When asked once about writer’s block, novelist Allan Gurganus said, “My theory is you don’t get it if you don’t believe in it. I’ve never heard of anyone getting plumber’s block, or traffic cop’s block….” I couldn’t agree more. Writer’s block is this myth that keeps permeating throughout the industry. We cannot claim to be…
Screwing Up
We’ve talked plenty about what to do when you’re faced with client screw-ups and mistakes made in interpreting client wishes. What we’ve not talked much about is what to do when we make mistakes. We do, you know. Not every action is directly related to someone else’s inaction or miscommunication. Sometimes, we just screw up….
Happy St. Paddy’s and Happy Anniversary!
I find it exceedingly ironic that today, my “unofficial” national holiday is also the day I started this weblog two years ago. That I get to celebrate my heritage and my passion at the same time – well, that calls for a Guinness! And no green beers, please. That’s just wrong. Thank you, loyal readers…
Clients I Won’t Work For
Nor should you… No, it’s not another post about low-paying clients. If you don’t know enough by now to avoid those jobs, I can’t help you. This is a post about how to know when to cut bait with a client whose rates are fine, but where something just doesn’t sit well. We’ve had them,…
Sammy Simpson’s Book Goes Live!
I’m excited to announce that a client of mine has released his audio book, Tuned In – What’s Your Format?, on Amazon. Click here to pick up your own copy. In Sammy’s own words, “Get Tuned In with Ideas worth Listening To for Your Work, Your Money and Your Life. “A self-help/personal development audio/coaching series…
Can You Hear Me Now?
Networking. Quick – what just came to mind when you read that word? Standing with a cocktail in one hand and a business card in the other? Calling people indiscriminately and trying to convince them you’re the writer for them? Pushing to get the job even if it means pushing too far? Time to rethink…
When Your Rep is at Stake
Your mother always told you to be wary of strangers. Her advice doesn’t sound so overprotective now, does it? Understand this – in each and every dealing you have with people, whether friendly dealings or business dealings, your reputation is on the line. When Bob Younce commented on yesterday’s post about how he makes sure…
Heinous, Man
Kristen King over at Inkthinker has a great post up today on the 7 Heinous Practices You Should Stop Immediately. I love her writing style, but the real gems in this post are the tips. Kristen’s hit every one, too. A few that stuck out in particular were numbers 6 and 7 about reciprocal work…
Busy Making Money
Forgive my absence of late. I’m up to my elbows in work. But I promise to be back tomorrow with some developing news….
You Don’t Know SWOT
After getting some less-than-positive feedback on a project recently, I couldn’t help but notice a recurring theme in my criticisms over the years. I wanted to not notice, because who wants to dwell on weaknesses? Frankly, you do. And you should. In marketing terms, it’s known as SWOT – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It’s…