All posts with the ‘ communication ’ Tag

Life is too short to work with bad clients.

Sometimes, despite your best attempts to save the situation, the time arrives to cut a client loose so you can focus your energy on more fruitful endeavors.

When that time comes, don’t drag it out or give them 42 second chances. Make it quick and be direct so you can both move on.… Read More

I’m pretty good at helping people break down what’s happening in a conflict and figure out the best way to address it.

Thirty minutes with me and you’ll be all, “Conflict? What conflict? Pass me the cookie tray! Have you seen that Youtube video where the squirrel and the Bernese Mountain dog are best friends?”

But as much fun as I have tackling conflicts, I … Read More

I hate hearing stories about attorneys who don’t listen to their clients and write them indecipherable contracts that the client can’t understand.

That’s ridiculous! How can you use something in your business if you can’t understand it?

So today, gather round, my freelance ninjas, because I’m going to teach you how to talk back to lawyers.… Read More

It seems like telling your clients how much your services cost would be a fairly straight forward process, but a lot of freelancers get jammed up when the question is put to them, and for good reason.

If you answer without asking a few questions of your own, you run the risk of either underpricing your services for the client’s needs or scaring the client … Read More

If you find yourself in a contentious negotiation where you’re both digging into your positions and you’re pretty sure everything the other side says is either stupid, crazy or both: I have one, simple piece of advice to help turn things around and get you what you need.

Make friends with that stupid, crazy person sitting across from you.… Read More

Many a freelancer has slaved over a proposal trying to make it perfect. Figuring and guessing and measuring, trying to find the right balance of WOW and profit.

After hours of penciling out the budget six ways from Sunday, the freelancer presents her proposal. The client reviews it, smiles and says, “This looks great! How about a 20% discount?”

The freelancer is deflated; hurt. A … Read More

Boldly we charge ahead in our mission to deal with those that prove most difficult to our hero, The Freelancer!

This week: managing the Scope Creep, he who yearns for additional work without extra payment or adjustment of deadlines.

Hey, Scope Creep. I’ve got your number and I’m coming for you.… Read More

Let’s be honest, sometimes dealing with people just sucks.

They can be needy and demanding, stubborn and impatient, frustrating and irrational.

But if you’re a freelancer, there’s no avoiding working with difficult people. There is no boss to run interference between you and Crazy Cathy and unless you defend your boundaries well, “Just One More Thing” Jonathan will drive you to drink.

Instead of throwing … Read More