Man of mine had minor surgery on Friday, which meant I had to free up my day in order to help him pre- and post-surgery. I informed the client base, but not all. Why? Because not all needed me that week. In fact, only two actually needed to know where I was and why I…
Friday Freelance Facts
1. No matter how professionally you conduct your own business, there are any number of people out there who will not extend the same professionalism back to you. Expect it and screw on that professional face with every interaction. In other words, be the bigger person. 2. The Murphy’s Law of Freelancing – if it’s…
Lousy Job of the Week
Since our Irreverent Freelancer Kathy Kehrli is on temporary hiatus, I thought I’d help pick up some of the slack left in her absence. Kathy typically brings us The Ultimate Get-A-Clue Freelance Request weekly. In keeping with her theme, I bring you this week’s entrant for the Crappy Employer of the Minute Award: “(Guilty company)…
Making Lemonade
Those of you who read here regularly know of my boneheaded mistake last week – I wrote a fabulous article only to find out I’d written the wrong one. This week is redemption time. I spent the better part of yesterday searching for a home for the mistake, and I may have landed on one…
Standing Up for Your Business
Bankers, I get it. The economy’s got you all running a little scared. I understand. Yet if you start squeezing us small business people for inane (and in some cases, contract-breeching) things, you’re going to lose us. Time for a little dose of Chill Out, okay? I say this because my bank, the one I…
Sweet Dilemma
It’s one of the strangest client situations, but it’s not unheard of. Avid Writer Kimberly has a situation in which the client paid up front and then disappeared completely. If only that were the problem we all faced! But it can be a problem, for now you’re in a place where the client may return…
On Being Late
Okay, it’s been a month and a half. The invoice still goes unpaid and the emails go unanswered. Time for late fees. I understand busy people and busy offices. I understand juggling the jobs of three other people that are now piled onto your own. But I do not understand the absence of common business…
Ask the Expert – You
Show of cyber hands – how many of you consider yourself an expert in something? What does “expert” mean to you? If you think it’s someone with an exhaustive knowledge of one particular topic, industry, or some such notion, you’d probably be female. I’m basing that on what I’ve seen in the corporate world and…
Sensible Deductions
I was talking with the better half about my buying some stuff for the office – new desk, new computer, maybe a new chair. He asked why the rush. To get the deduction, of course! Per usual, he grounded me with a simple-yet-brilliant notion – if you’re spending in order to save, are you really…
Things to Remember About Being Freelance
1. You aren’t an employee. Therefore, no one has the right to demand your undivided attention unless you are being compensated accordingly (that includes benefits and vacation time). 2. If they don’t know you’re there, they can’t hire you. Be vocal and promote yourself once in a while. 3. If you complain publicly about your…