It’s hard to believe that there are only about 60 days left in 2010. Where did the year go?? This year has been an especially challenging one for me. I’ve been dealing with my father’s battle with cancer, and then last month my family buried our very dearly beloved matriarch – my 96 year old grandmother. The pressures of my real life have done a lot to stir up my recent bout of burnout. Although I’ve been very busy marketing my services and catering to new and existing clients, I’ve been very distracted and sometimes have difficulty concentrating on certain tasks (leftover remnants of said burnout no doubt).
I’m recovering slowly but surely, but my down time has caused me to reassess my business. I do this at the end of the year anyway, but recently I’ve become clearer about certain changes I’d like to make regarding the services I provide – renovation if you will. My goal: to spend less time working, but earn a comfortable living. As the pieces to this puzzle come together, I’ll be sharing this journey with you. Some of the changes I’m considering will affect the way I market new services so I need to revamp my business plan and establish a strategy that will help me get from point A to point B.
How about you - are you sticking to your current business model or are you planning to make changes (adding or removing a service(s)) in 2011?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
How to Avoid Burnout
I’m slowly but surely recovering from a nasty case of burnout. Challenges in my real life are the true catalyst. Unfortunately the effects have spilled over into the business side of things affecting my productivity. Although I have managed to stay pretty busy with current client projects, and even acquire a few new ones, staying focused hasn't been so easy. Operating my business in the midst of personal challenges has resulted in my dropping the ball in other areas of what I do for a living (i.e. personal writing projects). This blog and my social media networking relationships have suffered as a result of these distractions.
Whether burnout is the result of an overwhelming work schedule filled to the brim with client projects, or trying desperately to balance real life, personal challenges with non-stop business obligations, the results end up being pretty much the same: you feel like you’ve reached your limit and can’t possibly do one more thing. Burnout affects productivity which of course affects your bottom line. Prevention is most definitely the best cure in this case:
Try Setting Regular Office Hours
Before I decided to set regular office hours and established a daily work schedule, I felt like I was practically tethered to my computer 24/7 and quickly began resenting working from home. It was my own fault – since I wasn’t regulating my time, I spent a lot of it socializing on forums, and surfing the net while working here and there – it only FELT like I was working around the clock. Not very productive at all.
Everyone is different of course; but what works for me is setting aside a certain amount of time each day that’s strictly for work and setting aside specific times during the day for things like participating in social networking/commenting on blogs/forums and updates with my accountability partner. Personal errands and personal phone calls/visits occur at the end of my designated work day. I’m very easily distracted so I need these parameters in order to get the most out of my day, and these limits help keep me from feeling overwhelmed and becoming burned out.
Take at least One Day Off a Week
I highly suggest taking at least two days off away from work each week, but I know that when you first start building a business, long hours come with the territory. Still, you need to take time to do something you enjoy that’s completely unrelated to your work. Balance will keep you sane and help you avoid burn out. It’s important to have something fun to look forward to when you work hard.
Variety is the Spice of Life
It’s cliché, but true. I enjoy working on various projects – everything from web content, ebooks, resumes, professional bios, magazine articles, print marketing material, etc. The variety keeps things interesting and it’s much easier to come up with fresh ideas.
Don’t Spend Time on Clients/Projects You Don’t Enjoy
Yes, I’m advocating turning down work. Every job won’t be right for you; some clients aren’t on the up and up; as you become more experienced, you’ll find that some clients will no longer be able to afford your services. When I first started freelancing I took any and every job offer that came my way. That wasn’t always a smart move and there have been quite a few instances when the shrewdest business move would have been to politely and confidently decline the offer. When you work for yourself, you have the freedom and the right to work on what you want and work with who you want. Don’t feel guilty about it – I’d say it’s a fair trade for the work you put into becoming profitable.
Whether burnout is the result of an overwhelming work schedule filled to the brim with client projects, or trying desperately to balance real life, personal challenges with non-stop business obligations, the results end up being pretty much the same: you feel like you’ve reached your limit and can’t possibly do one more thing. Burnout affects productivity which of course affects your bottom line. Prevention is most definitely the best cure in this case:
Try Setting Regular Office Hours
Before I decided to set regular office hours and established a daily work schedule, I felt like I was practically tethered to my computer 24/7 and quickly began resenting working from home. It was my own fault – since I wasn’t regulating my time, I spent a lot of it socializing on forums, and surfing the net while working here and there – it only FELT like I was working around the clock. Not very productive at all.
