Answer to #7 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
Never. That’s the answer, period. There are times when you can really be pressed to maintain your composure. But understanding and appreciating the nuances of the situation can help you greatly.
Recognize the Implications of Making Changes
- Clients can present you with detailed or simple changes in the middle of your project. These changes can throw you off your whole schedule. Remember that a delay for you is ultimately a delay for your client. Rarely do clients sabotage themselves.
- Consider that your client may not know your job and what’s involved. And with that, they may not understand what all goes into “small” or “quick” changes. Explain in detail what’s involved, and encourage clients to give you all the details at once.
- If requested changes push back your completion date, be sure to explain to your client. Just remember to always be polite.
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Answer to #6 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
I’ve got another short answer for you, because this situation requires concise action. No one wants to think “I can’t,” especially when they’re freelancing. It almost feels like you’re telling the client, “I won’t do it. And, please don’t ask for anything more.”
Unless that’s what you’re saying, your situation is not that fatal.
There was one time when I couldn’t complete a job. The situation was extreme for me. But the worst part was that I kept thinking I can pull this off. Finally, I was given an ultimatum deadline. After the date given, the client would find an alternative source. Several things made it easier to survive the embarrassment:
- He was very gracious about it because we were long-time friends
- He knew the trauma that lead me to being unable to complete the job
- He already knew of someone who was available to do the job
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Answer to #5 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
When you think about human resources, you generally think Human Resources, or HR, right? That’s the department you go to when you have questions about your benefits, wages, work problems, or to seek another position.
Networking
Similar situations occur when you work for yourself. Whether you’re in an office or a room at your home, situations arise when you need others. Either you need them for yourself or for a client. Knowing who your resources are saves a lot of time, especially when you’re in the middle of an important project. No point wasting time if you can help it.
On our own as freelancers, we refer to these individuals or groups as people in our network.
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Here’s answer #4 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
Ask!
I know, you probably thought there would be this long, drawn out explanation with a sophisticated magical formula for executing the act of securing an extension and assistance. Well, there’s no need.
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Here’s answer #3 of 12 Questions I think are important for commercial writers to know. I think these questions are especially important for people newly striking out on their own.
Have you ever had times when you just can’t work out the next phase of your project? How about this: you stare at the screen and your notes and your tasks list, and you can’t decide which way to go. If it sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And, you should know right off, it’s not nearly as bad as it feels.
Following are some things that I have in my arcenal that have helped me through the roadblocks that I’ve come to. I thought they might help you to.
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