What I’m listening to: Incomplete by James Bay It happened again. Another forum discussion on rates, another person asking about rates. This time, the writer was reviewing the various pricing guides and thinking it was either time to raise rates or use those extremely general price ranges to show clients the bargain they’re getting. I get…
6 Social Media Truths for Freelancers
What I’m listening to: Carolina Drama by Jack White I read this the other day: If you want to be successful at social media, you have to pay for leads. Huh? That’s right. This self-professed expert was saying “Sorry folks, you can’t be famous like me unless you’re paying for the privilege.” And conveniently enough, he…
Networking the Right Way (and the Wrong Way)
What I’m listening to: Melissa by The Allman Brothers Band We’re almost finished with February, and if you’ve not noticed, we’ve talked a lot about networking. Not a ton, but it’s been the primary focus. Today is no different. Raise your hand if this has happened to you: You’re at a party. You introduce yourself to someone…
How to Be a More Appealing Freelancer
What I’m reading: A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James What I’m listening to: One Time Thing by The Airborne Toxic Event Did I say work was slow? Forget it. Work has started streaming in, and the next four weeks will be quite busy. I have two deadlines this week, one next week,…
The Freelance Networking Success Recipe
What I’m listening to: Scars by James Bay Are you a drive-by networker? You are if you have accounts on several social media sites, but fail to show up on any of them with any kind of regularity. You are if you contact clients one time and never follow up. You are if you talk…
3 Networking Wins for Freelancers
What I’m listening to: The Night Visit by Christy Moore Even lousy interactions can net something. I was thinking about that the other day. It’s funny how some of my best clients came from network contacts whom I’d not have thought would promote me to get coffee. In one case, a contact I’d shared a…
4 Myths We Freelancers Sell Ourselves On
What I’m listening to: Die Like a Rich Boy (Acoustic version) by Frightened Rabbit It’s been a busy few days. After a slow start to 2017, the work is starting to pick up again. Marketing is in full swing for the April conference I attend, and I’m hoping to make some new connections from it. I…
Tuesday Take: When to Pull the Plug on a Freelance Project
What I’m listening to: Incomplete and Insecure by The Avett Brothers A good start to the week. I got a project finished, got some marketing in, took care of some unfinished business, and had a call with a colleague. That last item was eye-opening. The colleague and I have had dealings with the same client. In…
Free Advice Friday: This Job, Not That Job
What I’m listening to: Dazz by Brick You who know me know how much I don’t enjoy passive marketing (such as spending most of one’s time on job boards). And I loathe cheapskates who don’t value what we freelance writers do. That must mean it’s time for another installment of our series, This Job, Not…
Freelance Writer’s Ethical Guide
What I’m listening to: Jungle Love by Morris Day and The Time I had a conversation yesterday with a writer friend who shares similar opinions. In fact, if I want to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t share my opinion, I’d rather it be in person. Too many people out there with keyboard muscles. In…