Why I Choose Freelance Writing Over Employment

Is it just me, or does anyone else break out in a cold sweat (or hives) at the thought of working a “nine to five?” Please don’t think I’m some self-employed snob. I worked in a corporate environment for eight years, and I‘ll admit that I’ve sometimes wondered whether it would be easier to get a guaranteed check every week, employer provided benefits and paid time off for vacations, there’s nothing more satisfying to me than being able to provide those things for myself.

Why am I even discussing this? Well, something interesting happened to me this week. I was doing some marketing late Tuesday evening, contacting prospects by email about my services, when I unexpectedly received a response email from a company’s Human Resource Manager. She asked whether or not I would consider employment status over working for her company as a contract writer.

Her question caught me off guard for a moment. On the one hand I was being offered the promise of reliable pay and work, but at what cost? I know we’re still dealing with financially troubled times right now, and some might be reading this wondering what kind of idiot stands around questioning a steady pay check? Well I’ll tell you what kind.

My background is in the newspaper industry. Although I left my job before the industry truly crumbled, my position provided a front row seat to the unpredictability of working for someone else. Some of my coworkers had worked for this publication for 20+ years. This publication had a well-earned reputation as a place where employees stuck around until retirement. Then came the Internet, and around 2000, it’s presence was felt as print’s biggest revenue source was threatened – advertising. I could see the writing on the wall as I left. Unfortunately, many of my coworkers continued to be lulled into a false sense of security and the mass layoffs caught them off guard. My inability to pay child care for my soon to be newborn twins and two year old was the catalyst that led me to resign, otherwise I may have ignored the signs and continued working along with everyone else hoping for the best.

I have a family, so naturally the idea of security appeals to me; but my life also requires a great deal of flexibility. Even though this Human Resource Manager was offering me an opportunity to work from home, a flexible work schedule wasn’t part of the deal. And maybe I’m spoiled now, but I don’t want to be obligated to work on projects that don’t work for me.

So in the end I politely explained to the HR manager that I prefer to maintain a freelance status, and am always open to other opportunities. She seemed okay with my response and offered to pass my name along to the person in charge of hiring freelancers and other vendors.

I’ve been freelancing for five years now. I’ve seen my share of financially tight months, but I’ve managed to stick with it and find a groove that provides a contentment and security my old job could not. Working for several clients feels more financially secure to me than relying on one job, so sticking to my freelance writer status works best for me.

What would you do? Would you choose a full-time or part-time position over freelancing?

It's Okay to Just Say "No"

The first time I turned down a project, it felt really weird. I’ve written about this experience in a previous entry. Long story short: the client was extremely demanding, didn’t want to deal with service agreements and was constantly trying to nickel and dime me at every turn.

Fast forward to today; I’ve worked with enough clients to know that I most definitely made the right decision that day. Now I understand that the relationship between freelancers and client is just as complex as any other relationship. Sometimes there’s chemistry. Sometimes there’s not. Sometimes your personalities and approaches to working on a project are complementary. Sometimes they’re not.

In the past when I’d find myself in a difficult working situation (not too often, thankfully), I would resign myself to just grin and bear it thinking that’s just good customer service. Besides, who was I to turn away a paying gig?

It took another more seasoned freelancer to help me see the light. She explained that just because I’m a freelancer doesn’t mean every client, or project, is going to be a perfect fit. Freelancing means you have the freedom to do things like decide who you work with and who’s best to be avoided like bubonic plague. She assured me that with time I’d learn to recognize the signs of projects I should avoid early on – and she was right.

It chose to freelance because I wanted freedom and control over the way I worked. It wouldn’t make much sense for me to spend my career working on projects that make me miserable.
So how do I know when to turn down a project?

• When a prospect keeps trying to convince me to lower my rate.
• When there are too many decision makers working on the project.
• When it’s too difficult to get the information I need to do my job.
• When the scope of a project keeps changing.
• When a client has a problem signing an agreement.
• When there’s a personality conflict.
• When I have so much on my plate that I know that I won't be able to give a project 100%.

