Comments on: The Freelance Writer’s Client Screening Kit

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:36:51 +0000

In reply to Devon Ellington. How can you not have a budget? Oh, because you don't intend to pay! Next.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:36:18 +0000

I’ve turned down a number in the past, too. It doesn’t make sense to take a job when my gut tells me the fit is way, way off.

Yes — the “must have” list of technology can get a little expensive for freelancers. I’ve been able to counter that once or twice with “I provide a Word version for you to format as you like.”

I guess that’s the nice way of saying I’m not plunking down my money for a program I’ll use once.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:46:35 +0000

And I would say that, around here 99% of the clients, when asked about budget, respond, “I don’t have one.” To which I respond, “Let’s have another conversation about specifics when you put one together.” To which they respond, “Why don’t you do that for me?” When I respond with the fee for that, I get a shocked look and, “Oh, but shouldn’t you be doing this for free?” Um, no, it’s a task with billable hours. Buh-bye.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:44:08 +0000

I consider interviews mutual. I interview them as much as they interview me, and when they’re not a good match, I withdraw either at the interview or just after. One thing around here that bothers me is an immediate question about marital status. That’s not relevant to my writing, and not anybody’s business; Red flags are also demanding I provide specific types of technology — um, no, if you need me to use a specific platform or type of program, you either provide the equipment or, if it’s something I have, I charge a kit fee. Buh-bye.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 17:56:55 +0000

In reply to Paula Hendrickson. Bingo! That exactly, Paula.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 15:38:33 +0000

Yesterday a neighbor, who recently applied to an MBA program, was telling me about the interview for it, and said, “They thought they were interviewing me, but I was interviewing THEM.”

Perfect mindset for initial discussions with potential clients, huh? When you’re being interviewed and feel like you’re being judged, you can get defensive or nervous. Switching the mindset to one where you’re determining if the potential client is worthy of your time puts you in control.