I’m busy with a multitude of projects right now. Some writing related, some not.Maybe I should have done this on Friday, but any day’s a good day to share favorite blog posts. Right? Anyway, I hope you like them too. Enjoy your Monday.
Freelancers vs. Salaried Employees
When the Client Hates Your Writing
SEO Copywriting Advice: When to Turn Down SEO Writing Jobs
How to Create Better Clients: Getting More Money...
Copywriters are Not Mind Readers
Prepare Your Family for Your Freelance Writing Business
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Some Businesses Just Don’t Get It
On Saturday I met with my new accountant to begin making heads or tails of all the stuffed envelopes filled with receipts, copies of checks, banks statements and other miscellaneous 2009 tax paraphernalia.
**A word to the wise, new and aspiring freelancers: ALWAYS keep detailed records and keep everything organized. That way tax time will not become the paper strewn nightmare for you that it is for me…
As he and I discussed details of my business, he became curious and asked more questions about the services I provide. Out of nowhere he suggested that I consider outsourcing work to other writers and graphic/web designers in foreign countries. He specifically recommended going with India. He proudly stood behind this advice 100 % since that’s what he was doing.
He’s an older gentleman who’s been in the business for many years. I’ve been receiving newsletters and other direct mail from his establishment since we moved into this neighborhood 11 years ago. My old accountant is no longer offering her services, so I decided to begin working with this new accountant based on his years of experience, community reputation and familiarity working with solo professionals like myself.
When he suggested that I utilize the much cheaper services of foreign entrepreneurs, I immediately launched into an explanation of how language variances could compromise the quality of his marketing materials. He simply waved his hand at me as if to say, “Oh, you’re exaggerating,” and moved right along to his next tax question. ***Sigh***
I know that there are plenty of businesses out there that appreciate the services of a quality writer and aren’t looking to pay pennies for these services. The sad thing is here is a business in my own community choosing foreign writers for cheap rates over the many qualified copywriters in his community. Honestly, I have no problem with his choosing to work with foreign writers – his marketing materials are actually well-written and quite professional. It’s the fact that he devalues what it takes to create these materials and will do whatever it takes to avoid paying standard industry rates.
Ironically, here I am choosing to pay a qualified CPA more money to do my taxes instead of running to the nearest H and R Block. My husband passed him one of my business cards anyway, but I hope he loses it. I’m too busy marketing to businesses that can see the value in what I provide.
**A word to the wise, new and aspiring freelancers: ALWAYS keep detailed records and keep everything organized. That way tax time will not become the paper strewn nightmare for you that it is for me…
As he and I discussed details of my business, he became curious and asked more questions about the services I provide. Out of nowhere he suggested that I consider outsourcing work to other writers and graphic/web designers in foreign countries. He specifically recommended going with India. He proudly stood behind this advice 100 % since that’s what he was doing.
He’s an older gentleman who’s been in the business for many years. I’ve been receiving newsletters and other direct mail from his establishment since we moved into this neighborhood 11 years ago. My old accountant is no longer offering her services, so I decided to begin working with this new accountant based on his years of experience, community reputation and familiarity working with solo professionals like myself.
When he suggested that I utilize the much cheaper services of foreign entrepreneurs, I immediately launched into an explanation of how language variances could compromise the quality of his marketing materials. He simply waved his hand at me as if to say, “Oh, you’re exaggerating,” and moved right along to his next tax question. ***Sigh***
I know that there are plenty of businesses out there that appreciate the services of a quality writer and aren’t looking to pay pennies for these services. The sad thing is here is a business in my own community choosing foreign writers for cheap rates over the many qualified copywriters in his community. Honestly, I have no problem with his choosing to work with foreign writers – his marketing materials are actually well-written and quite professional. It’s the fact that he devalues what it takes to create these materials and will do whatever it takes to avoid paying standard industry rates.
Ironically, here I am choosing to pay a qualified CPA more money to do my taxes instead of running to the nearest H and R Block. My husband passed him one of my business cards anyway, but I hope he loses it. I’m too busy marketing to businesses that can see the value in what I provide.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Diversifying Income Flow
Sometimes there‘s just so much I can do. I mean I’m just one person, and when a bunch of clients need projects done within the same deadline period, I panic a little. Sure it means more money coming in, but it can also mean less sleep, less time with the family and possibly putting some clients on hold (if they are willing to wait); or passing them along to another freelance writer while I struggle to get caught back up.
Now all of this could also be a sign of not charging enough for your services, but that’s a post for another day…
So what happens if you get really sick, or get in an accident, and can’t work for a few days/weeks? That could really affect your income – especially if you’re the breadwinner. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a significant savings stashed away to cushion you through life’s unexpected hurdles, you need a plan.
