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Free Advice Friday: This Job Not That Job

Posted on June 23, 2017June 16, 2017 by lwidmer

I spent this week stewing about not being able to head to Ontario. It’s my own fault. I said yes to too many projects and didn’t turn down appointments when I should have. So I have to wait a few more weeks to get the hell out of here and get a much-needed break. Meantime,…

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Free Advice Friday: This Job Not That Job

Posted on April 14, 2017April 14, 2017 by lwidmer

It’s Friday. After the week I’ve had, I’m tempted to spell it “fried-day.” Glad the weekend — and a holiday — are upon us. Since my brain is already out of the office for the week, let’s have some more poking-fun-at-bad-jobs time. Once again, this one is from Paula Hendrickson, our resident celebrity writer and…

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Free Advice Friday: The New Freelance Writer’s Income

Posted on March 31, 2017March 30, 2017 by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Noise Pollution by Portugal, The Man Ah, Friday. I’m ready for this weekend. I had a steady stream of work this week, and I’m ready for a break. This was the weekend that I was supposed to work — a regular client needs a proofreading job done by Monday — but…

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Free Advice Friday: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on August 26, 2016August 23, 2016 by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: I’m a Mess by Ed Sheeran Short week for me. My son is visiting, so we’re off to enjoy what’s left of summer while he’s in town. It’s funny how sometimes, you and a friend are on the same page. I received a job listing from a site I belong to,…

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Free Advice Friday: 4 Freelance Business Mistakes That Kill Your Career

Posted on June 17, 2016June 30, 2016 by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie Wow. Friday already? It went by a bit quickly. I have projects in the works, but until I get some interviews completed, I have some free time. I spent it working on two personal projects and trying to learn a new bit of Windows…

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Free Advice Friday: What Your Editor Wants

Posted on April 8, 2016July 16, 2016 by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand There go my plans. Today I was supposed to be meeting Ms. Sharon Hurley Hall, who is the brains behind Get Paid to Write OnlineĀ and one of my dear online friends. Howe ver, client work came up unexpectedly. So here I sit, working. Hopefully, she…

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Free Advice Friday: Making Freelance Lemonade from Rejection

Posted on February 12, 2016June 30, 2016 by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: A Good Reason to Grow Old by Owl John For my first week back, it’s been both busy and productive. I completed drafts on three new projects and have had talks with another new client about upcoming work. Plus I’m working toward nailing down a new client on project dates, focus,…

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Free Advice Friday: Your Freelance Prospecting List

Posted on September 11, 2015June 30, 2016 by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Hardliners by Holcomb Waller For a week that has just a few items on the to-do list, it’s kept me busy. Yesterday I talked with a new client and started in on their project almost immediately. Today, I continue that, plus I’ll be starting a draft for another client and talking…

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Free Advice Friday: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on August 28, 2015June 30, 2016 by lwidmer

SOLD OUT: Sorry, but the FREE Marketing Q&A webinar hosted by Jake Poinier and featuring yours truly has no room. However, you can get on the list for the next one! Get on the list here Remember that relaxing I wanted to do yesterday? Didn’t happen. Just as I exhaled, a favorite editor sent over an…

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Free Advice Friday: Excuses That Will Sink Your Writing Business

Posted on August 21, 2015June 30, 2016 by lwidmer

Doing anything September 14th at 1 pm ET? Join Jake Poinier (a.k.a. Dr. Freelance) and me for a FREE one-hour Marketing Q&A. Reserve your spot today This week, I tried doing the impossible — make more time show up between Monday and Friday. With several deadlines this week and early next week, I was looking at a…

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  1. KeriLynn Engel Avatar
    KeriLynn Engel
    August 21, 2015

    It can be such an awkward situation asking after late payments, but I try to just focus on the fact that I'm a business!

    These are great points here, Lori. There was one time I did accept #1 (We didn't like the result) as an excuse, last year. They had already paid 50% upfront, and it was a small project fee anyway. They were terrible to work with and I dreaded every time I had to contact them. So when they refused the last invoice, I just gave up. I couldn't deal with it. For a larger amount I would have been more persistent, but in this case it just wasn't worth the hassle :/

    Reply
  2. Lori Widmer Avatar
    Lori Widmer
    August 21, 2015

    Sometimes Keri, it's so much easier, I agree. In two cases, I did what you did. I looked at the remaining amount due, decided it was too small to chase, and walked away from the trouble.

    Nothing wrong with that, either. To forego say ten working hours to chase what amounts to one working hour just isn't worth it.

    Reply
  3. Paula Hendrickson Avatar
    Paula Hendrickson
    August 21, 2015

    Very early on in my freelance life, fresh out of college, I stupidly waited for an editor's approval before sending the invoice. I never got paid – and never knew if they even ran the article. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid Newbie Error. That has not happened since.

    I have to admit this week has been one of those weeks where it's easy to let things slide. But today I need to finish an article and hound one person for answers for something due Monday. Luckily my editors have been really supportive and have shouldered a little of my workload – leaving me enough to keep me occupied and allowing time for me to breath.

    Reply
  4. Lori Widmer Avatar
    Lori Widmer
    August 24, 2015

    Paula, that's a common mistake. I made it, too. I remember waiting for a guy to publish a profile piece. It took me a year and a half to get the measly $200 out of him for it. But I persisted. I think I became his weekly headache. LOL

    How are you doing this week? I'm so sorry you lost your pup Lily. It's so tough to explain to non-pet people just how much pets impact our lives.

    Here's to better days for you.

    Reply
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