Comments on: Your Unknown Compromises

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:23:55 +0000

Joseph, perfect word - timidly. Exactly how many of us are presenting ourselves as business owners.

Devon, it's so true - staying in the comfort zone is so stagnating.

Paula, I like to think of myself as a five-minute scholar. I learn enough in five minutes (through the experts' commentary) to write an accurate story. Okay, I forget much of it in less time, but the idea is to kick in that curiosity and really listen to what you're hearing.

Maybe your grumbling to him will make him think twice about the quick turnaround, Anne. Sounds like you and he have a great relationship.

Damaria, isn't that the best place to be in? It feels very freeing to be able to walk away from things that don't fit.

By: Damaria Senne

Damaria Senne — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:07:36 +0000

I used to take assignments that were beneath me because I reasoned low-paying work was better than no work. Unfortunately, I wasted a lot of time struggling to do these assignments instead of looking for better-paying work. Now I no longer apply for these jobs and when they are offered, I turn them down.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:37:03 +0000

I pretty much don't compromise anymore – pretty much. Yesterday I did some work for a client that landed in the middle of something else… he called and he's one of the few I would ever drop stuff for. I did and grumbled… to him actually, and then apologized. But it felt like a compromise and an only partially conscious decision to do it.

And Joseph is so right – ask for the sale… ask them if they want it… no need to compromise.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:35:50 +0000

Piggybacking on Devon's comment, writers can't be expected to be experts in everything we cover, but we can find the real experts and ask great questions.

Whenever I come across a market that wants "experts in the field" I want to say, "Do you want an expert who can't write well, or a great writer who can interview experts and clearly convey their information to your readers?"

After all, isn't learning about new things what most of us enjoy about being writers?

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:49:24 +0000

As you look for jobs/markets to which to pitch, you ask yourself if the topic interests you and if you're good at it. The best jobs combine both. If you're interested but don't have a lot of background, it gives you the chance to grow your knowledge -- go for it anyway, and make sure you learn quickly.

A fast learning curve is a must as a freelancer.

If you never reach beyond your comfort zone, you'll never fulfill your potential.

By: Joseph Hayes

Joseph Hayes — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:39:58 +0000

There's an old adage in sales that says "ask for the sale"; it refers to going through all the motions of making a sale without ever just saying "do you want this?". We fail at this constantly, both with our clients and internally.

We pitch stories and projects but hesitate at saying "this is what I can do, if you want it, this is what it costs". We timidly present a price and our criteria, then forget the follow-through of "no, this is how I work, can we go ahead?" and accept what we know won't work. And saddest of all, we compromise and pine for the jobs that got away because we never ask ourselves "do you want this? This is what it takes." Nice topic, Lori.