Brent Weaver

The difference between playing in the garage and playing in an arena is one of finding your audience. Sure, you can stay in your garage and have your mom tell you you're great, or you can get out in front of a crowd and find out what they like.  On today's episode, Brent Weaver of uGurus.com explains how a creative freelancer can apply this insight to freelancing, by getting out there and finding the right clients for you, sharing the same strategies that have helped hundreds of consultants get ahead with with host Kyle Carpenter. Check it out! Today's links:   https://ugurus.com https://ownyourmarket.com email brent@ugurus.com for the Field Guide! Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

The difference between playing in the garage and playing in an arena is one of finding your audience. Sure, you can stay in your garage and have your mom tell you you're great, or you can get out in front of a crowd and find out what they like.  On today's episode, Brent Weaver of <a href="http://uGurus.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">uGurus.com</a> explains how a creative freelancer can apply this insight to freelancing, by getting out there and finding the right clients for you, sharing the same strategies that have helped hundreds of consultants get ahead with with host Kyle Carpenter. Check it out! Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://ugurus.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://ugurus.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://ownyourmarket.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ownyourmarket.com</a></li> <li>email <a href="mailto:brent@ugurus.com">brent@ugurus.com</a> for the Field Guide!</li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

From garage band to concert hall for creatives: Brent Weaver on freelancing in the Deep End

Michael Zipursky

The difference between a "freelancer" and a "consultant" is very fine. In many ways, it's just a shift in philosophy, but it can yield great dividends because clients view the two very differently.  On today's episode, host Kyle Carpenter talks with Michael Zipursky of Consulting Success, who has been coaching agencies and solopreneurs to building the consulting businesses they want for over a decade. He shares his steps for becoming a successful consultant, and they key difference in approach that separates one from a freelancer!  Want to get more advice from Michael? He's giving away his book for free at his website. See the links for more details!  Today's links:   https://www.consultingsuccess.com https://www.consultingsuccess.com/act-now-consulting-book Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

The difference between a "freelancer" and a "consultant" is very fine. In many ways, it's just a shift in philosophy, but it can yield great dividends because clients view the two very differently. On today's episode, host Kyle Carpenter talks with Michael Zipursky of Consulting Success, who has been coaching agencies and solopreneurs to building the consulting businesses they want for over a decade. He shares his steps for becoming a successful consultant, and they key difference in approach that separates one from a freelancer!  Want to get more advice from Michael? He's giving away his book for free at his website. See the links for more details!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://www.consultingsuccess.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.consultingsuccess.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.consultingsuccess.com/act-now-consulting-book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.consultingsuccess.com/act-now-consulting-book</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Graduate from freelance to consultant with Michael Zipursky of consultingsuccess.com

Adam Bradley

Working from home is the new reality, and with it comes a very, VERY sedentary lifestyle. Without having to leave your house to do anything, it's easy to fall out of fitness and into new health problems. Personal trainer Adam Bradley works with artists and creative workers one-on-one, offering personal consultations about how to keep in shape in ways that work for you. In today's episode offers host Kyle Carpenter some tips about how to stay healthy while working from home, and his philosophy of why exercise shouldn't be a shame-based chore.  Today's links:   https://www.adambradleytrainer.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Working from home is the new reality, and with it comes a very, VERY sedentary lifestyle. Without having to leave your house to do anything, it's easy to fall out of fitness and into new health problems. Personal trainer Adam Bradley works with artists and creative workers one-on-one, offering personal consultations about how to keep in shape in ways that work for you. In today's episode offers host Kyle Carpenter some tips about how to stay healthy while working from home, and his philosophy of why exercise shouldn't be a shame-based chore.  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://www.adambradleytrainer.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.adambradleytrainer.com</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Never stop starting: Personal Trainer Adam Bradley on how Creatives can stay healthy

