PUBLISHER NOTE: If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know about the upcoming freelance writing seminar in October. Details.
Many have inquired about what will be discussed at the seminar. So, in order to answer your questions and to get you prepared for what to expect, I've started a series of posts entitled "40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career."
To start at the beginning, click here. And, welcome to the blog. Now, on to today’s post . . .
The Big Lie Surrounding “Company Image”
Many freelancers assume that it’s the size of the client company that dictates the image of their company. Eg, if you write case studies, for example, your target market is most likely going to be mid- to large-sized companies. Hence, one could easily assume that your company’s image would be professional and reserved.
However, in my experience, this isn’t necessarily true. In my experience, it's the type of industry served that could dictate your company’s image. The reason could is italicized is that I’d even go a step further and say that it is the company’s owner (you) who decides the image. Why?
Because I don’t believe in forcing yourself to be something you’re not. If you naturally have more of an artistic edge, but like finance, then meld that. You could bring a fresh, fun image to the world of finance.
When you are yourself, you free yourself to naturally be better – without worrying about what image you should be trying to project. Instead, you just – project.
What Do You Think of Me?
I attend a lot of networking events and meet a ton of people – really nice people. People I like and wouldn’t hesitate to help out at the drop of a hat. EXCEPT when it comes to business. Huh? What do I mean?
Today’s topic is your company’s image. AND, I want you to forget terms like branding and image. These are Madison Avenue terms that look good on a glossy brochure, but don’t help you grasp the seriousness of the issue. So, I’m going to relay a story to illustrate exactly what I mean.
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Want to learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor? Inkwell Editorial's upcoming Freelance Writing Seminar will tell you how. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
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What Is the Difference Between a Bun and a Ponytail?
When I ran my staffing agency in New York City, for our outsource division, we used a staff of independent contractors (freelancers) to complete projects. Sometimes, the client would request that the person who worked on their project come into the office for the day.
I had one editor/copy editor/proofreader who was phenomenal – I mean, I never had to check her work because it was always top-notch. She always completed projects on time – usually a few days before, like clockwork. And, she turned projects in with detailed notes that usually gave the client ideas for how to make the project better. She was simply amazing.
BUT, I hesitated to give her projects where a client would likely want her to come onsite. I’d usually give the project to another freelancer. Why? Because she was slightly rumpled.
Her personality – outstanding. Work – impeccable. But, her look was one of disorganization. Let me stress, she didn’t break any overt grooming habits (eg, dirty clothing, body odor, bad breath, etc.).
So, what was “wrong” with her? For example, she had cats and invariably you could see stray cat hairs stuck to her clothing. She usually wore her hair in a ponytail that streamed down the middle of her back – but it wasn’t a neat ponytail. The hair had split ends and usually many of the hairs escaped her scrunchy. She tended to dress in “comfy” clothing that were more weekend wear than office attire (eg, sweatsuits or long, billowy dresses).
My agency’s clientele ranged from biggies like Random House and McKinsey & Company, to small, one-person graphic design firms.
I hesitated to send her onsite at the larger firms because her dress was not professional, and I hesitated to send her to smaller clients because I wanted to leave them with a certain impression of my company. Specifically, we are a professional company with professional workers who do impeccable work.
There were many times I wanted to grab her, put her hair in a simple bun and dress her in a monochromatic suit or simple business dress. But, I never did. I simply didn’t pass some projects her way.
The Lesson Here: Many people will never tell you what they think of you, your company or your customer service. They will simply stop using – and you won’t have a single clue as to why.
Why You Should Develop a “Company Culture” Before You Have a Company
While you may think that your company’s work speaks for itself, everyone you deal with – and refer – speaks to who you are as a company. So, it’s up to you to always make sure that you:
(i) have an idea/image/company culture in mind that you want to present to customers – before you open your doors;
(ii) take steps to foster and grow that image (eg, make sure your advertising and marketing efforts are in tune with your company’s image); and
(iii) ask customers how they perceive your company. This can be done via surveys, feedback solicitation, and/or a simple emailed questionnaire.
Tip: Before you start lining up clients, workers, vendors, etc., think about the type of person/company you’re bringing to your company (or the type of person you refer to others). A prospective client can think the world of you personally, but will hesitate to recommend or use you if you’re lacking in some areas – areas that aren’t even relevant to the job at hand.
NEXT POST: In Post #11 tomorrow, I’ll go over some business tips I got from Keith Bishop of Pitch Graphics, who will be a panelist at the upcoming seminar in October. He’s been in business for 25 years and he was kind enough to let me pick his brain over lunch today.
Note: Seminar attendees -- you're in for a real treat. Keith has a wealth of information that I don't think even he realizes the true value of. And, he shares so freely. I was soaking it all up -- to share with you, of course!
What do you think? If you have questions, comments or observations about this post, send them in. Email them to info [at] InkwellEditorial.com.
Editorially yours,
Yuwanda (who is this person?)
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Coming Next in the Inkwell Editorial Newsletter
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! I can’t wait for this interview.
Missed the latest issue of Inkwell's freelance writing newsletter? The 8/15 issue featured an interview with B2B freelance writer, Meryl K. Evans. Want to break into this very lucrative market? Meryl's interview sheds some detailed light on how. Sign up to receive your copy to read what Meryl had to say.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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Thursday, September 06, 2007
POST #10: 40 Days to a Successful Freelance Writing Career
Thursday, June 21, 2007
From $0 to 600K in two years -- Interview with Internet Entrepreneur Clark Covington
Today the second edition of Inkwell Editorial's recently relaunched newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career, was published.
