Negotiating skills are crucial and can make a significant difference in the success of your creative business. In this episode, we’ll address the purpose of the negotiation process, explore the dos and don’ts of effective negotiating, with tips on how to come to an agreement on price, deliverables, and schedule, so that both you and your client will benefit.
Establishing and managing a business so you can make a living from your creative work — your way — isn’t easy and probably not what most of us expected when we started out. With all the competition out there, and now with AI looming as both an asset and a threat to creative work, how will you stand out? How will you make a living? How will you continue to build your business, attract your best clients, and become know for significant work? In this episode I offer 4 ways for your consideration.
The fact is that AB5 does not provide exemptions for LLCs. Its 3-point test governs the working relationship between the client and the freelancer, not the freelancer’s legal business structure.
This episode begins with an update on AB5 (California) and the independent contractor rule being considered by the NLRB. And then why you need to define what success looks like for you.
To stay in business freelancers need clients, and we’re commonly asking where to find more clients. The obvious freelance platforms and talent agencies aren’t always the best choice for a variety of reason, and they shouldn’t be your only choice. In the episode I present the case for making client prospecting a regular part of your marketing activities, and offer ways to diversify your prospecting through relationship building.
To succeed in business as a freelance creative requires shifting from functioning solely as a creative — an illustrator, a designer, a photographer, a copywriter, an artist — to functioning as the owner of a creative business. In this episode I share half a dozen shifts we need to make in how we think about what we’re doing, and why.
A resumé is not necessary if you’re a freelance creative. Instead, use your portfolio website as your primary marketing tool.
To manage your time focus on work-life integration, not balance.
Communication is the responsibility of the freelancer and the client.
Some warning signs freelancers tend to overlook because they want the project.
Detours prepare and train you for your greater work. Many freelance creatives deal with having to do things to pay the bills while we’re developing
Take the same level of care in nurturing your vendor relationships as you take with your client relationships. No freelancer ever does a project entirely
How to navigate the Problem Client Ever have a client relationship turn sideways or go south? If you’ve been freelancing awhile you’ve likely experienced when
Reasons why we choose independence instead of employment, and how to start. How do you start freelancing? A Gallup–Upwork poll discovered there are around 57M
Are you using a creative brief in your project development process? The creative brief helps your clients trust you better for a variety of reasons. In this episode I share what a brief is and how your client relationships and freelance business can benefit by using them.
How to budget on a feast-or-famine income Money is a necessary tool in business and life, and freelancers can embrace the budgeting process creatively. Budgeting
Q&A Session on various topics for freelancers Neither speculative nor pro bono work generate income for you. With each, you’re working for free. In this episode
What you need to know to succeed as a creativepreneur Talent, passion and a portfolio will get you through school, but you can’t build a
Anticipate and plan ahead to respond well in any circumstance. Things don’t always go the way you planned, especially when it’s more than just you
As a freelance creative, you get to design your own success. Your whole life relies on your ability to achieve your professional objectives, so success isn’t optional. Setting significant goals is one of the most powerful things you can do to accelerate your business. Here are essential insights and a strategic approach to goal-setting that can help you ensure success and longevity.
Mechanics of getting your creative business on the road. Do you want to build a business out of your creative work? Stop thinking like an
Listening belongs at the start and and all the way through a creative project. Step up your listening skills. You can win better clients and
Why you need a vision and how to discover it. Every freelance creative needs a vision — a reason to look beyond their current circumstances.
Doing Good Work and Working for Good What’s the end result of our creative efforts? What responsibility do we as creative professionals have toward the
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