What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
What’s on the iPod: Nothing. The car’s in the shop and the iPod is in the car.
Why does it seem like I’m running through my days lately? Maybe because I am. I spent yesterday trying to get to phone interviews and doing everything else. But everything else is now put to rest.
Today is devoted to interviews. There will be a little marketing mixed in, plus I have to contact a vendor from the conference to discuss projects. Then I have a collaboration to work out. I’ve been going at full tilt for three weeks.
Currently I’m shopping for an external hard drive, but so far the wish list isn’t meshing with the product offerings. I find one that has it all and the litany of complaints scare me off. Or the one that has a five-star rating doesn’t network well. Still shopping.
There’s so much rain here I’m beginning to feel gray and soaked like the clouds. Can it really rain this much? Really? I’d weed, but the garden is mud. I’d walk, but the rain is incessant. I’d sleep, but that’s pathetic.
I was thinking about some of the stuff I’ve learned over the years and how much of that I’ve learned from all of you. Since I’ve seen a spike in new visitors, I want to share with them (and you) some of the stuff I’ve learned that you can learn without doing so the hard way. I’ve learned:
How to spot a phony. Not just phony clients, but phony writers. There have been a few who have used and walked over others for financial gain – clients and writers alike. Luckily, they all practice similar methods and are easy to spot.
How strong contracts need to be. Had to learn this the hard way a few times, but I’m confident in my current contract and how it protects both my client and me.
How to be genuine. Honestly, you’re either born with it or you’re not. Most of us, thankfully, are. Say what you mean, do as you say. I’ve found that being genuine with people is a reward beyond anything monetary, for it proves you have integrity. I’d rather be poor and trusted than rich and alone.
How to stand up for myself. For me, it took separating my emotions from all business dealings. The minute I stopped worrying about clients not liking me if I stood firm on rates, my business earnings and professionalism improved exponentially.
How to say no. It took nearly drowning in work to get myself to a point where I said “I just can’t do any more.” Ironically, it was a former client who was known for overworking writers to make a profit that ended my accommodating ways. After shoveling 2 projects a day at me that took 2 hours each (and cutting the pay in half, thanks for nothing), I cried uncle. Then I cashed in and dumped them.
What have you learned?
9 responses to “Stuff I’ve Learned”
The external hard drive I use with my Time Machine backups is called a MyBook. I didn't like the Time-Machine specific ones from Apple, so I asked for another recommendation, and was told this one. They have it formatted for either Mac or PC. I love it. You don't want to drop it or knock it over, but other than that, it's very reliable, and has saved my ass on more than one occassion. It's also small, shaped like a black book, lightweight, etc.
What i learned is there aren't enough hours in the day, and I have to pick and choose, and reshuffled priorities constantly.
I learned that when money is the ONLY reason to say yes to a project, I regret it every time. I have to balance the financial with the other elements.
Thanks for the recommendation, Devon. I'll look into that.
Very true about regretting choices involving money only. I've had a few high-paying jobs that created more stress than the money was worth.
1) I've learned what a generous community the writers community is.
2) I've learned to put an expiration date on proposals and an effective date on fee lists.
3) I've learned to ALWAYS get a deposit.
4). I've learned to be a better writer.
Hang in there, Lori. Summer HAS to be lurking very close. If it makes you feel better, we had rain 27 out of 30 days in April. It's also rained every day this week so far.
I sure wish you'd send some of your rain to Texas. We had one day of rain last week. That was the first day of any significant rain since September! I'm going to be a raisin pretty soon.
Devon's comment is spot on – we have to be very careful with our limited hours. I am very stingy with my time! I've also learned that people will use you as much as you will let them. If you don't stand up for yourself/your business, no one will. And Cathy's comment about the generosity of the writing community is also true. I see it every single day.
Things I have learned:
1. I have a lot to learn
2. You must make time to write (even if you don't have an assignment)
3. Writers are generous people
4. Opportunities abound, you just need to open your mind
I learned how motivating it is to have a group of fellow writers to share things with, good and bad.
It's nice to know your own mistakes can help someone else avoid the same pitfalls, but it's even better when there's someone there to warn you about those pits before you fall.
One of the most important things I have learned has to do with professionalism. If you choose to make writing a career/business, then you should have a professional attitude to go with it.
A website targeting a particular type of corporation, that has Mom-related images, ads and links is not going to get you taken seriously. A corporation interested in hiring a writer is not going to be impressed by a blog that talks about your child's piano lessons and trips to the zoo.
I need to think a bit more to make my list,but I have to say that I enjoyed the one posted here.
Why? I definitely experienced 3 of those and even when I read them now, it is still painful. I did learn to stand up for myself and learned how to communicate ….I need to work on no because let me say from last Novemenberuntil April was waaaaay too much work (in retrospect, what was I thinking? 70 hours a week?).
Finally, I was bitten this past yr by a contract (or my inability to negotiate after the project). I need to learn this skill pronto.