Reading the Fine Print

Two very exciting things happened on the internet this last week!

One: Getty Images announced it would start licensing a portion of its massive image collection for no cost.

And, two: Amtrak embraced the fervor of the hashtag and established a for-real writer’s residency hosted on its long-distance trains.

Both things are ridiculously cool.

And both things came with fine print.

Why does fine print … Read More

Fire Bad Clients

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

Client Red Flags (And What They Are Trying to Tell You)

Would you like to avoid clients that suck up all your time with petty demands and complaints, then try to haggle over the final payment?

Would you prefer to spend your time working on the thing you’re really good at, rather than trying to collect on overdue invoices?

Would you like to avoid being named “Top Contributor!” on Clients From Hell?

Then, friendly freelancer, … Read More

Avoid Conflicts Before They Happen

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

How to Talk Back to Lawyers

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

What This Bulldog Can Teach You About Negotiation

I am a big believer that many people, particularly artists, already have a lot of the skills they need to negotiate. They just don’t know how they can use those skills in a negotiation.

That’s why when I teach negotiation I like using every day examples of situations where people can use those skills to get what they need out of a negotiation.

One of … Read More

How to Tell A Client How Much Something Costs

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

Be Nice to People Who Drive You Crazy

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