What would make you turn down a potential project?

Are You Ready for Spring Break?

It’s spring break around here. The challenge: meet my weekly/monthly freelance writing income goals in spite of four children under 11 engaging in constant combat and constantly complaining of boredom. Add the fact that we are packing to move out of state by June, and I’m leaving town on Wednesday, and you’ll understand exactly why I‘m praying for patience.

The good part about this spring break is we’re probably more prepared this year than we’ve ever been. Come to think of it, this is also a good time to start making summer plans for the kids. We’ll be in another state, so I’ll need to do some research now to find out what’s available. Making sure the kids have something to look forward to and do when we get to our new city will make it easier for me to unpack and transition more smoothly into my new office space (I hope).

In the mean time, I’ve planned my work schedule around a couple of fun activities, and have plenty of snacks and dvds on hand. I think we’ll survive.

What are your plans for spring break? Working (like me) or vacationing?

Should You Be Offering Your Clients a Money Back Guarantee?

Today is April 1st – we are entering a new month and a new quarter. Can you believe it? Time to review the first quarter to see where you are in your business. Did you meet any short-term goals? Are you still on track with marketing and other objectives? Do you need to make any corrective changes to your plan (it’s okay if you do; I do it quite often)?

Earlier this week I was reading a post at Freelance Folder by Lexi Rodrigo about whether or not it’s good business to offer freelance clients guarantee. I think she did an excellent job of ultimately arguing the case against doing this.

As freelance writers, time is our most valuable commodity. When you spend x hours working on a project, you can never get that time back. And since every project is specific to the client being serviced, it’s not like you can just turn around and sell what you’ve done to someone else because the client doesn’t like the end result.

I do know some writers who offer a guarantee of project completion – meaning they offer clients money back if the project is not completed by the projected deadline. I’m assuming the occurrence of extenuating circumstances is somehow outlined in their agreements.

What do you think about offering client’s a money back guarantee?

Once again I enjoyed quite a few blog posts this week. I’ll leave you with a few of my favorites. Enjoy your weekend!

Why Your Own Blog is a Better Marketing Tool Than Cheap Client Content
Copyright Primer
5 Reasons to Write for Underrated Trades
How to Figure Out Which Editor to Query
Does Your Business Blog Need CPR?

The Trouble with Plagiarism

A fellow freelance writer, Lori Widmer, has been dealing with a blatant content thief. This thief probably doesn’t think he’s doing anything wrong. He’s pulling the content straight from her blog and uploading it onto his site. But he’s giving her credit for the posts (posting her name and the name of her blog) so that makes it okay. Right? Um, yeah, not so much.

This content thief is financially benefiting from her words and ideas. Sure he’s giving credit where it’s due recognizing her as the author of the posts, but he’s using those posts to drive traffic to his site in hopes that once visitors show up searching for information about freelance writing, they will click on the ads so he can get paid. So he gets paid, but what about Lori and the other bloggers he’s stealing from? Think he’s paying them for the use of their content? Yeah, that’s what makes him a thief.

Plagiarism is a major problem on the Internet. The web is such a vast space that it can be difficult to monitor and control the problem. Within the past two weeks I’ve heard of at least four other bloggers besides Lori dealing with content theft. It’s no secret that there are some clients who hire writers to “re-write” content so that it comes across as unique content when run through plagiarism detection services or software. Please be clear: rewording someone’s words and ideas IS plagiarism. Some writers are completely unaware of what actually constitutes plagiarism.

I recommend visiting Plagiarism.org for more clarification. This site specifically covers the problem as it relates to the theft of online content. The site also provides tips to help you avoid web content theft.

Are You a Freelance Writer or Business Owner?

I’m so behind on administrative tasks that it’s scary. I thought about posting a picture of what my desk is looking like right now, but I’m just too embarrassed. I have a tendency to be a little messy (much to my much tidier better half’s chagrin), but the disorder going on over here has seriously reached another level.

