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Tuesday Take: Declining Freelance Work

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: I Remember Her by Ingrid Michaelson Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! If you don’t know that tradition, read about it here Still recovering from the weekend. Friday, I was happy to spoil my husband for his birthday, so the day was spent baking his favorite cake (carrot) and taking him to dinner at…

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5 Freelance Revelations That Can Boost Your Business

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: The Optimist’s Daughter by Eudora Welty What I’m listening to: Iris (Hold Me Close) by U2 Thursday already? It’s been a slightly frustrating week. I’ve been trying to complete a project, but the things I need to get the thing done haven’t appeared. It’s like working with both hands tied behind my…

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Misguided Beliefs of the Unsuccessful Freelance Writer

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Oro Se do Bheatha Bhaile by Sinead O’Connor New week, new marathon. I had two projects for this week as Friday ended. Now I have four. And they all (but one) take precedent. So I’m back to allocating my time among them so that all will get the same level of…

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7 (More) Sins of Freelance Writing

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Coastin’ by Zion I  Yesterday was just one of those days where nothing significant was accomplished. I was waiting for calls, emails, and responses so I could get a project moving. I’m still waiting. I did get to talk with a new client prospect, and I hope I was able to…

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The Best Freelance Mistakes I’ve Ever Made

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Hello by Adele Wednesday already? It feels like it’s Monday and I just sat down at the computer. Not overly busy, but lots of busy work. After a few weeks of absolute madness, I was glad for the chance to exhale. I spent time reflecting too on the way things have been…

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Monday Muse: Knowing Your Boundaries

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s After a week that, for the most part, was internet-free, I’m back to a mountain of emails. I was thinking about an encounter I’d had a while back, and it was one that tested my ability to draw clear boundaries. And if you know…

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This Job, Not That Job

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Nature (I’m offline all week) I’m still out of the office, but you know me — I’m leaving bread crumbs. And because it’s such a popular topic, I’m leaving a rather interesting offer behind for the This Job Not That Job series. This one comes to us via Sharon Hurley Hall, who…

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Monday Muse: 6 Warning Signs of a Bad Client/Freelance Writer Match

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Misery by Green Day In my entire freelance career, I’ve never been so glad to see the backside of a week. I was working through what I thought was a relatively slow week when a writing emergency — an actual one — was dropped in my lap midweek. It was an…

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5 Ways to Avoid Late Payment Woes

Posted on by lwidmer

Right now, I’m owed just over $9,000 from one client. That’s just over two-thirds the amount I have in outstanding invoices at the moment. Am I worried? Sure. Who wouldn’t be? Yet I’m contracted with this company and they have, of last week, shown their ability and willingness to pay (they cleared up two forgotten invoices within…

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Job Proposals 101

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: When We Were Young by Adele  A late post today. It’s raining here — exactly what we needed. But rain makes me want to curl up somewhere comfy and read. That’s actually on my agenda today. First, though, I have to outline a project and get my own project off the ground….

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  1. Cathy Miller Avatar
    Cathy Miller

    I find I tend to give formal proposals more often when the client is either unsure of what all they want to contract for or if they have multiple projects. For the first scenario, I offer options – kind of high/low quote – e.g., Option #1 – A, B, C, Option #2 Perhaps just A, or B or C.

    For multiple projects, I provide the scope, timeline, and terms for each project. I customize each proposal with the prospect’s logo/branded colors so it doesn’t look too template – y (how’s that for a new word?) 😉 And, of course, it has my business header, business info.

    I don’t give a formal proposal if the client is inquiring about a single, defined project. I do provide a fee range in quotes and all contracted projects receive my Statement of Work, documenting the Scope of Services, Timeline, Fees and Terms.

    Reply
    1. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      That’s a great option, Cathy (and I love the new word!). Do you use the optional method with each proposal, or just those who are on the fence?

      I like your system overall. Sounds quite effective.

    2. Cathy Miller Avatar
      Cathy Miller

      I would say I use options more often than not, except when the prospect has very specific instructions. Thanks, Lori.

    3. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      It’s actually quite smart. Those on the fence will say “Well, let’s try the lower priced option” in which case, you’ve got a sale. Then they’ll be satisfied (because you ARE Cathy Miller) and they’ll become repeat customers.

      Really smart!

    4. Paula Hendrickson Avatar
      Paula Hendrickson

      Great tips, Lori. I’ve never used any of the Word Templates, but after reading this I think I’ll dig into those some more.

      Another benefit of a stand-alone proposal, instead of including it in an email: it’s easier for clients to save and come back to as needed. Easier than searching though email threads for the original email proposal!

    5. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      Very good point, Paula! One I should have remembered — I’m constantly trying to locate stuff. 🙂

  2. Eileen Avatar
    Eileen

    Great discussion. I wanted to chime in and say that I put a statement on my proposals that goes something like this: “The terms of this proposal are good for 30 days; after that, the terms are subject to change.” That way, I’m not locked into a price that I might want to raise later for any reason.

    Reply
    1. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      That’s a good addition, Eileen. It also creates a bit of urgency — not a bad sales feature at all!

  3. Weekly translation favorites (Oct 7-20)

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