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We Recommend: Events for Freelancers
Creative Freelancer Conference
June 21 & 22, 2012, Boston MA. THE business conference for creative solopreneurs!
HOW Design University
Professional-level continuing education on the best ways to run a successful freelance design practice - ongoing online courses & workshops!
"Creative Professional’s Guide to Money" Webcast Series
Author, Ilise Benun, presents real-world tips for creative freelancers on the business mindset and how to manage your money.
Creative Freelancer Marketing Bootcamp Get advice on effective, easy, inexpensive marketing strategies in this 3-part DesignCast series for freelancers.
Category Archives: Client Relations
Preparing your business for baby
Like many moms-to-be running a small business, as the big date approaches, you may start to wonder: what to do about maternity leave? Lidia Varesco Racoma shares what she's learned recently. Continue reading
Posted in All Posts, Client Relations, Freelance Graphic & Web Design
Tagged client relationships, freelancing
4 Comments
Confidence, the client’s aphrodisiac
Being the optimistic entrepreneur that I am, I approached this CEO.
I explained to him that I had some ideas that could really improve the UX (user experience) of his site. He politely declined and told me that their focus was in a different area at the time. I explained that even if their focus was in another area, my expertise could help customer retention since happy customers are always good for the bottom line. He again explained that they knew that some things needed to be overhauled on the site but it still isn’t their focus right now. So what did I do? Continue reading
Posted in All Posts, Client Relations, Freelance Graphic & Web Design
Tagged confidence, follow up, self confidence, self promotion
1 Comment
Should you cut your fee in half?
A small design firm was asked by a long-time client to design a piece that would be presented at a reception at the White House. He gave his price, but the client asked him to cut the fee in half. What would you do? Continue reading
Posted in Client Relations, Featured, Freelance Graphic & Web Design, Freelance Money
Tagged difficult clients, pricing
17 Comments
2 Arguments for Hiring a Copywriter
Having good copy is as important as having good design. It’s something that we as designers should bring to the table when we can because it shows we are more than just pixel pushers. We are helping the client grow their business and that makes us harder to replace than some online service. Continue reading
Breakfast Roundtable Topics at CFC
There is no shortage of networking at the Creative Freelancer Conference (next week!). On Friday morning, June 24 , join us for an hour of moderated but free-flowing discussions (with breakfast!) around hot topics of interest. (That's right after our 6-7 AM Netwalking -- plenty of time to shower and change.) Here 's the incredible line up... Continue reading
Are Freelancers Automatically Entrepreneurs?
Is every freelancer also an entrepreneur? If you're self employed, does that mean you're an entrepreneur? Continue reading
Taking the "labor" out of collaboration (part 2)
When we're dealing with human beings, there's a lot to consider. The process of collaboration can go a long way towards enhancing your creative output, but can also be a huge source of stress and frustration. The key here is to attune yourself to be able to spot potential collaborators who will raise the quality of your creative endeavors, while avoiding partnerships that will simply raise your blood pressure. Continue reading
Posted in Client Relations, Freelance Graphic & Web Design
Tagged collaboration, freelancing tips
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Is Freelancer a Negative Term?
What do you think? Is the word "freelancer" negative? Is it appropriate for all of us? Do you call yourself as a "freelancer" or something else? And what how do your clients perceive you? Continue reading
How to get paid for volunteering (part 2)
In Part 1 last week, Laurel talked about how to choose which projects to do "pro bono" and how to do them in a professional manner. In part 2, she talks about how to train a non-profit to be a good client, and answers some questions from last week's commenters, such as, "How exactly do you invoice?" and "What kind of guidelines should be put in place?" Continue reading
More on June 24 at CFC
After Breakfast Roundtables, we'll break into 2 tracks for the morning -- a request from last year's attendees. In the Beginner Track, Intro to Marketing for Freelancers (that's my session on how to create a basic Marketing Machine), followed by Basic Money Management Strategies for Freelancers, with Joe D'Agnese and Denise Kiernan, the authors of "The Money Book." In the Advanced Track... Continue reading
