Yesterday was busy, but not as much as I’d expected. I had two phone calls vaporize before they happened. That was probably a good thing because we bought a bed for the guest room and ordering it over the phone meant a week and a half delay. Driving to the store, piling it in the cart, paying for it, and wheeling it over to the delivery desk meant we got it the same day. Guess what I chose. And guess what didn’t arrive the same day. I’m done with delivery people charging to do what they want instead of what I expect.
I managed a few small client articles in the afternoon, but my rhythm was shot to hell. Today is packed with appointments, so I’m back at it full force. Amen.
Today is also invoice day. I’m happy because I have invoices sent and paid already – how often does that happen? Rarely. So let’s see what this month looks like and where things need to change:
Queries:
I cheated – I sent one out in December that resulted in two article assignments (not the idea I’d sent, either). I sent out or followed up on a total of 20 letters of introduction, so hopefully I’ll see some responses soon.
Job listings:
I think I’m just going to stop listing this one at all. I never scour job listings anymore unless it’s for the This Job, Not That Job post as an example of what not to do.
Existing clients:
This is where I cleaned up. I had four clients come around with work. One client is a steady gig now, and I’m handling a number of their projects on a regular basis. That job is growing and I’m loving it. I’m trying to maintain a balance, though. One client providing most of your work and income is dangerous. I don’t see this one drying up, but I don’t take chances.
New clients:
I have one potential client I’ve put a proposal together for, and we’re going to talk next week. I have had a few inquiries, but nothing has transpired yet.
Earnings:
I’m slightly under my target, but I’m confident February will bring in more. I’m about to negotiate a rate for a new batch of client projects, so I suspect I’ll be over my monthly goal next month.
Bottom line:
As much as I love working with this new client, I have to be more prudent with my time management. Too often I’ve been dropping everything and getting the projects done as they come in. It’s the wrong way – I need to schedule it, track it, and bill for it instantly so as not to lose track.
Marketing will continue, maybe picked up a bit since the conference I attend is just over two months away. I have to get cracking so I can line up appointments and lunch meetings.
How did you fare in January?
Blech.
I could leave it at that, but we must face our challenges. 🙂
Started the month with techie problems that got it off to a bad start. So projects I was ahead of schedule on (and expected payment for in Jan) got delayed. I still hit deadlines, but that's because I always allow a fudge factor on my commitments.
I hit my marketing goals, so that's good. Haven't seen any results (got one "No" on a proposal), but jury's still out on the rest.
I finalized my services for the client who put me on retainer so there is a minimum guaranteed income every month. When's the last time I could say that? Oh yeah, corporate days. 🙂 Well, as guaranteed as anything is in life today.
I did hear back from a former client and may pick up some work there.
Income was way down, but February should be back on track.
And the sun has been out with temperatures in the high 40s-a sign of good things to come?
Who wants to join me in a rendition of The sun will come out tomorrow? Okay, maybe not.
Thanks. Now that tune is stuck in my head. Oh well, it beats the Highland Widow's Lament. Glad to be rid of THAT one! LOL
Retainers are great, aren't they? 🙂
A little under my financial goals, but have two new clients and a slew of work coming in over February that should make up for it. Teaching's going well, although hectic, trying to finish a novel, about to hit the edits for the Jain Lazarus reboot with the new editor, wrote and got out a batch of short stories, am in early negotiations for a theatre project, and someone's dangling an awfully attractive carrot in front of me that will be a lot of time management and work up front, but with a good pay off down the road. So I'm hoping to figure out how to slot that in soon.
I saw some listings on Media Bistro that gave me ideas for proposals, although I'm not going out after the job as listed. I simply think there's a better way to get the job done than they've set out, and it will serve them best to hire ME to do it!
January was great for firming up some approaches that came in December, but no income from them yet – Feb should be better.
Got a couple of minutes before the #headdesk doctor (cited last week) finally gives me 15 minutes of his precious time, so I'll share a quickie from this weekend.
My wife and I went skiing in Northern AZ on Saturday and plunked down at a picnic table for lunch–it was gorgeous, sunny, 45 degrees. We start chatting with the folks next to us, and they're mining consultants, which is a fascinating industry to me.
When they found out I'm a writer, the head guy grabs a business card, hands it to me, and says, "Well, I guess I'm writing this off as a business lunch. Our website is awful, do you think you can help us?"
Ya never know where you're going to find business…or where it might find you!
January brought in about 3/4 of my target income, but I'm not too worried because invoices I issued nearer the end of the month exceed my target for Feb. So Feb is going to be really fat.
In terms of marketing, I hired a graphics designer to do a brochure and it's signed off and ready for distribution. Hopefully it will bring me a steady business throughout the year. I'm also working very hard to make self-publishing a viable income stream. Plans are underway to publish 2 ebooks in the first quarter of 2012. Both books are with external editors and the designer is doing covers for me. I know it will take some time before the books start making decent money, but it's a good start for 2012.
I love that you mentioned the rhythm of the work day, Lori. As freelancers we need to be flexible, but I bet most of us have a certain rhythm that helps move us through the average work day.
I also love Jake's serendipitous encounter with a potential new client.
As for my monthly assessment….
Sent one LOI and at least 6 queries – most with multiple ideas. One query was assigned, two more are strong maybes.
Replied to one listing just last week. No reply as yet.
Existing clients: Sent in two columns, and single articles to three long-time clients.
New clients: Having payment issues with a new client. They should have paid by end of 2011, but claimed they never received my paperwork. Resent that all in first week of year, and if their 30-days processing time is true, they should pay soon. I won't pitch another idea to them until I'm paid.
Earnings would have been better had that payment gone through. I have another past-due payment (the excuse being a death in the publisher's family, although I don't see how or why that would prevent the accounting office from cutting checks….) Unless one of those payments arrives today, I'll end January slightly less than $500 shy of my modest monthly goal.
Bottom line: More marketing. Just revamped my résumé, too. (Because freelance writers DO need résumés!)
Um that should be "re-sent," not "resent," although I do resent not being paid in a timely manner.
Devon, that sounds like a great position to be in. I say hold out until the payoff makes it closer to the front of the deal… 😉
Sharon, I'm having a similar situation. Lots in the works that should make February fantastic, but we'll see! Fingers crossed for both of us.
Jake, I totally want to hang out where you do! How do you find them? God, that's an amazing story!
Damaria, I would love to pick your brain about self publishing at some point. I love that you're making it a primary income source – good for you!
Thank you for the support on the resume issue, Paula. 🙂 I think it's totally a personal choice, but I think the notion that a traditional resume is a must isn't true. I do think any list or summation of your experience works. Again, depends on the client.
Sounds like you might to unleash that can of whup-ass if those checks don't arrive….
I'm taking Molly Gordon's class on profitability… 'nuff said
@Lori – I'm happy to share whenever you're ready.