The most successful freelance writers earn the trust of every client. Is this something that you strive to do? If not, you should change your way. It is very important that every client trusts you. Sure, it can take some time to build this but over the long haul it should be a goal of yours.
Here are three ways to earn the trust of your clients:
1. Don’t disappear on them. Time after time I speak with clients that tell me horror stories about past contractors disappearing without a trace. If you take on a job make sure you are ready to complete it. To go along with this, don’t run and hide during the process. If a client calls or emails you, make sure you get back in touch with them as soon as possible.
2. Don’t skirt around questions. This goes along with number one above. To earn trust you need to be open and honest yourself. If a client asks a question of you answer it to the best of your ability. They may not like the answer, but at least you will show that you are being 100 percent honest. In return, you will probably get the same thing.
3. Meet every deadline. This goes without saying, but I am still surprised at how many freelance writers think it is a joke. If you agree to a deadline you need to do your best to meet it – no matter what it takes. Sure, there are times when you may need to request an extension but you do not want to make this a habit.
Have you found it easy to gain the trust of clients in the past? If so, stick with what you have been doing. On the other hand, if you have been struggling to succeed in this area you should fall back on the three tips above.Â
Over the years, hundreds of people have come to me asking for freelance writing advice. The worst emails are those from people who are giving up on their dream. They no longer feel that freelance writing is right for them, and for this reason they are moving onto another opportunity. While there is nothing wrong with moving on, remember this: you should have a very good reason for quitting your freelance writing career. If you don’t, it may be time to clamp down and stick with things for a bit longer.
Some people quit freelance writing because they have found a better job. For instance, freelancing offers a lot of freedom but some would rather go back to a 9 – 5 that gives them more “security.†As long as you are doing what makes you happy, that is the most important thing. Just make sure that giving up on freelance writing is what you really want to do.
On the other hand, there are freelance writers who give up because they just aren’t making the expected progress. These are the type of people who really disappoint me. They are very close to achieving success, but just don’t know if they can stick it out any longer. As you know, doubt is a very powerful thing. Even though you may feel like giving up, if you can stay with your career for just a bit longer things will eventually turn around. Unless you have another opportunity that you are comfortable with, giving up will probably make your situation, both with your career and financially, worse.
There is nothing wrong with moving on from freelance writing to a new career. Just make sure you have a good reason for doing so, and that you are not giving up because times are tough.
I am big on to-do lists. I have one for everyday of the week. Some people like to plan even further in advance. On Saturday, a member of my freelance writing course called and asked if it is a good idea to plan a week in advance. This got me thinking.
Before we go any further, keep this in mind: how you do things does not have to be the same as me, and vice versa. Just because I plan one way does not mean it is right. All it means is that it is right for me and my way of doing things.
The main issue with planning a week in advance is that you never know what is going to happen. Even when I plan one day at a time things can change and my entire list will need to be reshuffled. Planning a week in advance will make this even more common.
One thing you can try is putting a tentative schedule in place. In other words, plan a week in advance if it is what you want to do, but realize that things can and probably will change over that time frame. If they don’t, good for you. If they do, make sure you are willing to adjust. The last thing you want to do is have one change throw your entire schedule out of shape – this will lead to more harm than good.
In a very loose way I do plan out every week. But I have found it better to have a daily to-do list. This way I am not looking too far into the future, and every change that comes about is an easy one to deal with.
