Comments for The Happy Freelancer

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by bronxboy55

bronxboy55 — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:25:38 +0000

As I read this post, it occurred to me that freelancing and blogging are similar in some ways. Readers are like clients, and at first we’re so thrilled someone is paying attention to us that we’re incapable of recognizing the signs warning us to stay away. Eventually we develop an instinct that helps us avoid those connections that just aren’t a good idea. As you said, that gives us more time to pursue the relationships that will be mutually beneficial.

Comment on Things Writers Should Avoid by bronxboy55

bronxboy55 — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:18:50 +0000

I often say that I want to just lock myself in a room and write, with no outside contact. It would probably work for a while, but eventually it would become more and more difficult to connect with readers. Thanks for the reminder, Heidi — especially Point 6.

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by cooperstownersincanada

cooperstownersincanada — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:57:16 +0000

Some more great advice. Thanks for sharing this, Heidi.

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by geannie

geannie — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:02:23 +0000

Of course it is okay with me. It can be difficult to be nice in the face of that kind of response to a perfectly legitimate statement or question, but I managed. Somehow.

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by heidit

heidit — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:50:23 +0000

Thanks for commenting. Sometimes we forget what the rate works out to on an hourly basis. We hear $100 for a job and we forget that by the time the job is done, we might have worked for $5 an hour. At that rate, is it really worth it?

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by rangewriter

rangewriter — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:46:54 +0000

These are all wonderful points. Freelancers should keep this list front and center when answer the phone or emails about potential business. Do we really want to work for $5 an hour? Yes, cleaner than flipping burgers, but just as demeaning, eh?

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by heidit

heidit — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:52:40 +0000

That’s a terrible situation to be in. But definitely good that you didn’t wind up working for a client who is willing to use the words “stupid” or “idiot” in a potential business relationship. I may use your note in my next blog post (how to walk away from a potential client), if that’s okay with you.

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by heidit

heidit — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:51:17 +0000

Thanks for your comments, Kelly. I agree, it’s tough when you’re hungry for the money, but passing on some jobs is definitely worth it. “I don’t know why I’m calling you…” is definitely not a good start.

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by Kelly Parry

Kelly Parry — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:31:42 +0000

Awesome post Heidi. It is tough when you are hungry for the money but worth it to pass on some folks – especially the one you describe. I had a fellow referred to me through one of those networking groups. I was given heads up about his calling from the person who referred me but she wasn’t clear on what I do anyway. His first words were “I don’t know why I’m calling you…” not a good start. The proceeded to launch into a hundred questions about videos etc. So I wrote him a nice long email about what I saw on his website, advice on improving his YouTube channel and a host of other things. Never heard from him again. But the exercise was good for me :-)

Comment on Walking Away from a Potential Client by geannie

geannie — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:57:22 +0000

6. You are using a website that connects potential clients with writers and you’ve given a potential client a proposal. The client then asks you to contact another username for further details. This, alone, seems a little strange and you have a thought that this other username is for a potential client that maybe is trying to get new writers, but has a bad reputation and is trying to cover it up. You decide to go ahead and give the situation a chance, but you cannot find said username on the website in question so you inform the potential client of this. The client then asks if you are “stupid” or an “idiot” and do you or do you not use Skype/MSN/Yahoo/whatever other messenger the client had in mind, but failed to provide.

Yeah. That was a fun situation, but extremely easy to leave a note saying, “I am sorry, but I am not going to be able to work with you. Please disregard my proposal. Good luck.”