Everyone is different of course; but what works for me is setting aside a certain amount of time each day that’s strictly for work and setting aside specific times during the day for things like participating in social networking/commenting on blogs/forums and updates with my accountability partner. Personal errands and personal phone calls/visits occur at the end of my designated work day. I’m very easily distracted so I need these parameters in order to get the most out of my day, and these limits help keep me from feeling overwhelmed and becoming burned out.
Take at least One Day Off a Week
I highly suggest taking at least two days off away from work each week, but I know that when you first start building a business, long hours come with the territory. Still, you need to take time to do something you enjoy that’s completely unrelated to your work. Balance will keep you sane and help you avoid burn out. It’s important to have something fun to look forward to when you work hard.
Variety is the Spice of Life
It’s cliché, but true. I enjoy working on various projects – everything from web content, ebooks, resumes, professional bios, magazine articles, print marketing material, etc. The variety keeps things interesting and it’s much easier to come up with fresh ideas.
Don’t Spend Time on Clients/Projects You Don’t Enjoy
Yes, I’m advocating turning down work. Every job won’t be right for you; some clients aren’t on the up and up; as you become more experienced, you’ll find that some clients will no longer be able to afford your services. When I first started freelancing I took any and every job offer that came my way. That wasn’t always a smart move and there have been quite a few instances when the shrewdest business move would have been to politely and confidently decline the offer. When you work for yourself, you have the freedom and the right to work on what you want and work with who you want. Don’t feel guilty about it – I’d say it’s a fair trade for the work you put into becoming profitable.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Who's Afraid of the Client?
Last week I was contacted by a freelance writer who is just getting started. She’s been providing commercial writing services on a part-time basis for about six months now. Her problem: she’s extremely intimidated by the clients she works with. I can definitely relate.
About four years ago, when I first started freelancing, the idea that someone was willing to pay me and trust me to write for their business, let alone pay me well to do so, was unreal, terrifying, unbelievable and utterly exciting. Hammering out mutually agreeable terms and explaining my services in a way that made me sound like a professional, confident writer who knew what she was talking about was a challenge.
Fear of interacting directly with clients is what makes some writers choose writing for content mills over finding clients on their own. They want to avoid stress and uncertainty at all costs.
As I told the writer who emailed me, take a deep breath and fake it. Some people are able to project confidence right out of the gate; but the rest of us had to fake it for a while before it seeped in that we are in fact capable and qualified to do this thing and do it well. Hear are some of the most stressful freelancer client scenarios, and tips on how to deal:
Fear of Talking with the Client
In the beginning, just the idea of interacting with clients can intimidate some writers. The good news is that today’s technology makes it easier than ever to avoid direct communication via in person meetings and phone calls. Email, IM, Skype and texting allow you to get the information you need easily. Some writers never interact with clients directly. It’s certainly possible. In some cases, however, you will need to have some direct contact with a client at some point.
Solution: Write out your presentation – even if you’ll only be discussing it over the phone – so that you’ll be prepared. Preparation will increase your confidence. Also, attend networking events when you can. It’s a great opportunity to flex your in-person communication skills so that you become more comfortable expressing your thoughts and ideas verbally.
Fear of Pitching Your Ideas
Freelancing for newspapers and magazines helped me overcome this fear. I mainly do commercial writing so most of my assignments are to carry out the specific instructions of my clients. However, from time to time I am asked for my professional input and I feel that familiar stage fright slide into place. It’s a simple case of fearing rejection (nothing simple about that though…).
Solution: If you’re asked to pitch ideas for a client, preparation is key.
Learn as much as you can about the company, the client’s objectives, the market, competition, etc. This type of strategic preparation will help ease anxiety.
