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What Great Clients Know...

I did a lot of freelance consoling during May, mainly because some folk are doing my peeps dirty, but I'm going to try and fix that.  Here’s 3 things great clients know:

Freelancers do work for you, not work for you - they set their hours, rates, terms and methods. Employees do the job for you for the price you set, on your terms, how you want it done and when you want it done. Employees also come with salary and benefits expenses and it is illegal to pay them less than minimum wage. See the difference?
Message: Respect the freelancer’s mode of operation.
Real life: You gotta pay the cost to be the boss

Be aware of the verbal contracts you create. Stating that you will engage a freelancer’s services and pay deposit on a certain day/date is a verbal contract and can be held up in a court of law. Most freelancers don’t pursue it, but it is a viable option.  And sure, circumstances change, things come up, but without communication, you could be cited for breach of contract. Not to mention it can screw up a schedule and/or a budget. The freelancer with a lawyer on retainer that decides to sue for breach of contract could receive the amount of your project PLUS lost income if they could have someone in your spot.
Message: If your situation changes let the freelancer know.
Real life: it’s like the cancellation fee your doctor’s office charges if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance.

You get what you pay for. Let’s leave quality out of it for a minute and talk solely in terms of deliverables. I say this often, but when you change the scope of your project, you increase the cost and/or length of time.
Message: If your budget doesn’t allow for the high end package, either save up, make adjustments to your wants list OR invest the time into learning how to do it yourself.
Real life: dollar menu items aren’t on the value meal list

Quickies:

• 
  Failure to read and/or comprehend your service contract does not absolve you from your obligation to pay.
• 
  Your fee is for the product or service. Whether or not you use it is on you.
• 
  Treat your freelancer how you want to be treated in your own biz/on your job.
• 
  Your org may be non-profit, but most times the freelancer is not.
• 
  Freelancers work freely. For a fee. © 2009-2013 Auntee Rik

Hopefully this list gives you some insight or some confidence that you’re a great client. Happy June!

Until next time,

Disclaimer: These points only take into account those freelancers that handle their biz. If you’re dealing with anyone that does not, switch providers.
 

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The Girlfriend Connection, an organization in the process of tax-exempt status, will be re-premiering Average Girl Magazine in October 2010 as both an online and print publication. As part of its mission to empower and educate low to middle income women in finances, health and wellness, career/business and family/relationships, we are seeking 500 word max articles highlighting these issues. We are not able to pay for articles at this time, however, we are offering exposure for your work and a discount on advertising promotions for your products/services.

Average Girl Magazine was founded in 2003 in response to the murder of Damita Oglesby, a victim of domestic violence. Since its inception, it has featured the stories of men and women who have overcome adversity to lead extraordinary lives. Please send an email with letter of interest to Rebekah L. Pierce at editor@averagegirlmagazine.com. Visit www.thegirlfriendconnection.yolasite.com and www.averagegirlmagazine.com to learn more about our organization and magazine.

Thank you,

Rebekah L. Pierce, Author & Entrepreneur

Hi ladies!

This is a post I recently wrote on my blog. Hope this helps someone:

• Get a fabulous and effective website. By having a design that's professionally created (or at least looks like it), you'll gain credibility- and it's not as expensive as you might imagine. Two options to consider: 1) Use a theme that everyone and their grandma isn't using, or 2) Use a little money to hire a designer to modify an available, free theme.
• Be serious about SEO (search engine optimization). Whatever business you're in, you don't want to spend a lot of time looking for clients/customers- you want to use your time to make money. If you take the time to work on your SEO, your name (or business's) will come up higher in search results; so, when someone is searching for the service/product you offer, they'll be more likely to choose you first.
• Create compelling copy. You want the words on your website to convince others to purchase your product or service. However, it can be hard for you to write about how awesome you are, so you may want to think about hiring a copywriter. He or she can objectively convey why individuals should choose you.
• Convey your brand to others. It's easier to form a brand following when you can "piggy-back on top of an exisiting brand." And with blogging being so popular, gaining recognition is pretty simple- one way to do this is by writing guest posts on other blogs.
• Make a product to establish your authority. Having a product or download shows prospective clients that you know what you're doing. A couple of options: Write an ebook, or provide a free download that's related to your business's experience.

Check out more business and writing tips on Mocha Writer's Blog.

Happy Branding!