: June 2009
The Frugal Writer
Having come from a less-than-wealthy family, I grew up understanding there were limits to what one could have, what one should have, and what one really needed. We grew our own food (from beans to steaks), and we wore a lot of homemade clothes. I remember being so pleased with the dresses and pants my…
Defining Your Basement
Having a conversation with a new graduate recently, I mentioned losing two of my big clients to the R word (I won’t say it! I won’t admit to it!). He asked what I was going to do. I spelled it out for him – “Market, send out proposals, contact the temp agency….” Of course he…
The Phrases That Do NOT Pay
While I’m out chumming the waters for new clients (is anyone else wondering where the clients went?), I thought I’d share some of the catch phrases in job listings that usually mean you’re not getting paid. If you’re a newbie or if you’ve been around a while, it never hurts to see them for what…
A Primer for Clients
Dear Clients, I love you. Yes, I do. I love that you have faith in me to deliver your project your way. You know I’m bending over backwards to make you happy, right? No? Well, I am. It’s not just my job – it’s something I take seriously. However lately, dear clients, I’m not feeling…
I Surrender
That would be a white flag I’m waving. I’m giving up, and it’s only Tuesday morning. After losing those two great regular jobs this month, I was hopeful because here came a new client just on the heels of the old one leaving (literally seven minutes between their emails). As you read yesterday, I was…
Close the Door, Open Another
Last week I heard from another one of my regular clients and yes, the news wasn’t great. I’d sent out the “can I help with anything?” email, and heard what I’d expected – the budget went south and there aren’t the funds for freelancers there once was. I feel bad – two great clients in…
Meet the Author: Colin Galbraith
What a nice way to end the week; I’m pleased as all get-out to introduce my readers and friends to a truly neat individual. Colin Galbraith, whom I first met in a cyber way (and yet to meet in a real-time way) about 5 years ago. Details of our first acquaintance are iffy – it…
Random Wastes of Time
Don’t you hate when you spend time crafting a killer query sure to attract attention only to find out the employer failed to fill you in on the most critical details? Like last week, I spent some quality writing time answering an ad that passed my BS Litmus Test (or BLT). The test parameters: 1….
Where is the Love?
Riddle me this, Batman – if you’re a salesperson and you come upon someone who isn’t buying what you’re selling, what do you do? Do you A) automatically turn off the sales pitch, the charm, and leave that person standing? Or do you B) continue to treat that someone as though he or she is…