Comments on: Don’t Count Your Chickens

By: Weekend Links 05/02 | PureBlogging

Weekend Links 05/02 | PureBlogging — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:37:28 +0000

[...] Hurley Hall reminds us that it’s never good to count your chickens before they [...]

By: gracepub

gracepub — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:49:27 +0000

I don’t mind this as much as I mind the client who gets back to me a month later and says “I found someone to do it for 60% of your fee. If you drop your price (but keep your standards and quality) then I’ll hire you.”

That – is what really sticks in my craw.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:01:34 +0000

@ Sue: that works, too, though I go after work to make sure it’s diverse.

@ Kristen: I used to have disappearing writers as an editor, but not disappearing clients.

@ Dana: When things are going well, it’s tempting to ride the wave and ease off diversifying, but it pays to keep searchng.

@ Daniel: you sound busy

@ Lillie: I’ve had that happen to me, too, and usually take a similar tack. In fact, I am getting much better at fitting clients into my schedule.

By: Lillie Ammann

Lillie Ammann — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:21:02 +0000

Maintaining a balance is difficult. Sometimes clients contact me for a sample edit and quote, then they don’t even respond to the e-mail. Months later, they contact me that they’re ready for me to start work. I have one potential client who calls me about every two or three months to tell me he’s still planning to have me edit his book, just as soon as this happens, or he finishes that, or … I’ve explained that he may have to wait for me when/if he ever decides he’s ready.

By: Daniel Costalis

Daniel Costalis — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:15:30 +0000

And its clients like this, that I now have so much time for my blogging, entrecarding, and html5 research.

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:57:28 +0000

I’m in a similar position right now and evaluating my diversity. I’ve given similar advice out about not putting too many eggs in one basket and find myself a victim of it right now. A slow paying client has put me in a position where I’ve had to put them on credit hold so now I’m waiting for money and for work. It’s forcing me to look at the way I structure my diary as well.

Good post!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:39:43 +0000

Preachin’ to the choir, sistah!

I had this happen even before I launched my freelance career. Go figure.

Also, I’m way too acquainted with this concept from working in ad agencies. The “disappearing client” was a frequent occurrence at my last job since I handled all the PR. Reputation: always last on the list for clients when it should sit right near the top. (((shakes head)))

By: sue Jeffels

sue Jeffels — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:31:16 +0000

Couldn’t agree more Sharon. I’ve often been in this position but am now learning to take things as they come.