One thing it didn't take me long to discover is how most meetings are a total waste of time – even for staffers!

The person coordinating the assignments admitted that she'd had another freelancer walk off the job because it took too much face time.

No, thanks! I'm a freelance person, not a staffer you can require to be at meetings. I'm happy to do phone conferences, but onsite meetings? Unless there's a darned good reason, nope, nope, nope!

They feel I should be pleased to drive 1hr round trip and meet for 2-3 hrs to share strategic advice -because it would result in great projects down the road.

While this client does offer legitimate work, it's small tasks here and there; nothing big or even steady.

I've diplomatically explained the freelance business model: that we can't afford to operate like a full-service agency and do onsite/spec work, because we don't charge sky-high agency rates; nor do we make fat media/production commissions. That we only earn money (and pay health insurance and eat!)when we bill for time.

When I wouldn't budget on a non-paid 3-hour kickoff meeting, they were NOT happy. Sometimes it's hard to decide what you will/won't give in on – especially in this tough economy. It's easy for clients to make us feel greedy or unreasonable if we object to their request. But I don't regret refusing – even if I lose them.

Eileen, excellent insight. We don't have to put up with bad behavior just because they're paying us. If they want to beat up on someone, they should've gone into boxing.

Oh Paula, you showed great will power! Yes, you're wise to educate even the idiots who would act that way. He's no employer – he's out for cheap work. Guess what? He'll reap what he sows.

They made a wrong toyn in Albu-koi-kee, didn't they Amie? 🙂

I did. Within a couple minutes I received a poorly written (and incredibly rude) reply saying I must be the greatest writer on earth since my rates were the highest he'd ever seen, and they already had ten replies from writers willing to do the job for a fraction of the cost. He ended his eloquent diatribe with, "Rip off!"

I kept it professional and responded by saying my rates were right on target for a professional writer with my level of experience. Then I wished him luck with whatever writer he decided to hire. (Thinking, "You'll sure need it!" as I hit send.)

He failed this simple test of professional courtesy by not even replying. In my earlier days, I would have dug out old records, found his cell phone number, and frantically tried to reach him. But not these days, because I'd just be enabling more bad behavior. I don't chase anyone. It's undignified and gives them all the power – just like those $5 articles.

So, does that mean I get ice cream? 😉