I woke this morning to the strangest sight – the sun. It’s what they call a UFO in Scotland, it happens so rarely. Yes, I can still see it. I had forgotten what it looked like! I’m sure it’s short-lived, but I’ll take it, humidity and all. I can’t help getting that uneasy feeling that…
Author: lwidmer
Getting Motivated
Has anyone else started construction on an ark? It’s rained here in southeastern PA for so long I’m beginning to see the animals pairing up. I planted seeds on one of the sunny mornings (which of course turned into maelstrom afternoons). I’m sure they’re either rotting in the excess water or floating down near Delaware…
Is Talent Enough?
Had an encounter recently – no other way to put it – with an admin at a local company. Let me just say here and now had I walked into that office myself without a referral, without my better half standing there, I’d have walked right out. I made a simple request – I wanted…
Yes, We ARE Worth It
In a discussion on one of my newest forum haunts, the writers are discussing the obvious prejudice clients seem to have about writers. If you can design a website, more often than not your clients will see the value in your work and compensate you accordingly (not always, but I digress). If you write copy…
The Frugal Writer
Having come from a less-than-wealthy family, I grew up understanding there were limits to what one could have, what one should have, and what one really needed. We grew our own food (from beans to steaks), and we wore a lot of homemade clothes. I remember being so pleased with the dresses and pants my…
Defining Your Basement
Having a conversation with a new graduate recently, I mentioned losing two of my big clients to the R word (I won’t say it! I won’t admit to it!). He asked what I was going to do. I spelled it out for him – “Market, send out proposals, contact the temp agency….” Of course he…
The Phrases That Do NOT Pay
While I’m out chumming the waters for new clients (is anyone else wondering where the clients went?), I thought I’d share some of the catch phrases in job listings that usually mean you’re not getting paid. If you’re a newbie or if you’ve been around a while, it never hurts to see them for what…
A Primer for Clients
Dear Clients, I love you. Yes, I do. I love that you have faith in me to deliver your project your way. You know I’m bending over backwards to make you happy, right? No? Well, I am. It’s not just my job – it’s something I take seriously. However lately, dear clients, I’m not feeling…
I Surrender
That would be a white flag I’m waving. I’m giving up, and it’s only Tuesday morning. After losing those two great regular jobs this month, I was hopeful because here came a new client just on the heels of the old one leaving (literally seven minutes between their emails). As you read yesterday, I was…
Close the Door, Open Another
Last week I heard from another one of my regular clients and yes, the news wasn’t great. I’d sent out the “can I help with anything?” email, and heard what I’d expected – the budget went south and there aren’t the funds for freelancers there once was. I feel bad – two great clients in…