Such a smart move, Paula. We should all normalize asking that very question.

Like you, I know pretty much when my clients will pay. There are times they are late, but it’s usually resolved because I know when they normally pay, which makes it easier to follow up quickly.

I don’t blame you for being selective with when you’ll work with those clients. Our utility bills can’t wait for them to pay up!

I have a couple clients that pay within a week or two of receiving my invoice. I have another that pays well, but slowly. The good news is they pay like clockwork, so I know pretty much the very day the payment will come through.

Sadly, a lot of trade publications still pay on publication, which to most means they wait until an article is in print to enter the invoice into their system. For some, you’re paid immediately after that, while others prolong it for another month or two. I occasionally still write for clients that do that, knowing it will be months before I’m paid — but only when I don’t urgently need the money.

That’s so rewarding!

Yeah, the ones at my previous location weren’t about a group of small businesses supporting each other and referring back and forth; they were about selling to those who came to the meeting. But then, the whole culture there was one of non-reciprocity. The way they’re doign it here is far more fun!

That’s what burns me about some magazines (not the ones I’ve worked with regularly) — that long-assed wait for payment. Too bad they can’t meet YOUR payment deadline.

Sounds like you’ve located a very good chamber! I went to one locally and it was obvious they were all there to sell, not buy. There weren’t many people, either. Not worth the effort. But to find a good one — that’s golden.

The local chamber organization has one of the best monthly networking groups I’ve ever encountered. I’m still in contact with people I met early last year, and at the small business expo last May. in fact, this month, I’m attending the opening of one contact’s new local tea shop! There are a bunch of people with whom I’m in regular touch just to chat about this and that, and we toss referrals back and forth when it’s relevant. The whole, “So and so is looking for X, and it’s not my wheelhouse, but I thought of you” that type of thing.

I like the name-dropping thing, even if I can’t do into detail on a project (too much of what I do is under NDA, and I want to move away from that). I will have to incorporate that!