If there’s a book that should be wedged into every freelancer’s toolbox, it’s this one: The War of Art. It’s by Steven Pressfield, novelist and screenwriter who wrote The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, The Last of the Amazons, The Afghan Campaign,The Virtues of War, and most recently Killing Rommel. This guy [...]
Two tantrums that worked, sort of.
I’m a bit embarrassed to relate this. And I do not advocate treating clients this way. It is childish and unprofessional. (But it felt good.) In general I adore my clients. I offer this only because the statute of limitations has expired. Here’s the story.
Playing hard to get
I’m beginning to suspect that it’s smart, at least sometimes, to turn down and beg off assignments from time to time (even if you really want them.) It seems to be, paradoxically, good for business. And no, this is not about hauteur. This is not about being a diva or a prima donna. It’s about [...]
When to say no: A budget mismatch
This is a lesson I have to re-learn every once in a while: If you’re working at the lower limit of your fee range, and the client is at the upper limits of their budget range, step away. Better yet, run. When it’s small potatoes for you, but a major deal for them, it will [...]
How to talk money III: Amount
I’m not sure why, but clients seem to be more comfortable with odd numbers and specific amounts. A project fee of $1730 sounds like it’s based on some calculations or considerations. A project fee of $1600 sounds like a number you just made up. A day rate of $1150 is somehow easier to swallow than [...]