Marcel Petitpas

Whether you're a designer, a programmer, an illustrator, or a writer, if you work for yourself you are on some level a project manager. It can be a full-time job keeping yourself in a full-time job, and chances are you're wasting time and losing money in ways you haven't even noticed yet. But don't worry - Marcel Petitpas of Parakeeto makes a living by helping agencies and solopreneurs make the most out of their jobs, and he shares his strategies for effective project management with host Kyle Carpenter this week!  Topics include how to track time EFFECTIVELY, strategies for keeping your clients on track, and how to price so you don't lose money with every new project!  Today's links:   https://parakeeto.com https://parakeeto.com/blog/category/the-agency-profit-podcast/ https://twitter.com/Parakeeto https://www.instagram.com/getparakeeto hhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18166538/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Whether you're a designer, a programmer, an illustrator, or a writer, if you work for yourself you are on some level a project manager. It can be a full-time job keeping yourself in a full-time job, and chances are you're wasting time and losing money in ways you haven't even noticed yet. But don't worry - Marcel Petitpas of Parakeeto makes a living by helping agencies and solopreneurs make the most out of their jobs, and he shares his strategies for effective project management with host Kyle Carpenter this week!  Topics include how to track time EFFECTIVELY, strategies for keeping your clients on track, and how to price so you don't lose money with every new project!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://parakeeto.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://parakeeto.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://parakeeto.com/blog/category/the-agency-profit-podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://parakeeto.com/blog/category/the-agency-profit-podcast/</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/Parakeeto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Parakeeto</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/getparakeeto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/getparakeeto</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/getparakeeto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18166538/</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Manage yourself, make money: Marcel Petitpas on project management for freelancers! 

For many of us, crowdfunding holds a certain magical allure. It's the silver bullet, the golden ticket, the decision that can change EVERYTHING... IF we can get it together to finally put together that dream project. For Nalin Chuapetcharasopon, crowdfunding is a part of every day. That's because she runs Crush Crowdfunding, a consultancy that helps businesses succeed on platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. She talks with host Kyle Carpenter about why freelancers absolutely SHOULD be thinking about how to get a product crowdfunded - and why it's not as easy as you might think. Topics include: early adopters, crowdfunding strategy, and how to start building crowdfunding buzz BEFORE you debut!  Today's links:   https://crushcrowdfunding.com/ https://twitter.com/crushcrowdfund https://www.instagram.com/crushcrowdfunding/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

For many of us, crowdfunding holds a certain magical allure. It's the silver bullet, the golden ticket, the decision that can change EVERYTHING... IF we can get it together to finally put together that dream project. For Nalin Chuapetcharasopon, crowdfunding is a part of every day. That's because she runs Crush Crowdfunding, a consultancy that helps businesses succeed on platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. She talks with host Kyle Carpenter about why freelancers absolutely SHOULD be thinking about how to get a product crowdfunded - and why it's not as easy as you might think. Topics include: early adopters, crowdfunding strategy, and how to start building crowdfunding buzz BEFORE you debut!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://crushcrowdfunding.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://crushcrowdfunding.com/</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/crushcrowdfund" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/crushcrowdfund</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/crushcrowdfunding/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/crushcrowdfunding/</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

How creatives can crush crowdfunding: Nalin of Crush Crowdfunding

Kai Davis

If you've ever written a detailed, thoughtful proposal only to have a client glance at it and reject it right away, you know that having to describe the work you do EVERY TIME you do it is exhausting.  Kai Davis solved this problem by turning his services into products with set prices! In today's episode talks with Kyle about the advantages of this approach, how to get started with it, and how to use it to make more money on the same amount of work! Today's links:   https://kaidavis.com/ https://productizedoffer.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

If you've ever written a detailed, thoughtful proposal only to have a client glance at it and reject it right away, you know that having to describe the work you do EVERY TIME you do it is exhausting.  Kai Davis solved this problem by turning his services into products with set prices! In today's episode talks with Kyle about the advantages of this approach, how to get started with it, and how to use it to make more money on the same amount of work! Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://kaidavis.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://kaidavis.com/</a></li> <li><a href="https://productizedoffer.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://productizedoffer.com</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Order ON the menu: Kai Davis on how to productize service for better pay

Ben Lee

We're all going through A LOT right now, and it's not always easy to stay on track with your business, or even your creative practice. In this week's episode, host Kyle Carpenter speaks with illustrator and designer Ben Lee about what creative life looks like during the pandemic, and even what it means to be creative when the world is, you know, basically on fire. It's a frank and kind conversation that grapples with topics we're all facing, in one way or another!  Today's links:   http://yellowrant.com https://twitter.com/blee412 https://www.instagram.com/yellowrant/ Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

