What’s on the iPod: Naked Kids by Grouplove
What a change! Yesterday was quiet, almost relaxing. I’ve finally caught up with all the work for the client project, and we’re moving on to another, much smaller project tomorrow. I was able to get a smaller project in (and done) and put some polish on an upcoming webinar announcement.
I was reading around some forums yesterday (LinkedIn mostly), and noticed a theme. Writers were talking a good game, but in more than a few cases, the evidence was there: they were accepting less than they were worth.
This pains me to see. Many of these writers have great profiles and what I would consider to be killer credentials – ones that would demand a higher rate from the smart clients who hire them. Yet there they were, all nervous about putting a strong rate out there.
Maybe it’s a small workload or a little uncertainty about what their actual value is in the market. I don’t know why it exists, but I know it doesn’t have to. Here are areas of your career in which you should not compromise:
Payment. No mamby-pambying about your rate; the price you set is the price you’ll get. None of this letting the client talk you down below your minimum-acceptable threshold (and especially if this is a new client – they have to prove themselves first). You set your rates – not your clients.
Types of work you’ll do. If it goes against your morals, your beliefs, or it’s just plain boring to you, say no. I turned down work recently despite the client pushing like crazy to get me to do it (and that was also part of the reason I refused). No means no, and you don’t have to give any reason beyond “No thank you.” And don’t apologize – no “I’m sorry, but” statements. It is what it is.
The treatment you’ll endure. For me, a client relationship ends the minute things get even remotely hinky. I’ve ended relationships when the client 1) argues already agreed-upon rates, 2) said anything abusive or unprofessional, 3) didn’t paid, 4) changed the scope of the work and expects it at the same price, 5) lied, 6) was incompetent to the point where it affected my work, 7) caused undue stress, 8) refused to sign a contract, etc. Draw and hold firm your boundaries.
Whom it is you’ll work with. If you don’t like working with people who are scattered, prone to caustic remarks, or who show signs that they’re not exactly funded, you can say no. And you should. Any situation in which your gut is telling you to walk away is one you should avoid at all costs.
Independent status. Unless you get a W-2 and benefits, you’re free to work for whomever you like whenever you like. No client should tell you how and when to work beyond what they expect and when they expect delivery. That means no video monitoring, no 12-hour IM availability, no after-hours or weekend calls when you’re not in the office, and no demanding any type of onsite or online presence at the client’s discretion. You are a business owner, and business owners don’t jump through anyone’s hoops. Period.
What are examples of times you’ve accepted less in your career? What did you learn from it?
In what other areas should writers not compromise?
I like what you said here: And don't apologize – no "I'm sorry, but" statements. It is what it is. So true. Everything that comes before but is a lie.
EP, good point — "but" cancels out everything before it anyway.