What’s on the iPod: Ships with Holes Will Sink by We Were Promised Jetpacks
Last week I had a nice conversation with a friend of a relative. She was about to say goodbye to her full-time job and wanted to hear about my experiences with freelancing. This is a person with a solid background in some specialized areas. I suspect freelancing would be a lucrative choice.
But we who have been at it a while know that it takes more than talent and expertise. It takes tenacity, marketing skills, networking, and energy. Careers don’t build themselves, nor do they maintain themselves.
I chose what I wanted to tell her before she called, but I could have gone on for a while. There are so many lessons I’ve learned and the advice would be rolling out for ages. But I don’t think that works. I think even my worst experiences or my best ones are often personal. Sometimes the lessons I learn aren’t necessarily important to others.
But there are things I think every writer beginning down the freelance path should know:
1. Mind your contracts. Translation: Have one. And make sure it protects your interests fully. Don’t settle for some standard contract that doesn’t address a freelancer’s unique risks.
2. Know your worth. You knew I was going to say it. I’m an advocate for writers setting their own values on their skills. Don’t let clients tell you what to charge, and do the math. Make sure you’re charging enough to meet your obligations and your goals.
3. Market when you’re busy and when you’re not. In other words, always market yourself. Always. If you let marketing slide when you’re busy, you’ll find yourself not earning. Pretend this present job is the last one you’ll see. Act accordingly.
4. Understand when a client problem is really a problem. Those of us who have been around a while have heard it all. If your client is expressing a concern, consider this: is it before or after the invoice was sent and/or late fees were applied? Are they not paying because they’re not using? Look deeper into the reason why this client is unhappy. If it’s truly a matter of miscommunication, fix it. If not, you’ll know by the tone and the approach when you push back a little.
5. Never settle. That goes for contract terms, client terms, negotiations, and payment. Do not compromise your standards in order to win a job that may not be worth winning.
6. Trust your instincts. You’ll know when it’s a good match and when it’s not. Don’t ignore your inner voice – heed it. If it feels wrong, walk away.
Writers, let’s help out the noobs. What’s your best advice for newly minted freelancers?
9 responses to “Your Best Advice”
Have a little self-respect. Even someone new to the game has something to offer. just because you don't have a ton of credits doesn't mean you don't have valuable life experience. Apply it. Without arrogance. There's a difference between assertiveness and arrogance.
Say "thank you" when you ask for advice and someone takes the time to give it to you. You can choose not to use it, but don't be combative towards someone who took time (which equals money) out to answer your questions.
Invest in yourself. Dedicate a portion of your budget every year to seminars (in person or online), teleclasses, books, trade publications, and coaches.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow put it best when he said, “Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.”
Don't give up too easily, keep trying. Even if you have to change directions and market somewhere else.
I'd say the most important thing is to treat your best clients accordingly. Even when you are starting out, you will recognize that some clients are a notch above the others — perhaps they have interesting projects, pay well & fast, or give you referrals without you needing to ask.
This isn't to say you can *ignore* your average clients, only to say that the standouts deserve an extra measure of your best work. Don't EVER take them for granted. Over the long haul, your relationships are every bit as important to your business as your writing skills.
Don't let all the social media and "experts" tell you what's right for you. Be strategic. Try out a few different platforms and find out what works best for you and your market.
Give it a chance, but if it's not working, there are always other options. If you try to be on every platform, you'll spin your wheels and frustrate yourself, with less than satisfactory results. Pick a few & go for it.
All good advice. I'd add: specialize, but not the to point of exclusivity.
In other words, carve out a niche of expertise (mine is TV, a friend of mine specialized in HR topics, another focuses on education), but be open to writing about unrelated subjects.
Devon, self-respect is an excellent one. Too often we're busy apologizing for asking for the job. Dammit, we're worth it!
Eileen, super idea. I'd add also spend to attend conferences in your writing specialty areas. The connections you make there will feed your client base for years to come.
Amen, Wendy! Try every day. Fake it until you make it, as I like to repeat. 🙂
How many people forget that, Jake? They forget that every client is a potential repeat customer. You can't grow a business by throwing away clients.
AMEN, Cathy! What works for you may not work for the next writer and vice versa. We're all better at various things. Some of us pick up the phone and call clients where others give good email. 🙂
Very true, Paula. Specializing is one thing, but if you're excluding all other forms of writing or markets, you'd better have a deep pool of clients from which to draw new business.
Value your self and your work… don't be afraid to say no.
Exactly, Anne. Perfect point!