We're all going through A LOT right now, and it's not always easy to stay on track with your business, or even your creative practice. In this week's episode, host Kyle Carpenter speaks with illustrator and designer Ben Lee about what creative life looks like during the pandemic, and even what it means to be creative when the world is, you know, basically on fire. It's a frank and kind conversation that grapples with topics we're all facing, in one way or another!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="http://yellowrant.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://yellowrant.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/blee412" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/blee412</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowrant/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/yellowrant/</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

DO Worry, Be Happy: Ben Lee on maintaining a creative business in pandemic

Alison Grade wrote The Freelance Bible because she saw her students develop skills in their field and then take their first, tentative steps towards running their own business... and not know what to do. At all. One of the key problems for new freelancers and anyone having to pivot because of COVID-19 is not recognizing that the SOFT skills they have - i.e. the ones you didn't go to school for - are sometimes even more important than those you actually trained for. She walks Kyle through her process for finding out what your business direction should be!  Today's links:   Alison Grade https://twitter.com/Alison https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-grade-b172  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0241399483/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie= Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Alison Grade wrote The Freelance Bible because she saw her students develop skills in their field and then take their first, tentative steps towards running their own business... and not know what to do. At all. One of the key problems for new freelancers and anyone having to pivot because of COVID-19 is not recognizing that the SOFT skills they have - i.e. the ones you didn't go to school for - are sometimes even more important than those you actually trained for. She walks Kyle through her process for finding out what your business direction should be!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://alisongrade.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alison Grade</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/alisongrade" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Alison</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-grade-b172" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-grade-b172</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0241399483/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0241399483/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from <a href="http://Easel.ly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easel.ly</a>! Use this link (<a href="https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/</a>) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Hard sell your soft skills: Alison Grade of The Freelance Bible 

Ami Sanyal

If you're in the habit of combing job postings, you might have come across your dream job, got excited, applied and then... didn't hear back. Nothing. Not one peep. Even though you know in your heart you were the perfect fit for that job, and it was perfect for you! The solution to this all too common experience isn't a "killer cover letter." It's showing clients that you're the right fit for the job BEFORE it even goes to the posting. That means being proactive, and making relationships with clients before they even know they need you. Return guest Ami Sanyal of The Uncommoners Club walks Kyle through his surefire method for forming relationships with clients and making them your mentors in order to get the jobs you want. If you've never listened to the Clients From Hell podcast before, listen to this one: it could change your career!  Today's links:   https://megcumby.com https://twitter.com/AmiSanyal https://www.facebook.com/groups/cpyvr Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

If you're in the habit of combing job postings, you might have come across your dream job, got excited, applied and then... didn't hear back. Nothing. Not one peep. Even though you know in your heart you were the perfect fit for that job, and it was perfect for you! The solution to this all too common experience isn't a "killer cover letter." It's showing clients that you're the right fit for the job BEFORE it even goes to the posting. That means being proactive, and making relationships with clients before they even know they need you. Return guest Ami Sanyal of The Uncommoners Club walks Kyle through his surefire method for forming relationships with clients and making them your mentors in order to get the jobs you want. If you've never listened to the Clients From Hell podcast before, listen to this one: it could change your career!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://megcumby.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://megcumby.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/AmiSanyal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/AmiSanyal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/cpyvr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/cpyvr</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from <a href="http://Easel.ly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easel.ly</a>! Use this link (<a href="https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/</a>) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Ami Sanyal on how to get your dream gig through your dream mentor

Meg Cumby

You can be great at what you do, but if you can't convince your clients that you are, you're not going to get the jobs you want. That's why getting outstanding testimonials is so important to a freelance business! Testimonial consultant Meg Cumby joins Kyle to discuss the key to getting FANTASTIC testimonials from your clients. HINT: it involves picking up the phone! Today's links:   https://megcumby.com https://twitter.com/megcumby https://megcumby.com/questions Check out the book Meg wrote with Kai Davis! https://getclienttestimonials.com Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