Fear of Negotiating Terms of Service
This was always a big one for me. I have clearly detailed terms of service. Every so often I’d come across a client that wanted to negotiate whether or not to pay a down payment, when to make the final payment, etc. I’m open to negotiation. Unfortunately, I allowed fear of losing a client to cause me to accept terms I wasn’t too crazy about on more than one occasion. Naturally it came back to bite me on the arse. I much prefer that all negotiations be mutually acceptable.
Solution: Don’t automatically become defensive when a client brooches the idea of negotiating certain terms. Try putting yourself in your client’s shoes to see if there is any merit to the request. For instance, is it an issue of trying to avoid internal politics? Are weekly in person meetings preferred over phone conferences because of upper management directions? Don’t be afraid to say no to negotiations. It’s business, so if you don’t benefit from the terms in the end, the project will end up being more trouble than it’s worth. Trust me.
Fear of Making Changes to the Project Schedule
Being able to meet deadlines is crucial to your success as a freelance writer. I’ve had more than one conversation with a client who declared they would rather work with an average writer that religiously meets deadlines and follows through on promises than the most talented commercial writer that consistently misses deadlines here and there. Time is money after all.
That said, sometimes life happens and anyone can suffer an unexpected setback. Most clients operate in the real world so they understand about rescheduling deadlines as long as you approach the situation professionally.
Solution: Let the client know about the situation right away. Don’t waste time hoping that everything will work out in the end. Be careful not to over apologize – confidently explain what happened and offer a solution. The goal is to maintain your client’s trust and confidence in you that the project will be completed.
Fear of Requesting More Research Information
Delivering a project that’s complete, meets the needs of your client’s target market depends on you getting the information you need. In some cases your client will need to provide information (e.g. past marketing materials, whitepapers, reports, statistical information, company bio, graphics, etc.). Most of the time you’ll get this information with no problems; but in some cases clients may not feel as urgent about getting you the information you need. The situation can become even more complicated if the client hires other contractors to work on the same project and you need
Solution: Compile a detailed list of all the information you need along with an explanation of how important getting the information you need is to the success of the project.
About four years ago, when I first started freelancing, the idea that someone was willing to pay me and trust me to write for their business, let alone pay me well to do so, was unreal, terrifying, unbelievable and utterly exciting. Hammering out mutually agreeable terms and explaining my services in a way that made me sound like a professional, confident writer who knew what she was talking about was a challenge.
Fear of interacting directly with clients is what makes some writers choose writing for content mills over finding clients on their own. They want to avoid stress and uncertainty at all costs.
As I told the writer who emailed me, take a deep breath and fake it. Some people are able to project confidence right out of the gate; but the rest of us had to fake it for a while before it seeped in that we are in fact capable and qualified to do this thing and do it well. Hear are some of the most stressful freelancer client scenarios, and tips on how to deal:
Fear of Talking with the Client
In the beginning, just the idea of interacting with clients can intimidate some writers. The good news is that today’s technology makes it easier than ever to avoid direct communication via in person meetings and phone calls. Email, IM, Skype and texting allow you to get the information you need easily. Some writers never interact with clients directly. It’s certainly possible. In some cases, however, you will need to have some direct contact with a client at some point.
Solution: Write out your presentation – even if you’ll only be discussing it over the phone – so that you’ll be prepared. Preparation will increase your confidence. Also, attend networking events when you can. It’s a great opportunity to flex your in-person communication skills so that you become more comfortable expressing your thoughts and ideas verbally.
Fear of Pitching Your Ideas
Freelancing for newspapers and magazines helped me overcome this fear. I mainly do commercial writing so most of my assignments are to carry out the specific instructions of my clients. However, from time to time I am asked for my professional input and I feel that familiar stage fright slide into place. It’s a simple case of fearing rejection (nothing simple about that though…).
Solution: If you’re asked to pitch ideas for a client, preparation is key.
Learn as much as you can about the company, the client’s objectives, the market, competition, etc. This type of strategic preparation will help ease anxiety.
Fear of Negotiating Terms of Service
This was always a big one for me. I have clearly detailed terms of service. Every so often I’d come across a client that wanted to negotiate whether or not to pay a down payment, when to make the final payment, etc. I’m open to negotiation. Unfortunately, I allowed fear of losing a client to cause me to accept terms I wasn’t too crazy about on more than one occasion. Naturally it came back to bite me on the arse. I much prefer that all negotiations be mutually acceptable.
