Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. And while they have to invent a time machine so we can go back and fix some of our mistakes, there's always the chance to learn from other freelancers' mistakes or pass along a few pearls of wisdom. Last year, I blogged about a lesson I wish I'd learned sooner: that when other writers warn you about an editor or client or publication, there's usually a good reason. I would add that I also wish I'd cut the cord with low-paying publications sooner. Once you have a few solid clips, there's no reason to keep writing for pennies, people!
Now I'll open the floor to all of you fabulous freelancers. If you could go back in time and warn your younger self about something, what would it be? Do tell!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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7 comments:
I wish I'd had more than one dream market. After cracking it I had nothing left to strive for for a little while because I kind of went "Huh. Now what?" and didn't really look around me at all the other great stuff out there.
Along the lines of not working for pennies, I wish I would have left websites like GetAFreelancer.com alone. It caused me to devalue my work and it was extremely difficult to break the cycle. I had many repeat clients, yet they always remembered that I did a project for little $$. As a result, they always wanted future projects to be done for the same low rates.
Here is my advice to freelancers who want to work in the corporate market:
1) Value your work correctly. I write for corporate communications, marketing and PR people, and it took one of my clients (from a Fortune 100 company) urging me to raise my rates before I took a good hard look at the true value of my work. Don't be afraid to charge what your work is worth, and to stand by your fees.
2) Be comfortable with the idea of working out of a client's office on short-term or long-term projects. Being onsite has opened many more doors for me, and those projects are among the most rewarding things I've been able to do.
3) Say yes to everything. You will find a way to get it done. Say no, and you may lose a client.
I'm brand new to freelancing, so these tips are great! Thanks!
I wish I'd learned to put more emphasis on my needs in contracts. Too often I would let clients toss a contract my way. No more. I make sure my contracts have payment terms I can live with, including payment dates and late fees; the stipulation that third-party input that isn't in the contract voids said contract; and a clearly defined project and point person. A well-planned contract saves so much grief!
Thanks to everyone who weighed in!
@Carole: I agree with #1 & 2, but I respectfully disagree with #3. If you feel the terms of the contract are exploitative or the pay is too low or if the deadline is unreasonable and you aren't able to fix any of these through negotations, then by all means, walk away! They'll be other projects that are a better fit.
Write what the client wants, and not what you want to write.
Oh if only they taught that in J school.
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