Quick! Your client prospect just asked what your rate is. What do you do? You know your rate (or you should by now). That’s not the problem. There are actually two problems here — First, you probably shouldn’t be telling them your rate in that initial conversation (Jennifer Gregory has a great post by Elizabeth…
Category: Client issues
One Thing Your Freelance Writing Marketing Lacks (and how to get it)
Are you trying to make a living freelance writing, but you just can’t seem to get your business off the ground? Are you having troubles finding clients — quality clients? If you answered yes to either question, I’m going to bet the problem is your marketing. But Lori! I market all the time! you may be…
Freelance Files: Protecting Your Billable Hours
A while ago, I was working on a project with a client’s client, and it was clear there was going to be an issue. The client was nice enough. He knew what he wanted, and I was able to interpret that into a good first draft. But there was a massive disconnect from that point…
No-nonsense Guide to Freelance Client Project Success
Yes, Virginia (and Virgil). There is a wrong way to approach that client project. Imagine this scenario: you reach out to Company A with your letter of introduction. You invite them to connect. They do. Now what? Well, if you’re like our first writer, Carl, you’d get on the phone and go down the list…
The Writer’s Guide to Handling Scope Creep
So John hires you to write his website content. The next conversation goes something like this: Oh by the way, could you check all the links to make sure they’re working? Then maybe he adds this: Oh, that survey on there is old. Could you write three more for me? Sorry, forgot to mention this…
How Frank Honesty Can Win Freelance Clients
I love the beginning of a new year, but not for the new-beginnings-and-resolutions-aplenty stuff. I love it for another reason — Potential clients reach out. The Christmas presents are barely opened before I start getting notes. It makes sense; people want to line up their projects and contractors now so that at the stroke of…
The One Freelance Writing Number You Need to Know
It started with an email from a local contact. They needed a writer onsite. Yea, that’s not happening. I declined, saying if the client needed someone on a virtual basis, I might be interested. The response: yes, they’re quite open to virtual arrangements. Except…. The time commitment and the pay; neither were going to work for…
The Response Your Freelance Writing Business Doesn’t Need
Today. Vote. Got it? If you don’t, you lose all right to complain, in my opinion. Had a great weekend, one in which I was able to meet Joy Drohan. She was in the area with her children for a sports event, and we met for lunch afterward. What a great person! Joy is someone…
Writers Worth: The Power of No
Don’t miss the next Writers Worth Twitter Chat! Join Paula Hendrickson and me on October 16th at 11 am ET using the hashtag #WWMchat Didn’t I promise you some Writers Worth love throughout the year? Here you go. Saying no. If you do an internet search on how to say no to clients, you’re going…
Getting Freelance Writing Prospects to Yes
Today, I’m out of here. I’m traveling back home for a final goodbye. There’s a memorial picnic happening in my father’s honor. The tent has been delivered, food has been made, photos printed. Tomorrow, the memories come out. Then on to Ontario. Somehow, it just seemed fitting to head to his favorite place after giving…