Solution: Don’t automatically become defensive when a client brooches the idea of negotiating certain terms. Try putting yourself in your client’s shoes to see if there is any merit to the request. For instance, is it an issue of trying to avoid internal politics? Are weekly in person meetings preferred over phone conferences because of upper management directions? Don’t be afraid to say no to negotiations. It’s business, so if you don’t benefit from the terms in the end, the project will end up being more trouble than it’s worth. Trust me.
Fear of Making Changes to the Project Schedule
Being able to meet deadlines is crucial to your success as a freelance writer. I’ve had more than one conversation with a client who declared they would rather work with an average writer that religiously meets deadlines and follows through on promises than the most talented commercial writer that consistently misses deadlines here and there. Time is money after all.
That said, sometimes life happens and anyone can suffer an unexpected setback. Most clients operate in the real world so they understand about rescheduling deadlines as long as you approach the situation professionally.
Solution: Let the client know about the situation right away. Don’t waste time hoping that everything will work out in the end. Be careful not to over apologize – confidently explain what happened and offer a solution. The goal is to maintain your client’s trust and confidence in you that the project will be completed.
Fear of Requesting More Research Information
Delivering a project that’s complete, meets the needs of your client’s target market depends on you getting the information you need. In some cases your client will need to provide information (e.g. past marketing materials, whitepapers, reports, statistical information, company bio, graphics, etc.). Most of the time you’ll get this information with no problems; but in some cases clients may not feel as urgent about getting you the information you need. The situation can become even more complicated if the client hires other contractors to work on the same project and you need
Solution: Compile a detailed list of all the information you need along with an explanation of how important getting the information you need is to the success of the project.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Good Bye Summertime...
I haven’t spent much time online this summer for several reasons. I’ve been dealing with my father’s illness (he’s in another state), the month of August getting the kids back into school (if I have to fill out more stacks of school forms for all four kids this week I’ll scream!), and participating in the month of Ramadan praying, fasting and celebrating with family and friends. Honestly, it’s all I can do to keep up with client projects right now.
Hopefully, this month I’ll be getting back into the swing of things providing consistent blog postings, and setting aside some time each day for conversing with and becoming reacquainted with fellow writers on social sites like Twitter as well as some of my favorite, long neglected writer forums and blogs.
Yes, summer is officially over for me which means it’s time to ramp up the marketing to fill my work schedule with plenty of projects to carry me through the to the new year. Yes you heard right - I'm already thinking about my November/December work schedule. Now is the perfect time to think ahead to the holidays – after all there are only three more months left in 2010! Thankfully, work generally picks up for freelance writers after a summer lull during September, so now's the time to start planning your marketing strategy to keep busy through the end of the year now.
As usual, Yuwanda Black has generously provided helpful marketing resources; and since I’m not one to reinvent the wheel, I’m happy to share her Fall Marketing Tutorial. It covers a variety of solutions ranging from price negotiation to avoiding writer burn out (something I’m sooo intimately familiar with…) so be sure to check it out.
Hopefully, this month I’ll be getting back into the swing of things providing consistent blog postings, and setting aside some time each day for conversing with and becoming reacquainted with fellow writers on social sites like Twitter as well as some of my favorite, long neglected writer forums and blogs.
Yes, summer is officially over for me which means it’s time to ramp up the marketing to fill my work schedule with plenty of projects to carry me through the to the new year. Yes you heard right - I'm already thinking about my November/December work schedule. Now is the perfect time to think ahead to the holidays – after all there are only three more months left in 2010! Thankfully, work generally picks up for freelance writers after a summer lull during September, so now's the time to start planning your marketing strategy to keep busy through the end of the year now.
As usual, Yuwanda Black has generously provided helpful marketing resources; and since I’m not one to reinvent the wheel, I’m happy to share her Fall Marketing Tutorial. It covers a variety of solutions ranging from price negotiation to avoiding writer burn out (something I’m sooo intimately familiar with…) so be sure to check it out.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Know When to Stick to Your Guns
Recently I made a big mistake with a new client. It’s one I used to make a lot when I first started freelancing and I’m sharing my experience hoping that you’ll be able to avoid making the same mistake with your own clients. I compromised one of my business policies even thought I knew in my gut I was making a mistake and of course I paid for it in the end.
