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** This post was written by one of our new writers, Christine Cantera. Find out more about Christine at the bottom of this post. **
One of the most maddening aspects of location independent freelancing is the inconsistency of freelance work, in terms of both money and time.
It can mean an unexpected day off – but it can also mean finding yourself in a foreign country with nothing but a bit of spare change until that newly deposited check clears, or studiously avoiding the landlord when rent time comes around.
Experiences like this can train you, like Pavlov’s dog, to take every bit of work that comes your way. And for the most part, you should! But be warned that doing this can tip the balance the other way, and you realize you’ve overbooked yourself – or, worse, you’ve undercharged for work in order to bring some income through the door.
So, how do you strike the perfect balance in order to even out the ups and downs of location independent freelance work? The key is honesty – with your clients and with yourself. Don’t make these mistakes whilst freelancing around the globe, working with clients…
Mistake # 1: Taking freelance work at any price.
Sometimes a job or project will seem like a perfect fit – until you hear the client’s budget. If their rate is significantly lower than what you need to earn for the work involved, don’t let your desperation get the better of you.
Often, clients are new to hiring LIPs and have no idea what to charge. Other times, they may throw a number out there to see if they can get away with it. No matter what the reason, it’s up to you to set them straight – nicely. You’ll find that honest negotiations bring you close to, if not exactly what you quoted. At the very least, you’ve weeded out the cheapskates.
Mistake #2: Duping an unwitting client.
While this doesn’t happen too often, you might find that a potential client is offering way, way too much money for the work they need done. It can be oh so tempting to take the money and run, so to speak!
If this happens, think about the client’s particulars. If it’s a New York-based ad agency offering top dollar for copywriters, then you can let them know your rates are lower than what they’re offering – they won’t believe their good luck. But you don’t want to go too low, or they won’t think you’re in their league.
The flip side of that coin is a newcomer in the industry who thinks paying big bucks will get them the cream of the crop. If you school them gently on how much they should be paying, you’ve got a grateful client for life.
Mistake #3. Failing to communicate clear schedules, deadlines & delays.
This is when honesty is crucial. The time to talk about scheduling is before any agreements are made to do the job, and there are two reasons for this: one, it impresses the hell out of clients; and two, there are less-than-scrupulous clients who will use scheduling changes as a reason not to pay.
This also goes for unforeseen delays. Honest communication is key – even if the reason you’re delayed is personal or ridiculous. Whether your computer crashed or a storm knocked out electricity on the island, let your client know as soon as humanly possible – even if you have to have someone else send an email or make a phone call because you are unable to.
Keep it professional; they’re not your friends, they’re paying you to do a job. Let the client know there is a delay, and when they can expect to receive either the work or a future communication from you.
Mistake #4. Being too eager to please.
Starting up with a new client can be like a budding romance – you want to do everything you can to please them! However, this can form bad habits that once in place, are hard to break.
Make sure your client is aware of any time differences between the two of you and stick to your “office” hours. If they’re not giving you what you need to get the work done, or if their communication skills are lacking, clearly tell them what it is you need from them in order to do the job to the best of your ability.
Mistake #5. Expecting clients to be instantly ok about your location independent status.
Sometimes, the client is not only new to you – they’re new to the whole world of hiring location independent employees. If this is the case with a new client, patience as well as honesty is the absolute rule here.
The major factor at play is usually their anxiety – because they’ve never met you they worry you don’t exist, or that you’re a scam artist, or that you’re not who you say you are. This can lead to a variety of bad habits: lengthy phone chats, obsessive emails inquiring as to your status, or any manner of behavior that stems from an “old school” business mentality.
So, it’s going to be up to you to show them how it works. They’re going to have a million questions, and you’re going to have to answer them because they’ve got no one else to ask. But you’re also going to have to lay down the law if they’re getting out of hand. It’s of no use to either of you if you start off on the wrong foot.
You’ll find that by keeping honesty as your best policy, you’ll be a happier, more productive freelancing LIP – and you’ll have a loyal roster of clients who keep coming back for more.
Agreed; and most of these points hold true for any freelancer, regardless of whether they are location-independent.
Learning how to freelance while simultaneously learning how to work as a nomad can be a hard thing to do :)
1) Yay for full RSS feeds! Thanks!
2) Great article, and great things to keep in mind. Having been remote 99% of my freelance career, I can concur with every single item on the list.
Well said.
Nate, you asked EVERYONE for full RSS feeds, didn’t you?! Hahahahah!
About Mistake #5… I worked remotely for three years and each year, I visited the main cities where my clients were located (in my case New York, Geneva and London). That helped reassure the clients that I really did exist!
I agree about full RSS feeds, SO annoying when truncated :)
I’m beginning my research to live the dream of being “location independent” free-lance writer/photographer and I am very pleased to have found your site.
Will return often as I craft this journey!
Thanks for the great content.