A while ago, I had a client who liked to talk about how well we might work together. Trouble was that’s all he did — talk about it. It never amounted to anything. Call it analysis paralysis or just lack of knowing how to go forward, but sometimes clients just can’t pull the trigger on…
Tag: client advice
Cutting Ties with Freelance Writing Prospects
A number of years ago, I had connected briefly with a client prospect at a trade show who showed interest in working with me. Let me rephrase that: I connected repeatedly with that client prospect, first at the trade show, then close to two dozen times over the years via email and in person. After four years…
The Secret to Selling Your Freelance Writing Rate
Quick! Your client prospect just asked what your rate is. What do you do? You know your rate (or you should by now). That’s not the problem. There are actually two problems here — First, you probably shouldn’t be telling them your rate in that initial conversation (Jennifer Gregory has a great post by Elizabeth…
How to Get Freelance Writing Clients to Hire You
It’s nearly a holiday weekend, so of course I’m thinking about marketing. Then again, when am I not thinking about it? Monday’s post was about where to focus your energies when marketing to get the best results. Today, it’s about using that same focus to convince clients that you are the freelance writer they need….
When to Give Up on a Freelance Writing Prospect
A good while back, I was doing my usual marketing — send the LOI, follow up, try to get a conversation going …. you know the drill. One contact in particular stood out in a weird way. He’s a guy who’s moved his way up the food chain at his company from assistant to director….
No-nonsense Guide to Freelance Client Project Success
Yes, Virginia (and Virgil). There is a wrong way to approach that client project. Imagine this scenario: you reach out to Company A with your letter of introduction. You invite them to connect. They do. Now what? Well, if you’re like our first writer, Carl, you’d get on the phone and go down the list…
How Frank Honesty Can Win Freelance Clients
I love the beginning of a new year, but not for the new-beginnings-and-resolutions-aplenty stuff. I love it for another reason — Potential clients reach out. The Christmas presents are barely opened before I start getting notes. It makes sense; people want to line up their projects and contractors now so that at the stroke of…
The One Freelance Writing Number You Need to Know
It started with an email from a local contact. They needed a writer onsite. Yea, that’s not happening. I declined, saying if the client needed someone on a virtual basis, I might be interested. The response: yes, they’re quite open to virtual arrangements. Except…. The time commitment and the pay; neither were going to work for…
Writers Worth: The Power of No
Don’t miss the next Writers Worth Twitter Chat! Join Paula Hendrickson and me on October 16th at 11 am ET using the hashtag #WWMchat Didn’t I promise you some Writers Worth love throughout the year? Here you go. Saying no. If you do an internet search on how to say no to clients, you’re going…
Getting Freelance Writing Prospects to Yes
Today, I’m out of here. I’m traveling back home for a final goodbye. There’s a memorial picnic happening in my father’s honor. The tent has been delivered, food has been made, photos printed. Tomorrow, the memories come out. Then on to Ontario. Somehow, it just seemed fitting to head to his favorite place after giving…