It all started when a local company contacted me about doing some freelance writing for them. We spoke over the phone a couple of times, I sent them a proposal and a couple of weeks later they asked me to draw up a contract for the project. Things were going great until we started talking payment terms (big surprise).
My terms require full payment upfront for projects under a certain dollar amount, and a 50% down payment for projects over that rate plus scheduled payments thereafter depending on the duration of the project. Naturally that was going to be a problem for this client because they only invoice monthly. I’ve dealt with mid-size businesses that invoice monthly before and that wasn’t a problem per se. I told him that he could pay the down payment and I’d be happy to invoice the remaining balance at the end of the month. Another problem: since the company invoices monthly, they are unable to make an advance payment (Yes, it just kept getting better).
I honestly didn’t feel comfortable with the arrangement, but stupidly agreed to it anyway. The next day the situation still didn’t sit right with me so I discussed it with my accountability partner. She gave it to me straight with her most charming, lilting, Irish accent saying, “Oh, you shouldn’t have done that. You’ve worked in a corporate environment before. You know as well as I do that if a company needs to cut a check for something important they can do so the same day. You should not compromise your own policies so easily assuming that they wouldn’t want to do business with you." (The Irish are so wise)
I ended up getting paid, but it took much longer than the 30 days outlined in the signed agreement. In the past I’ve offered discounts and made special payment arrangements with returning customers; but it sets a bad precedence to dismiss your own policies too often, too easily or too soon. Policies are put in place for a reason – usually to protect you and your business, and anyone who’s hiring your services will respect that if you insist. Clients will test your resolve, but you don’t have to automatically give in, especially when it’s not in your best interest. That’s just business.
Jennifer Mattern approached a similar issue and discussed it on her blog recently. I agree with her stance on this topic and encourage you to check it out for yourself.
It all started when a local company contacted me about doing some freelance writing for them. We spoke over the phone a couple of times, I sent them a proposal and a couple of weeks later they asked me to draw up a contract for the project. Things were going great until we started talking payment terms (big surprise).
My terms require full payment upfront for projects under a certain dollar amount, and a 50% down payment for projects over that rate plus scheduled payments thereafter depending on the duration of the project. Naturally that was going to be a problem for this client because they only invoice monthly. I’ve dealt with mid-size businesses that invoice monthly before and that wasn’t a problem per se. I told him that he could pay the down payment and I’d be happy to invoice the remaining balance at the end of the month. Another problem: since the company invoices monthly, they are unable to make an advance payment (Yes, it just kept getting better).
I honestly didn’t feel comfortable with the arrangement, but stupidly agreed to it anyway. The next day the situation still didn’t sit right with me so I discussed it with my accountability partner. She gave it to me straight with her most charming, lilting, Irish accent saying, “Oh, you shouldn’t have done that. You’ve worked in a corporate environment before. You know as well as I do that if a company needs to cut a check for something important they can do so the same day. You should not compromise your own policies so easily assuming that they wouldn’t want to do business with you." (The Irish are so wise)
I ended up getting paid, but it took much longer than the 30 days outlined in the signed agreement. In the past I’ve offered discounts and made special payment arrangements with returning customers; but it sets a bad precedence to dismiss your own policies too often, too easily or too soon. Policies are put in place for a reason – usually to protect you and your business, and anyone who’s hiring your services will respect that if you insist. Clients will test your resolve, but you don’t have to automatically give in, especially when it’s not in your best interest. That’s just business.
Jennifer Mattern approached a similar issue and discussed it on her blog recently. I agree with her stance on this topic and encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Finding a Freelance Writing Mentor
I’ve been making a living as a freelance writer for four years now. It’s taken a lot of tenacity
If you’re just getting started as a freelance writer and your goal is to earn enough to cover your living expenses, consider finding an experienced writer to serve as your mentor. Finding someone who is already successfully doing what you aspire to do provides guidance, inspires you and pushes you to persevere - even during the inevitable tough times.