Is Creating Residual Income the Answer?
I’ve talked about my plans to create residual income here, which is just another way of saying “multiple streams of income.” I‘ve done a couple of small things that have brought in some additional income, but mostly this plan’s been placed on the back burner. Clients always come first. Right?
This economy has kicked the idea of security many of us have had for years to the curb. As I’ve said before, I feel much more secure freelancing for several clients as opposed to relying on one job right now, but I don’t think it’s enough. Even if I were lucky enough to get 20 clients a week seeking my services, the truth of the matter is there’s only so much of me to go around.
Productize
Which brings me back to the idea of creating other streams of income. I was reading a recent post over at Itty Biz where a guest post written by Dave Navarro discusses how many service providers find themselves stuck on a treadmill of sorts – unable to say no to the money coming in, and unable to find time to relax and enjoy life. Yeah, I’ve been there...
His answer is to create some sort of information product as another income stream. Ebooks, teleseminars, webinars, ecourses and membership sites are all examples of how you might productize an idea. I know of some freelance writers who are doing quite well pulling in an income from their writing services and info products.
It seems to me the key is filling a need within a specific niche. I’m seriously thinking about it. I wouldn’t create products to sell to new or aspiring freelance writers because (1) there are plenty of good writers out there who are already successfully offering products in this area. That means (2) it’s probably an oversaturated niche. I’m happy to go on sharing what I know and learn with you for free.:~) If I create a product, it would be something targeted to my clients that could for sure make their lives easier.
More Ways of Creating Income
Keep in mind info products are only one way to go about creating additional income. There’s also affiliate marketing, creating niche sites and probably a lot more ideas I haven’t mentioned.
Have you considered creating a product to sell? Does your business model involve residual income? If so, please share.
Now all of this could also be a sign of not charging enough for your services, but that’s a post for another day…
So what happens if you get really sick, or get in an accident, and can’t work for a few days/weeks? That could really affect your income – especially if you’re the breadwinner. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a significant savings stashed away to cushion you through life’s unexpected hurdles, you need a plan.
Is Creating Residual Income the Answer?
I’ve talked about my plans to create residual income here, which is just another way of saying “multiple streams of income.” I‘ve done a couple of small things that have brought in some additional income, but mostly this plan’s been placed on the back burner. Clients always come first. Right?
This economy has kicked the idea of security many of us have had for years to the curb. As I’ve said before, I feel much more secure freelancing for several clients as opposed to relying on one job right now, but I don’t think it’s enough. Even if I were lucky enough to get 20 clients a week seeking my services, the truth of the matter is there’s only so much of me to go around.
Productize
Which brings me back to the idea of creating other streams of income. I was reading a recent post over at Itty Biz where a guest post written by Dave Navarro discusses how many service providers find themselves stuck on a treadmill of sorts – unable to say no to the money coming in, and unable to find time to relax and enjoy life. Yeah, I’ve been there...
His answer is to create some sort of information product as another income stream. Ebooks, teleseminars, webinars, ecourses and membership sites are all examples of how you might productize an idea. I know of some freelance writers who are doing quite well pulling in an income from their writing services and info products.
It seems to me the key is filling a need within a specific niche. I’m seriously thinking about it. I wouldn’t create products to sell to new or aspiring freelance writers because (1) there are plenty of good writers out there who are already successfully offering products in this area. That means (2) it’s probably an oversaturated niche. I’m happy to go on sharing what I know and learn with you for free.:~) If I create a product, it would be something targeted to my clients that could for sure make their lives easier.
More Ways of Creating Income
Keep in mind info products are only one way to go about creating additional income. There’s also affiliate marketing, creating niche sites and probably a lot more ideas I haven’t mentioned.
Have you considered creating a product to sell? Does your business model involve residual income? If so, please share.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
So, What Do You Do?
This morning I was reading Melissa Ingold’s blog post at Internet Marketing Sweetie. She tackles a sometimes thorny issue many freelance writers and others of home businesses face – responding to the question, “What do you do?”
You know what I mean. You’re at some gathering having a wonderful time. You’re mixing, mingling, and inevitably someone asks, “What do you do?” Reactions to your answer may range from clueless to “That’s what I want to do! Can you help me get started?”
I have to tell you I haven’t had a very difficult time with this. Although in the beginning I think my parents and extended family thought I was crazy and may not have taken my endeavor seriously, they at least had the good manners to keep their opinions to themselves. The most I’ve had to deal with is drop in guests (during deadlines) and impromptu phone calls.
Sure, I’ve had strangers ask about my “job.” Some find it interesting and some think I’m making a little pocket change with a hobby while staying home with my kids. There are also times when I run into other entrepreneurs or business owners who are quite interested in what I do and request a business card (I recommend ALWAYS carrying business cards because you never know where you’ll meet a potential client).
