Comments on: Showing Your Chops

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:09:57 +0000

Devon, I get that. I'm fortunate that no one has done that to me, but it's sure happened to others! I keep remembering the few who have gotten upset because you wouldn't hand over contacts. Absurd!

Damaria, same here. I do love helping, but I have to have A) time to, and B) a willing audience. You're right -- if they don't do it for themselves, it's never happening.

Paula, great point. The failures I've had have made me a stronger business person. We come into this gig thinking it's all writing and creativity. Hell, it's also a business and it requires constant attention. The failures make you smarter about how you do things, and it helps you learn to protect the business.

PJ, sounds like you had great role models. :)

Heather, I'm glad you found some inspiration here. Don't be humbled-- you can do this, too. I've no doubt of it. We all start out on shaky legs. It takes a little time to get balance, but I've total faith you can do it if you stick with it. Thanks for the compliment. :) Please, consider this your place, too. It is. I'd love to read your comments more often!

By: Heather TJ-Palmer

Heather TJ-Palmer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:51:54 +0000

I want to say, as a new freelancer, THANK YOU for your wise words. I appreciate everything you've said, and have enjoyed all of your blogs immensely. As Devon stated above, I don't want to be a "wanna-be" and am so thankful for any advice given. For every person that's a jackass, there's a person who honors your success and expertise.
After a bleak day of beating myself up, reading your blog gave me renewed strength and faith. You reminded me of what I could change, and reinforced what I know I'm doing right. I'm humbled by your success and hope to be as well-spoken as you someday. Thank you and I look forward to reading future blogs!

By: PJ

PJ — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:51:18 +0000

I had the good fortune to be raised by parents who told me nothing comes easy and anything you really want you will probably have to work hard for. That has held me in good stead for many years and through many career changes. I also have had the good fortune to be mentored by a line of editors/writers who have given me advice for which I will be forever grateful. God bless those willing to share, to help those willing to put in the effort to succeed in a competitive but highly satisfying field.

By: Paula

Paula — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:59:42 +0000

I'm sure most of us who've been freelancing a long time has at least one or two failures that strengthened our resolve (and backbone) to never make the same mistake again. Often, the mistake was trusting someone who hadn't earned our trust.

Freelancing is like life - you get more out of it when you put more into it.

By: Damaria Senne

Damaria Senne — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:58:44 +0000

I had to grow a backbone when I realised that the lack of one was hurting me (wasting my time, lost opportunities because I was busy tilting windmills thinking I was helping someone who actually wanted help). I'm happy to offer advice to a new freelancer and to direct them to the resources that have also helped me. But they have to be willing to do the work. I can't and won't do it for them.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:27:34 +0000

I am burned out by the amount of wanna-bes who don't have the basic courtesy, when asked for advice to simply say, "thank you." You don't have to use it if it doesn't take you where you want to go. But if someone with a track record has taken the time to share expertise, you damn well better receive it with basic graciousness.

No one OWES you. Earn respect. Part of that is basic professional courtesy.

And when you commit to something -- see it through. Whether it's a class or a job or a meeting. If it's not a good fit, you don't commit again. But show you're a professional.