Part of the problem is that in the midst of working on client projects, I’ve been traveling/working in another state two weeks out of every month for the past six months, and I’m also in charge of making sure my lovely family of six stays on schedule with packing up the house for the Big Move in June. Gah! Regardless of these challenges, I still have a business to run, and my clients expect a certain level of service.

I’ve notice that when I’m asked for advice about getting started with freelance writing for commercial clients, some inquirers seem surprised to find out just how much administrative tasks are a part of “living the dream.”

For those who think that all freelancers do is put up an “open for business” sign (or website), sit back and watch the projects/checks roll in, this is a bubble I must immediately burst. Whether you freelance for print publications, online publications, resume companies, or other private clients, it’s important to approach the services you provide as a business; and in any business administrative duties are part of the operation process. There are quite a few daily tasks that can negatively affect productivity and the quality of your work if you fail to stay on top of things. Every writer’s business operation is different so this is by no means a comprehensive list. I thought I’d share some common administrative tasks that typically require regular attention:

Email Management

I maintain four email accounts and I can’t allow my inboxes to become clogged with unread emails. Now, I’ve admitted to you about how unorganized I can be, so as you can imagine it’s really easy for me to let read and unread messages pile up.

I remain organized by creating folders in each of my accounts and dealing with emails immediately as they come in. I also utilize my smartphone to manage my email madness while I’m in the car waiting to pick my kids up from school or out running errands.

Marketing

If you’ve spent any time reading this or any other freelance writing blog, you already know that the best way to keep busy with projects is by constantly marketing your services. There are so many online and offline marketing methods to utilize that I couldn’t possibly name them all: email queries, cold calling, direct mail/post card mailings, attending networking events, blogging, participating on forums, etc. Make marketing a daily habit.

Following up with Clients and Project Inquiries

Sometimes communicating with clients while working on projects can be time consuming. Some projects are easier than others. I deal with clients who have preferred methods of maintaining communication: email, Skype messaging and phone calls are most common. I prefer email, but defer my own preferences to those of my clients. Sometimes communication via email and Skype is unclear and a phone call is the best way to cut through the confusion.

Communicating with clients is a necessity, but it can become dangerously time consuming if you don’t maintain control over the time you spend doing so. Depending on my work load, I may return non-urgent emails/calls in the morning, or I may wait and respond toward the end of the day. I work this around my writing schedule for the day. I respond to client emails as soon as I can within my designated work hours. On my website I state that I respond to all (new) email inquiries within 24 hours.

Social Media

Social media can fit into the marketing category of administrative tasks. I have gotten work from both Twitter and LinkedIn. These platforms provide writers with an excellent opportunity to form valuable networking relationships with other writers (the community is incredible), and make possible client contacts within a specific industry/niche. I haven’t been very consistent during the past few months, but I’m putting forth an effort now to show up at least once a day.

Maintaining Client Files

I’m transitioning from paper to electronic files for my clients. My goal is to eventually go paperless, and it’s a process…

It’s important to keep files up to date with vital information like contact information, contract agreements, NDAs, research information, etc. Client files make it easier to follow up periodically to remind them that you’re available for any projects that may come available.

Are there any administrative tasks you regularly tackle that weren’t included on my list?

Giving You the Good Stuff

Well, it’s the end of the week, and I’m feeling the need to spread some good ole’ link lovin’ around. I came across some really good entries this week. Hope you enjoy and find them useful.

Just a quick reminder: If you are a new freelance writer, or struggling to find good paying projects right now, you should check out The Confident Freelancer webinar (again, this is NOT an affiliate link). It’s only $79 (check out the link to see what you get) and tody is the last day to register – the webinar is tomorrow. Y’all have a fantastic weekend. 

How to Charge More than $10 Per Article, Part 3
Freelance Writing: Turning No Into Yes
4am Doesn't Suck
How to Make the Most of Google Alerts
Getting Started: The First Steps to Freelance Freedom