You can be great at what you do, but if you can't convince your clients that you are, you're not going to get the jobs you want. That's why getting outstanding testimonials is so important to a freelance business! Testimonial consultant Meg Cumby joins Kyle to discuss the key to getting FANTASTIC testimonials from your clients. HINT: it involves picking up the phone! Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://megcumby.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://megcumby.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/megcumby" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/megcumby</a></li> <li><a href="https://megcumby.com/questions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://megcumby.com/questions</a></li> <li><a href="getclienttestimonials.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out the book Meg wrote with Kai Davis! https://getclienttestimonials.com</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from <a href="http://Easel.ly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easel.ly</a>! Use this link (<a href="https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/</a>) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Want great clients? Get social proof! Meg Cumby on the art of client testimonials

From one of Tumblr's most popular blogs and straight into your earholes, join Clients From Hell editor Bryce Bladon and a rotating panel of guests. The Clients From Hell podcast is equal parts humorous and helpful as it explores the landscape for creative professionals, providing insights into survival and exploring the future of the self-employed.

One of my favorite podcasts. Keep up the good work!

Love it!

I really enjoy these podcasts and get a lot our of them. THANKS! Keep up the great work.

Excellent content!

Clients From Hell Podcast

It's easy to get bogged down in feelings of anxiety and sadness right now, which makes it a perfect time to look outside and see what you can do for others. That's freelance mentor extraordinaire Alison K's strategy, and she tells Kyle how she's been checking in on her clients for their sake and hers, and how she's using this as an opportunity to work on her business in the ways that she can manage. It's an inspiring talk with actionable strategies about how to continue to grow when it feels like you should just huddle up. Don't miss out!  Today's links:   https://alisonkconsulting.com https://twitter.com/alisonk_consult  https://clientsfromhell.tumblr.com/post/183898975493/how-to-find-your-helen-alison-knott-and https://easel.ly Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

It's easy to get bogged down in feelings of anxiety and sadness right now, which makes it a perfect time to look outside and see what you can do for others. That's freelance mentor extraordinaire Alison K's strategy, and she tells Kyle how she's been checking in on her clients for their sake and hers, and how she's using this as an opportunity to work on her business in the ways that she can manage. It's an inspiring talk with actionable strategies about how to continue to grow when it feels like you should just huddle up. Don't miss out!  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://alisonkconsulting.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://alisonkconsulting.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/alisonk_consult" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/alisonk_consult</a></li> <li><a href="https://clientsfromhell.tumblr.com/post/183898975493/how-to-find-your-helen-alison-knott-and" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://clientsfromhell.tumblr.com/post/183898975493/how-to-find-your-helen-alison-knott-and</a></li> <li><a href="https://easel.ly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://easel.ly</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from <a href="http://Easel.ly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easel.ly</a>! Use this link (<a href="https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/</a>) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Why now is the time to help: Alison K's guide to freelancing in COVID-19

Learn how to put your best foot forward when you decide to start freelancing. This is easily our most common Freelance FAQ.  Do you have a question of your own? Shoot us an email!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes! -- Freelance FAQ: How do I start freelancing? KAI The basic answer is ‘find someone who wants to pay you money for a service you provide, then provide that service. The longer answer is:  Identify a target market you want to work with (The Positioning Manual by Philip Morgan is a great resource for this) Identify an expensive problem -- “We aren’t getting enough leads!” -- that the target market is experiencing Create a service offering that helps the client resolve the problem (“We aren’t getting enough leads”) and moves them towards their dream outcome (“We’re getting too many leads!”)  I started by picking a hobby-skill I had (wordpress development) and finding people who needed WordPress websites. Over time, I identified more valuable problems to focus on and updated my positioning, my target market, my expensive problem, and my service offerings. But to start, create those ‘rolodex moments’ -- have a strong positioning statement (“I’m a THING who helps TARGET MARKET with EXPENSIVE PROBLEM”) and see what referrals and reaction you get. BRYCE What you need to start freelancing All you really need to freelance is:  A Good Mentality (e.g. self-confidence, a willingness to try, etc.) Action (e.g. self-discipline, actually doing the work). A skill that can provide value A plan (e.g. self-reflection, meaningful goals, etc.)  Selling and positioning your skill so that it appeals to clients -- and building a plan around that -- is the real secret to freelancing successfully. Typically, this is referred to as finding a niche, which is something a freelancer should do as soon as possible. A niche reduces competition and increases specialization. Niche experts can earn more and they’re more attractive to clients with problems their niche experience helps solve. It provides direction and focus. You’ll want to find some sort of niche ASAP. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help:  What industry do you actually use products from or enjoy? What industry hires freelancers with skills like yours? What industry would you enjoy networking in and actually being a part of?  Finding those first three good clients is the first barrier to overcome. With those first clients (and future clients), you’ll want to:  Find a client’s problem and know how to solve it. Target the correct market Pitch the client by...   Address the problem: The client’s issue, objective, needs, goals, etc. Offer a solution: Your strategy, plan, or unique positioning that makes you the answer they’ve been looking for. Fees and timelines: I wouldn’t go too far into this initially, but you’ll want to lay the groundwork for fees and realistic timelines. A client shouldn’t feel blindsided by this stuff down the line.  After those first few client interactions, you should reassess your plan before moving forward. Is your skill offering value to clients? Did you enjoy working with these clients? Are there areas to improve? If those first few client interactions went well and you want to do more work with them, pursue referrals, build case studies, and focus on refining your service as much as possible. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to Clients From Hell or Bryce Bladon on Twitter. Or shoot us an email!  Clients From Hell on iTunes | Soundcloud Subscribe on iTunes | Android | RS