In this issue, I interviewed Clark Covington who is a successful internet entreprenuer and founder of Internet Research Associates, a firm that hires freelance writers, editors, etc. He tells us how he went about it achieving his success, among other things.
IE, what employers look for in freelancers.
EXCERPT
1. What prompted you to start your company, Internet Research Associates (IRA)? I was moonlighting as a freelance writer while teaching college Speech and English classes. After several frustrating years of adjunct pay with no benefits with little opportunity for advancement, I started IRA.
3. What types of clients use your services? Everyone from real estate agents to e-commerce storeowners utilize our services.
Click here for instructions on how to subscribe and read the entire interview.
Read the first issue here. We speak with one freelancer who earned $10,000 in one year from one source alone, launching her freeance career full-time!
My mission with the newsletter is to inspire you to pursue your freelance dreams. However, not in a vaccuum. But, by dispensing first-hand information from those who have been where you want to be.
Editorially yours,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: Inkwell Editorial Ebooks, Seminars & More
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Want to start a profitable career as a freelance writer? Our work-from-home ebooks contain all the information you need to get started right way! Log on to order. It's fast, simple, safe and secure.
FREE Ebook on Article Marketing: If you write and distribute free content, learn how to increase your income via this free e-book. Full details.
Freelance Writing Seminar: Employers tell exactly what they're looking for in freelancers -- and more! Get the details here.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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Thursday, May 10, 2007
Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career
I did it -- I finished! The e-books I've been promising to re-list on InkwellEditorial.com have all been officially revised and uploaded. I may look like the guy pictured here, but I don't care -- I finally got it done -- woooohooooo!
OTHER TITLES:
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer
How to Get Your Biz on the Web Quickly & Affordably: An Easy-to-Follow Guide in Plain English for Those New to Internet Terminology & Web Technology
How to Break Into Medical Editing/Copyediting
NEW -- Recently Published! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Article Marketing: Results of a 30 Day Article Marketing Experiment
NEW -- Recently Published! 7 Ways a Freelance Writer Can Expand Your Profits – No Matter What Your Business Is! [FREE giveaway to potential clients, subscribers, seminar attendees, etc.]
And more! Click here to access the full list and to read detailed excerpts.
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P.S.: There are some combination deals that save you 50-70%.
P.P.S.: All e-books are written from first-hand experience, or are told from first-hand accounts. So, you get concrete advice straight from those who have been where you are -- and are now where you want to be.
Log on to order. It's fast, simple, safe and secure.
NOTE: All e-books are delivered as .pdf files within 24 hours of purchasing (excluding weekends), usually much less.
Monday, April 09, 2007
How to Tell If a Client is Wrong for You - Before You Accept Work from Them
Sometimes, you won't know if a client is wrong for you UNTIL you're in the middle of a project for them. They're impatient, change the parameters of the work and/or expect more than what you agreed up on in the contract.
While you can't always tell beforehand, there are usually signs you can look for that will clue you in as to what type of client this is. Following are three:
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1) Contract Negotiation: Most companies have a standard contract. If not, then, of course you should have your own.
If during this phase the client does not get back to you in a timely manner, looks at you sideways when you present a contract, and/or says that you should, 'Feel free to get started and I'll get the contract to you in a bit," I'd be wary of taking this client on.
Professionals understand that it is commonplace to work with a contract, and to not start the work until the contract has been signed by both parties.
So, if someone stalls, acts less than professional when you bring up a contract and/or assumes that you can get started without it, be careful. Anyone who treats a serious document like contracts this way may well treat you the same way when it's time to get paid.
A note about contracts: I use my own unless a company says that I have to use theirs. Usually, larger corporations have standard contracts that you must use. Please read over them carefully before you sign.
2) Project Parameters: In my business, I use what I call Project Spec Sheets. These lay out the parameters of a project, eg, turnaround time, work to be done and any specifics of the job.
Most editorial work can be pretty generic and even though you and the client may understand what you want done by verbally speaking, you should always lay out the project parameters on paper.
This document lays it out clearly so that both parties understand what is expected. If there is ever disagreement about what was to be done, you can always refer back to this.
Having a Project Spec Sheet does two things: i) signals your professionalism to the client; and ii) clarifies the project parameters for all involved.
Should you prepare this document, or should the client prepare it?
This document should be prepared by you and submitted to the client for his or her files. You don't have to obtain a signature (I usually ask my clients to simply initial the document), but it should be part of the file paperwork.
3) Payment Procedures: Usually, I verbally explain payment procedure, then it is repeated again in my contract. Terms might be, payable 30 days from receipt of invoice.
More and more clients are paying by credit card and/or online payment processors like PayPal.
Give clients quickie ways to pay like this, instead of the traditional invoicing system. PayPal even lets you send electronic invoices.
If a client jumps on using a quick payment method, this could signal that they are a forward-thinking, progressive company.
I'm pretty open in how I allow clients to pay, but if it's going to be a large project, I will always ask for partial payment up front, and the rest in installments, eg, when the brochure is done and before the start of web copy.
With a new client, you don't want to risk spending weeks on a project without knowing if you will receive payment.
The bottom line: When you are dealing with human beings, there are no 100% guarantees. Looking for tell-tale signs though can clue you in as to who might add to your bottom line, or take away from it.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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