Here’s the thing though – most writers making a living doing what they do work hard at it. Time is a valuable commodity when working for yourself, and they don’t have time to waste. They are often approached by people asking advice about how to get started freelancing. The problem is the majority of inquiries are from people unwilling to consider all of the work freelance writing involves. Unfortunately many inquiring minds aren’t willing to expend enough energy to conduct to research to get an idea of how to get started. It can make these writers much less receptive to helping someone just getting started which is unfortunate because a mentor can cut the learning curve significantly.
You’re sure to come across helpful, experienced writers via freelance writer blogs, social networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and writer forums. These are great places to get to not only get valuable information that can help you kick off your business; it’s also an opportunity to get to know these writers on a more personal level while exchanging ideas and engaging in conversation. Another bonus: they get to see that you are serious about the business of freelancing so if you approach them for help they are more likely to oblige.
When you find someone willing to serve as your freelancing mentor, don’t blow the opportunity. Take advantage of their willingness to show you the ropes and show your appreciation of the time they are investing by doing the following:
If you’re just getting started as a freelance writer and your goal is to earn enough to cover your living expenses, consider finding an experienced writer to serve as your mentor. Finding someone who is already successfully doing what you aspire to do provides guidance, inspires you and pushes you to persevere - even during the inevitable tough times.
Here’s the thing though – most writers making a living doing what they do work hard at it. Time is a valuable commodity when working for yourself, and they don’t have time to waste. They are often approached by people asking advice about how to get started freelancing. The problem is the majority of inquiries are from people unwilling to consider all of the work freelance writing involves. Unfortunately many inquiring minds aren’t willing to expend enough energy to conduct to research to get an idea of how to get started. It can make these writers much less receptive to helping someone just getting started which is unfortunate because a mentor can cut the learning curve significantly.
You’re sure to come across helpful, experienced writers via freelance writer blogs, social networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and writer forums. These are great places to get to not only get valuable information that can help you kick off your business; it’s also an opportunity to get to know these writers on a more personal level while exchanging ideas and engaging in conversation. Another bonus: they get to see that you are serious about the business of freelancing so if you approach them for help they are more likely to oblige.
When you find someone willing to serve as your freelancing mentor, don’t blow the opportunity. Take advantage of their willingness to show you the ropes and show your appreciation of the time they are investing by doing the following:
- Participate in the process - put forth some effort
- Be willing to take action
- Provide updates on your progress
- Be committed
Monday, August 2, 2010
Summer Relaxation, Books and Link Love
This summer my presence online interacting on my favorite writer’s blogs, Twitter, Facebook and forums has been pretty scarce. Not only have I managed to stay busy throughout the summer months (more so than last year), I’ve also spent a good deal of time worrying about a sick parent, keeping four kids busy during the imposed summer break, and most recently I’ve rediscovered my passion for books.
I spent the entire month of July reading books almost obsessively. There are so many I’ve missed over the past year that I find myself quite gluttonous with glee each time I discover a new title or author that captures my attention. It’s a diversion, a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle that is my reality. Hope you’re taking time out to relax and enjoy this summer as well. I’ll leave you with a few interesting blog entries from last week:
Why Writing is Sometimes Like Spaghetti Squash
Coping and Prioritizing Your Freelance Life
Why Having a Freelance Writing Business is Better Than Working
Twitter: Writers Use Twitter for Business Connections and Job Leads
Demand Media Strikes Back at PBS and Writers Everywhere-Yawn
I spent the entire month of July reading books almost obsessively. There are so many I’ve missed over the past year that I find myself quite gluttonous with glee each time I discover a new title or author that captures my attention. It’s a diversion, a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle that is my reality. Hope you’re taking time out to relax and enjoy this summer as well. I’ll leave you with a few interesting blog entries from last week:
Why Writing is Sometimes Like Spaghetti Squash
Coping and Prioritizing Your Freelance Life
Why Having a Freelance Writing Business is Better Than Working
Twitter: Writers Use Twitter for Business Connections and Job Leads
Demand Media Strikes Back at PBS and Writers Everywhere-Yawn
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