Since you’re already knee-deep in numbers, tax time is an ideal point to take an honest look at your freelance business—not just the top-line income number, but a client-by-client breakdown. The numbers don’t lie, and they could be flashing a warning signal that it’s time to diversify your freelance business. As suggested in last week’s post, client diversity is your best business defense against a freelance client bankruptcy or financial trouble, but there are other reasons to take a dive into the data. [Read more…]
When a freelance client files bankruptcy
I started to get suspicious when a reliable freelance client still hadn’t paid their invoice after 60 days and several follow-ups. My left eye started to twitch when I discovered both of my main contacts had been let go. Yesterday, after several voicemails and emails of second and third notices, I got my answer: They’re filing for bankruptcy. It wasn’t a huge invoice, a couple hundred dollars, but it was a reminder from the universe that there’s no such thing as risk-free freelancing. [Read more…]
Is your freelance client serious? Here’s the test
Dr. Freelance: I have a prospective freelance client — an author who needs his book edited — and he appears to have the money and desire to hire me. He keeps pressing me for a price estimate, but I haven’t seen the manuscript, just one sample chapter that I edited. I’m concerned about extrapolating, because it’s a long book and I’m not sure of the overall quality. What’s my next step?—Hurry Up and Wait [Read more…]
Freelance link roundup (and a bonus Kindle Countdown)
Before getting into today’s freelance link roundup, I wanted to give a quick heads-up about the Kindle Countdown promotion on the new Dr. Freelance Advisor Guide, Juggling on a High Wire: The Art of Work-Life Balance When You’re Self-Employed. The ebook is just 99 cents through Saturday morning, then steps up to $1.99 for the following two-plus days. Laura Poole has put together lots of strategic advice for solopreneurs who want to be more effective at task management, time management, and overall life balance. So check it out! [Read more…]
Is BookGrabbr the answer for self-published book marketing?
As you may have seen on social media, I’m experimenting with BookGrabbr. (UPDATE: The promotion is over as of March 8, 2016.) It’s a relatively new book marketing tool that provides readers a free preview of a book in exchange for sharing the link. (I’ve uploaded the first 7 chapters of The Science, Art and Voodoo of Freelance Pricing and Getting Paid.) Before I get into my initial take on the tool, though, I want to discuss why I’m giving it a try. In short, it’s because I believe experimenting is a critical component of freelance success. [Read more…]
Free work-life balance webinar for freelancers
Work-life balance can be a challenge when you’re the boss, and as I discussed in my post earlier this week, this time of year can ratchet up the pressure for freelancers. To help you finish up 2015 with a roar and start 2016 off right, I’ll be co-hosting a FREE work-life balance webinar on December 17 at 1 p.m., with my colleague Laura Poole of Archer Editorial, the author of a Dr. Freelance Advisor Guide on this critically important topic. [Read more…]
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