1. The longer the list of requirements in a job listing, the less the employer intends to pay. Go on. Look. Test this one out. Nine times out of ten, it’s absolutely spot on.
2. The amount of work you’re about to get is equal or greater to the amount of time you have to finish it all. Again, it comes in droves or not at all. I had two deadlines last week. Didn’t I get two calls for two more big projects?
3. Thongs are just a bad idea. Okay, not so much a freelancing truth, but true nonetheless. They place material in exactly the place we’ve been trying for years to remove it from. But I digress…
4. The more people involved in your project, the more likely your project will fail or you’ll be replaced. Your project could fail with one person as a client, true enough. But the moment another person, or lord forbid, a posse of client friends, family, colleagues, etc. gets involved, you’re done. You cannot, will not, please everyone. In fact, if you attempt to, you’ll please no one. As you enter into contracts and projects, make it abundantly clear to both you and the client who the sign-off person is. That’s your audience. Make it equally clear that any involvement of a third party that you must now write or revise to voids the contract and requires the client pay in full on the spot without any further work from you.
5. If it’s December, we’re broke. Projects slow down around November and literally vanish in December. It’s okay. Just expect it, plan for it, shop early, and market harder.
6. Same for July. This one’s debatable. I’m working pretty hard right now on articles and corporate projects. The articles I lined up weeks ago. The corporate projects came in because, surprise, staff are on vacation. You could make hay with it or you could fall short. Either way, plan for it.
7. The threat of litigation will move the most immovable client to pay your invoice. I’ve had to threaten three times in my career. In every case, the check was nearly hand delivered upon that threat. Use it, but use it only if you plan to back it up with actual litigation.
Hi Lori,
@ #6 – I thought it was just me. Like you I am working on projects that I sent agreements out for weeks ago. As for December , I am going to be a marketing fool through the end of 2008!
Great post, Lori. I especially endorse #1 and #2.
I’ve seen 5 and 6. 7 is just scary, but reality. I’ll have to take your word for 3.
You know, my slow months vary from year to year. For several years, May was the biggie. Now they seem to be all over the place, but they’re still a fact of freelancing life. And yeah, #3 is soooo true.
Great List Lori!
About the Thong tip! As freelancers we have the unique advantage of never needing to wear one. YAY!