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Author: lwidmer

Now You’re Talking!

Posted on by lwidmer

I can’t believe we’ve worn through 30 more days already! In keeping with my attempts to see what you like to read, I’m once again revisiting those topics that had you commenting most. Here’s what we discussed last month: Lots of Work, Little Cash. Ooo, you liked this one! It seems everyone has had to…

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Goal!

Posted on by lwidmer

With all this talk about goal setting and achieving these goals, it occurred to me that maybe you’re not quite sure how to define your goals. Look, my goals are simple ones – make XX dollars by YY date. Anything more complicated than that is going to give me a headache. And maybe you’re into…

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If You Answer to No One, Is That a Good Thing?

Posted on by lwidmer

I’ve seen a few blogs recently that have asked very specific questions – only to be ignored. Not surprising. The questions, you see, are ones of accountability. Amanda asked What About Your Writer’s Resolutions? and then she waited. Two of us commented. Not exactly total silence. It sure faired better than when I asked how…

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Blog Love

Posted on by lwidmer

Amy Derby has a neat post up about blog etiquette. I agree wholeheartedly with her assessment of reading/commenting on others’ blogs out of some skewed sense of reciprocation. Given the number of blogs I follow, that’s way too much time taken away from work I should be doing. Besides, not everyone has thoughts that inspire…

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Read My Guest Post on Biz Chicks Rule!

Posted on by lwidmer

Thanks to Bridget Wright over at Biz Chicks Rule for inviting me to post recently! The post is up. Please visit and leave a comment!

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They’re Just Not That Into You

Posted on by lwidmer

Rejection sucks. Losing sucks. Not knowing why can drive you completely out of your mind. So why worry? Because you’re human. Kudos to Anne Wayman for once again baring her soul about her being left off the Top Ten Blogs for Writers after occupying that list for two years. Anne stepped outside her own comfort…

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Speak Up Already!

Posted on by lwidmer

Know what the biggest problem in any company is, the largest obstacle to success and the primary cause of failed business, failed projects and failed earnings? Communication. You know it yourself – your biggest issues stem from either lack of communication, miscommunication, or misunderstandings surrounding communication. I know in my own career, I’ve watched large,…

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Truth or Dare?

Posted on by lwidmer

Time to ‘fess up – do you collect deposits/fees from every single client every single time on every single project? If so, you don’t write for magazines, do you? There are times when you just can’t. Magazines pay on acceptance or on publication. If you think you’ll get them to change their payment schedule, good…

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Cheap, Cheap…

Posted on by lwidmer

I once worked for $15 an article. Before you flog me for telling others not to when I myself did, let me explain. It was 15 years ago and the market – the local newspaper. While I didn’t make oodles of cash, I established myself in a credible market. I bring this up after reading…

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Me First!

Posted on by lwidmer

Leigh brought up an interesting point Friday regarding client accommodation. We all have the client who calls and asks “Are you free to help me with a project?” only to assume that two weeks later, you’re still free. I’ve had it happen as late as a month ago. Three weeks later when I really didn’t…

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  1. Devon Ellington Avatar
    Devon Ellington

    I charge if there’s a signed contract in place with specified dates that were booked and then nothing happened. I’m not someone who sits and waits around, in life or in work. I try to be as clear as possible about needing definite dates and a contract in place, and I’m also clear that I book on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    Until there’s a contract in place, it’s not real and you can be bumped at any time.

    If you want to move up the queue, you have to pay more.

    I also don’t go into details about non-availability. “I’m booked.” And if they pry, I say flat out, “That’s not your business.”

    Fortunately, corporate types are in my minority of clients, and I hardline early with anyone from a corporation, so I run into this problem less than a lot of other people.

    I do however believe that, if overbooking is YOUR mistake, you don’t start waffling and moaning about having to work additional hours or weekends or whatever. You made the commitment, YOU mis-figured your time, suck it up and get it done.

    Reply
  2. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Amen to that, Devon. If I overbook, I get it done on my time. Or I call in the troops for help. What I won’t do is forego my time off in order to meet someone’s arbitrary deadline, or to compensate for their lack of planning. Not unless there’s additional cash involved…

    Reply
  3. Devon Ellington Avatar
    Devon Ellington

    Absolutely. And it needs to be major cash, not an extra five bucks tossed in!

    Reply
  4. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    LOL Isn’t that the truth!

    Reply
  5. Avid Writer Avatar
    Avid Writer

    There’s nothing left to say. Devon said it all in a nutshell.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Smith Avatar
    Rebecca Smith

    This is right on the money (pun intended)! Unfortunately, it happens to me more than I’d like, but a good contract in place — with dates — always helps. So does a firm yet positive attitude.

    Reply
  7. Leigh Avatar
    Leigh

    Yay, I’m famous! 🙂

    Good points from everyone here. I’m really drawing the line for the end of this year and into 2009 with deposits, deadlines, and being prepared to work with me. Don’t book time with me if you are not ready to move forward.

    Reply
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