My husband supports my entrepreneurial pursuits, and my family has come around. But some people don’t get that support, I’ve visited forums where posters were harassed by spouses, in-laws and others ridiculing them and accusing them of wasting time not working a “real job.” These forums were the only place they could get the support they needed. Building a business is such hard work. I can’t imagine how tough it must be when it seem like no one believes in or supports your vision and effort.
It really is amazing to me that in this day and age some people still cannot wrap their minds around the fact that people can, and do, make comfortable incomes from home. Why is that?
A good friend of mine has been telecommuting for her medical coding position with a prominent health care facility for about a year now. Even though she’s working for another company (she's worked with them for over 10 years), she encounters people who assume she's been demoted just because she now works from home instead of on site. So I wonder – is it the working from home part that people have a problem with?
You know what I mean. You’re at some gathering having a wonderful time. You’re mixing, mingling, and inevitably someone asks, “What do you do?” Reactions to your answer may range from clueless to “That’s what I want to do! Can you help me get started?”
I have to tell you I haven’t had a very difficult time with this. Although in the beginning I think my parents and extended family thought I was crazy and may not have taken my endeavor seriously, they at least had the good manners to keep their opinions to themselves. The most I’ve had to deal with is drop in guests (during deadlines) and impromptu phone calls.
Sure, I’ve had strangers ask about my “job.” Some find it interesting and some think I’m making a little pocket change with a hobby while staying home with my kids. There are also times when I run into other entrepreneurs or business owners who are quite interested in what I do and request a business card (I recommend ALWAYS carrying business cards because you never know where you’ll meet a potential client).
My husband supports my entrepreneurial pursuits, and my family has come around. But some people don’t get that support, I’ve visited forums where posters were harassed by spouses, in-laws and others ridiculing them and accusing them of wasting time not working a “real job.” These forums were the only place they could get the support they needed. Building a business is such hard work. I can’t imagine how tough it must be when it seem like no one believes in or supports your vision and effort.
It really is amazing to me that in this day and age some people still cannot wrap their minds around the fact that people can, and do, make comfortable incomes from home. Why is that?
A good friend of mine has been telecommuting for her medical coding position with a prominent health care facility for about a year now. Even though she’s working for another company (she's worked with them for over 10 years), she encounters people who assume she's been demoted just because she now works from home instead of on site. So I wonder – is it the working from home part that people have a problem with?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Work at Home Weight Gain
I have to confess that while building my writing business over the past two and a half years I have not been taking very good care of myself. I sit at a computer for several hours a day and have not engaged in an exercise routine in months. And I’m paying for it with some extra, “baggage.” Besides being unable to fit into my favorite jeans, I’m taking my health for granted, and I don’t think I’m alone.
I’ve noticed other writers confessing their own lack of exercise or healthy diet on blogs and forums. Add to that the sad fact that many freelance writers are without health coverage and problem reach another level of urgency.
The truth is that freelancing can lead many into a very sedentary lifestyle. You’re sitting in front of a computer for hours, you may miss regular meals and find yourself mindlessly snacking around the clock. You might switch things up every now and then and spend some time working at the local coffee house among the bagels and cream cheese-filled pastries. Before you know it there’s more of you to love.
We all know regular exercise can protect us from conditions like heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, non insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, back pain and osteoporosis; what you may not know is that it can also help improve sleep, concentration and energy – three things most freelance writers could use a lot more of.
I’m not big on resolutions, but I am vowing to make more time for exercise this year. I want to start running again, so that’s the goal I’m working toward. I’m a vegetarian and already enjoy a diet filled with vegetables, fruit and whole grains, so tweeking it a bit to reduce my sugar intake and portion sizes should help me shed a few pounds by Spring.
Has anyone else found themselves battling work from home weight gain? How do you prioritize fitness in your life?
I’ve noticed other writers confessing their own lack of exercise or healthy diet on blogs and forums. Add to that the sad fact that many freelance writers are without health coverage and problem reach another level of urgency.
The truth is that freelancing can lead many into a very sedentary lifestyle. You’re sitting in front of a computer for hours, you may miss regular meals and find yourself mindlessly snacking around the clock. You might switch things up every now and then and spend some time working at the local coffee house among the bagels and cream cheese-filled pastries. Before you know it there’s more of you to love.
We all know regular exercise can protect us from conditions like heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, non insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, back pain and osteoporosis; what you may not know is that it can also help improve sleep, concentration and energy – three things most freelance writers could use a lot more of.
