This past week I spoke with several freelance writers via email who expressed a disinterest in talking to clients and potential buyers on the phone. When it comes down to it, this is a fear that you definitely want to get over sooner rather than later. In most cases, freelance writers will be able to communicate via email; this is a given. But with that being said, phone calls are necessary from time to time. I have definitely found this to be the case when working with corporate clients. After all, there are times when a quick phone call is much more effective and efficient than several emails.
Why are you afraid to speak with clients on the phone? This is a question that you need to answer if you are in this position. Some writers don’t like using the phone to communicate because they are not comfortable selling their services “in person.†Remember, you provide a valuable service and the person on the other end of the phone is interested in hiring you. This is not to say that you should go overboard selling yourself, but you should not be intimidated or embarrassed in the least bit.
Other freelance writers have expressed to me that they do not know what to say when speaking with a client on the phone. When it comes to email communication, you have time to read over every word and then formulate a response; no matter how long it takes. But when speaking on the phone, you do not have this luxury. Simply put, practice makes perfect in this area. The more clients that you speak with on the phone the more comfortable you will become answering questions on the spot.
Even though I speak with clients on the phone a few times per week, 90 percent of my communication is still completed via email. You may not find yourself on the phone a lot, but you definitely want to be open to this idea; it can help you to expand your business.Â
Setting up a freelance writing office can be a lot of fun. After all, this is one of the first things that you will do when you decide to follow your dream of becoming a writer. Generally speaking, there is no right or wrong way of setting up an office. You will want your space to suit your needs, as well as those of anybody else living in your home.
Here are three tips to keep in mind when setting up your office:
1. Make sure that everything is within reach. While this is not always 100 percent possible, you will at least want the items you use the most right by your side. Personally, I do not like to leave my seat during the day if I am in a groove; this only gets me off track. For this reason, I have my most commonly used items within easy reach. This includes office supplies, references books, and my business phone.
2. Your freelance writing office should be comfortable. If you are like me, you will be spending a lot of time in your office. Not being comfortable is a sure fire way to lose concentration and decrease production. I believe that comfort starts with a quality chair, as well as a large desk. When I started my freelance writing career I was working on an old desk with little to no space for anything but my computer and printer. After upgrading to a large, “L-shaped†desk, I found it easier to stay comfortable while also keeping items within reach.
3. If possible, set up your freelance writing office in a dedicated space. In other words, try to avoid using your kitchen table (or other common area) as your space for freelance writing and related tasks. You may have to get creative to find a dedicated space. While I have a separate bedroom that I use for nothing but freelance writing, others do not have this luxury. If this sounds you, look into converting a basement nook, attic, or maybe even a closet into a freelance writing workspace. I have seen all of these options work out nicely.
Remember, your freelance writing office should be set up with your preferences in mind. As long as the space works for you, nothing else matters!
There is a big difference between a freelance writer, and a firm that chases as many clients as possible and then subcontracts the work. Personally, I do not believe in subcontracting. If I take on a job from a client, I give them my assurance that I will be working on the project from start to finish. To go along with this, the concept of subcontracting has never appealed to me. This is not to say that I have never hired another writer, but if I do, it is for special circumstances and my client is always aware of this.
There are many reasons that I am against subcontracting:
1. I like to do my own work! This is the number one reason that I will never look into subcontracting on a regular basis. Many people get involved with the freelance writing industry as a way to make money. While everybody likes to get paid well, I also enjoy the work that comes my way.
2. You never know what you are going to get when you hire subcontractors. And guess what? If the work is not up to par, it is not the subcontractor that the client is going to come after, it is you. If you must absolutely hire somebody to help you with a project, make sure that you carefully check their background, skills, and samples. There is nothing worse than receiving sub-par work, and then being on the hook with your client.
3. You don’t make as much money. Take for instance a project that entails 10 keyword articles at a rate of $25 each. If you were to complete this job on your own, you would earn $250. But if you contract this work out for half of the amount, or $12.50/article, you will only earn $125. Are you willing to give up a large chunk of your profits just so you don’t have to do the work?
There is nothing wrong with operating a freelance writing firm that hires subcontractors. In fact, I have several contacts who earn a lot of money doing business this way. But personally, I enjoy the writing process too much to hire subcontractors.
