Good day yesterday — I put out a lot of feelers for the upcoming trade show and received a lot of positive response. My calendar is filling up, and I’ve decided to attend as many cocktail events as possible. That’s where the real mingling happens.
I worked with a client yesterday who started the conversation by sharing kind words about my work on his project. Then he showed me exactly why he will become a favorite client. We were going over small changes to the copy, and his changes reflected moderation. He didn’t want to claim more than he was delivering. Thank you. That’s a rare quality in a world of shouting ads that beg for your attention. His honesty in print is going to be rewarded because those changes reflect that honesty. Amen.
I had a conversation with a potential client yesterday that nearly didn’t happen. There are some phrases that, when used, send up red flags. However, when talking it over with another writer, I found that my red flag isn’t necessarily everyone else’s. Still, there are phrases and wording used that may be a sign of wasted time or low, low payments. Here are some to be aware of:
We need several articles. While this may mean a new publication or website, it could also mean “We need ongoing piles of articles at bulk rates.”
All work must pass Copyscape. That’s wonderful that someone wants original content. What isn’t wonderful is this could also mean “We aren’t paying enough for you to waste time creating stuff from scratch.” If you didn’t already know this, rewriting or “updating” original copy is still stealing.
We expect original content. It could be they’ve been burned by the content-mill crowd who does the “updating” mentioned above. Or it could be that they’re not picky, not editing, and expecting you to carry the burden of blame should they get into copyright trouble.
It’s an easy job for the right person. The positive — well, to be honest, I’ve never seen this as a positive, for it’s often attached to people with high expectations, low budgets, and thoughts of “If it’s not exactly what we want, we won’t pay.” That’s one phrase that would make me walk away without question.
What phrases have you heard that could hold double meaning?
The infamous This will give you a lot of exposure or I can introduce you to a lot of industry people.
I don't want your exposure (so to speak) 🙂 and how can you know you want to introduce me to your industry contacts when I haven't written anything for you yet?
And probably won't if that's your final offer. 🙂
"Must have strong connections within the industry" — means the employer has none, but expects you to turn over your Rolodex for nothing. Um, no.
Piggybacking on Cathy's reply, a good friend of mine had an odd experience last year with a client who was focused on "exposure" and "platform."
He was offering to pay more that a content mill, but not much more (red flag #1).
A few minutes into the meeting, my friend realized this guy was expecting she'd get all of her Facebook, blog and Twitter followers would flock to his new website (red flag #2). She smiled and said, "Good luck finding writers who can do what you want for the price you're willing to pay. Just remember there's a reason people say you get what you pay for."
A couple weeks ago she told me she ran into that "evil man" at a restaurant – no doubt leaving a tip that was more than he wanted to pay for web content.
Good one, Cathy. 🙂
Devon, I've often felt the same. If they want to use my connections, they have to pay me for them.
Good story, Paula. Sounds like she gave him a lesson in how to run a business. 🙂
I've always liked it when ads say they want "perfect grammar and spelling"…and then go on to say that they pay $1 per article, or something ridiculous like that. I always want to email back and say, "I'm sorry, I'm only 'perfect' when I'm earning a reasonable wage. Would you settle for passable?"
LOL! Debra, you can answer my emails like that any day! Great response.