I’m not big on resolutions, but I am vowing to make more time for exercise this year. I want to start running again, so that’s the goal I’m working toward. I’m a vegetarian and already enjoy a diet filled with vegetables, fruit and whole grains, so tweeking it a bit to reduce my sugar intake and portion sizes should help me shed a few pounds by Spring.
Has anyone else found themselves battling work from home weight gain? How do you prioritize fitness in your life?
Monday, January 18, 2010
How Far Do You Go to Provide Good Customer Service?
Lately I’ve been talking a lot about setting boundaries with clients to protect yourself from being taken advantage of. It’s an important aspect of business, but it really is a two way street. I think that customer service is an important value you can add to your business. It’s what makes some clients return again and again to work with writers with average skills let alone writers who know how to get results.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t always work on improving your skills as a writer. If you don’t provide value and results you won’t have very many clients anyway. But being a pleasure to work with is important too. My mother always said having a good attitude can open a lot of doors.
Now don’t confuse providing your clients excellent customer service with being a rug to be walked on. I’m talking about common sense gestures - the same ones we appreciate when paying for a service:
1) Be reliable. When I’m paying good money for something I expect reliability. If something goes wrong, I expect some empathy and an offer to make things right when possible. Do what you say you will when you say you will.
2) Be positive. Even if you only communicate with clients by email, you can still present a positive persona. Nothing irks me more than having to deal with a negative attitude when I’ve been nothing but nice. If you’re dealing with a crabby client, being friendly might help turn things around. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true: a positive attitude is contagious.
3) Anticipate your client’s needs. Many times the clients seeking our services are confused. They may be unable to clearly communicate what they need, or you may be able to help them achieve better results by offering additional services. This is not only good customer service, it also make you indispensable.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t always work on improving your skills as a writer. If you don’t provide value and results you won’t have very many clients anyway. But being a pleasure to work with is important too. My mother always said having a good attitude can open a lot of doors.
Now don’t confuse providing your clients excellent customer service with being a rug to be walked on. I’m talking about common sense gestures - the same ones we appreciate when paying for a service:
1) Be reliable. When I’m paying good money for something I expect reliability. If something goes wrong, I expect some empathy and an offer to make things right when possible. Do what you say you will when you say you will.
2) Be positive. Even if you only communicate with clients by email, you can still present a positive persona. Nothing irks me more than having to deal with a negative attitude when I’ve been nothing but nice. If you’re dealing with a crabby client, being friendly might help turn things around. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true: a positive attitude is contagious.
3) Anticipate your client’s needs. Many times the clients seeking our services are confused. They may be unable to clearly communicate what they need, or you may be able to help them achieve better results by offering additional services. This is not only good customer service, it also make you indispensable.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thanks, but No Thanks
This week I did something that completely went against what I felt compelled to do. Even though it was was difficult, I know I did the right thing. I turned down a potential client because they refused to pay my quoted rate.
Okay, let me back up a bit – I HAVE turned clients away before for trying to convince me to practically do projects for nothing. I do have SOME pride. But I'll admit - I’ve been known to lower my rates because I believed a bird in the hand is better than no bird at all. Not any more.
I have taken a lot of time to set fair rates based on my experience, my knowledge, ability and desire to provide clients with real value. My services and skills are evolving as I continue to learn as much as I can about online marketing strategies, direct response, SEO and improve my writing skills. I have researched industry rates, the rates for my niche and settled on a very fair pricing structure for my services. And it has worth.
It’s tempting to cut your rates when you need work, but you send a message to your client that they shouldn’t be expected to pay well for response driven content that produces the results that will help them make more money. That doesn't make much sense.
There’s nothing wrong with giving out a special discount now and then, but you shouldn’t feel pressured into lowering your rates. I wouldn’t ask my ophthalmologist, dentist or local dry cleaning service to lower their prices. If I don’t believe I’m worth what I charge, who will?
Okay, let me back up a bit – I HAVE turned clients away before for trying to convince me to practically do projects for nothing. I do have SOME pride. But I'll admit - I’ve been known to lower my rates because I believed a bird in the hand is better than no bird at all. Not any more.
I have taken a lot of time to set fair rates based on my experience, my knowledge, ability and desire to provide clients with real value. My services and skills are evolving as I continue to learn as much as I can about online marketing strategies, direct response, SEO and improve my writing skills. I have researched industry rates, the rates for my niche and settled on a very fair pricing structure for my services. And it has worth.
It’s tempting to cut your rates when you need work, but you send a message to your client that they shouldn’t be expected to pay well for response driven content that produces the results that will help them make more money. That doesn't make much sense.
There’s nothing wrong with giving out a special discount now and then, but you shouldn’t feel pressured into lowering your rates. I wouldn’t ask my ophthalmologist, dentist or local dry cleaning service to lower their prices. If I don’t believe I’m worth what I charge, who will?
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