NaNo count: 30,115 words
Super day yesterday. I lined up a few interviews for the article assignments, then I spent the rest of the day talking with new clients. One was a referral, which was a surprise phone call. Another was the confidential client whose vetting process took a bit longer than expected. But I’m happy to be on board with them and helping. Still another is a large company with local ties – one I’d sent a letter of introduction to. I’m just hoping I have enough days to get everything done.
It’s when it pays to be accommodating, but not a pushover. For as much as we writers need to please clients, we need to know when to assert our limits. That’s why I advocate building a strong backbone. Here are some ways to give yourself some added strength:
Raise your rates. Nothing says “I’m a professional” like a good, strong fee structure. If you’ve already taken on more than you can handle, that’s an indication that your price could be higher. Why? Because you’re now in demand and you’re sitting on a reputation for delivering quality stuff.
Give clients a three-day window. In other words, they call today with that must-have project. Automatically look out three days from today and that’s the first day you can touch it. Why? Because you have other work that has to be completed, too. Three days, for me, seems like enough time to make headway on the other work and a short enough time frame that the client on the phone isn’t going to miss some serious deadlines.
Make an active to-do list. You non-list makers can stop groaning right now. If you have more than two things going at the same time, you need to write it down, look at it, and figure out how you’re fitting it all in. Plus having it written down helps you see what you’ve taken on should another client call with an urgent project.
Tell them you’re booked. Watch how popular you become, too. Obviously you can’t do more than your own time will allow. It’s okay to say, “Sorry, but I’m working on three client projects right now. I’ll have time in about XX days, if that will work for you.” That’s not dropping them on their ears – that’s keeping you from taking on more than you can handle effectively.
What do you do to show your backbone?
When they lowball, you say, "I'm sorry, that price won't work for me. Let me know when you've got room in the budget."
Amazing how quickly they come with a counteroffer.
Also, late fees are in contracts and enforced.
I had to get tough with a client recently. In August I wrote a 2,500+ word article that ran in their September issue as a 2,200 word article and a 360-word sidebar. They claim to pay 30-45 days after publication, which is bad, but as long as I know when to expect payment I can budget around it.
When no payment arrived by November 1, I e-mailed asking when payment would arrive. No reply. I followed up a few days later; he said he was at a trade show and would address it Monday. No word from him Monday, so I e-mailed politely reminding him payment was now 2 weeks past due and he had two choices: 1) overnight a check, or 2) pay immediately by PayPal. No reply. No payments.
The next day I e-mailed again, cc-ing the editor. I reminded them that my 2,500-word article for their next issue was finished two weeks ago, but I couldn't submit it until I've been paid. That got his attention (probably because I'd cc-ed the editor). He said the check had just been sent for "overnight" delivery.
It arrived – around 5:30 PM, which I'd call "Next Day" not "overnight." The real problem? He paid for the article, but not the sidebar. I e-mailed again requesting immediate payment of the remainder. If he doesn't reply by the end of the day, I'll re-invoice him for the sidebar, and maybe even tack on a nice late fee.
The upside? A friend who also writes for them was surprised when UPS dropped off a check for her, too. (Hmmm…you think they know we compare notes?)
You ladies are TOUGH. I love it!
I'm simply learning to say no and stand up for myself, and that's not just in the writing area. There is no one going to stand up for me if I don't do it myself. I used to be afraid that being assertive made me a bitch. I am a nice person and I intend to stay that way, but that doesn't mean that I can't be assertive, too. So I say no when I can't or don't want to, and I call people out when their behavior is not appropriate. I don't back down just to keep the peace. I'm sure this attitude comes easy for some of you, but it's been quite a journey for me.
Accommodating but not a pushover. That's about it.
The other way to handle the lowball offer, if you're still inclined to work with someone, is to tell them "here's what I can do for that amount." And make it sound unappealing, like a car with manual windows, AM radio only, and no a/c. Then–this is key!–don't say anything until after they do. First one to speak loses.
Exactly, Devon. I used that line just once on a woman who'd written "Let me know when you're able to work within our budget." She must have thought I was playing games and would leap at the chance to perform miracles for crap wages. I don't play games with my career.
Paula, good for you! Hold that sucker hostage until you get full payment.
Ashley, "bitch" is a term used by emotional manipulators to describe a woman who knows and asserts her value. If that's a bitch, sign me up.
LAST year's model, right Jake? 🙂
Yep! Whaddaya want your payments to be?
Free. Of course. 🙂
Call me bitch too and I'll wear it proudly. Learning to stand up is a process, or it was for me, and occasionally I have to remind myself.
Jake,I love that idea… here's what I can do for that amount… just love it. Thanks so much.
Great tips here Lori! I have to admit I haven't tried any of them. But maybe I need to start? For me, being consistent and persistent are too ways that help me. Being clear about your expectations, honest about what you're feeling and then knowing when to accept and let it be help me too.
It's brilliant, isn't it Anne? Jake's got great ideas.
Brandi, consistent and persistent – a good way to start. It's the knowing-when-to-accept part that often trips us up.
I embrace my inner bitch; every once in a while, she becomes my outer bitch. She keeps my bank account in the black. 😉
LOL! I like that one, Devon. I appreciate a woman with a backbone and the cajones to use it. 🙂