Learn how to put your best foot forward when you decide to start freelancing. This is easily our most common Freelance FAQ.  Do you have a question of your own? <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">Shoot us an email</a>!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes!</a> -- Freelance FAQ: How do I start freelancing? KAI The basic answer is ‘find someone who wants to pay you money for a service you provide, then provide that service. The longer answer is: <ul> <li>Identify a target market you want to work with (The Positioning Manual by Philip Morgan is a great resource for this)</li> <li>Identify an expensive problem -- “We aren’t getting enough leads!” -- that the target market is experiencing</li> <li>Create a service offering that helps the client resolve the problem (“We aren’t getting enough leads”) and moves them towards their dream outcome (“We’re getting too many leads!”)</li> </ul> I started by picking a hobby-skill I had (wordpress development) and finding people who needed WordPress websites. Over time, I identified more valuable problems to focus on and updated my positioning, my target market, my expensive problem, and my service offerings. But to start, create those ‘rolodex moments’ -- have a strong positioning statement (“I’m a THING who helps TARGET MARKET with EXPENSIVE PROBLEM”) and see what referrals and reaction you get. BRYCE What you need to start freelancing All you really need to freelance is: <ul> <li>A Good Mentality (e.g. self-confidence, a willingness to try, etc.)</li> <li>Action (e.g. self-discipline, actually doing the work).</li> <li>A skill that can provide value</li> <li>A plan (e.g. self-reflection, meaningful goals, etc.)</li> </ul> Selling and positioning your skill so that it appeals to clients -- and building a plan around that -- is the real secret to freelancing successfully. Typically, this is referred to as finding a niche, which is something a freelancer should do as soon as possible. A niche reduces competition and increases specialization. Niche experts can earn more and they’re more attractive to clients with problems their niche experience helps solve. It provides direction and focus. You’ll want to find some sort of niche ASAP. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help: <ul> <li>What industry do you actually use products from or enjoy?</li> <li>What industry hires freelancers with skills like yours?</li> <li>What industry would you enjoy networking in and actually being a part of?</li> </ul> Finding those first three good clients is the first barrier to overcome. With those first clients (and future clients), you’ll want to: <ol> <li>Find a client’s problem and know how to solve it.</li> <li>Target the correct market</li> <li>Pitch the client by...</li> </ol> <ul> <li>Address the problem: The client’s issue, objective, needs, goals, etc.</li> <li>Offer a solution: Your strategy, plan, or unique positioning that makes you the answer they’ve been looking for.</li> <li>Fees and timelines: I wouldn’t go too far into this initially, but you’ll want to lay the groundwork for fees and realistic timelines. A client shouldn’t feel blindsided by this stuff down the line.</li> </ul> After those first few client interactions, you should reassess your plan before moving forward. Is your skill offering value to clients? Did you enjoy working with these clients? Are there areas to improve? If those first few client interactions went well and you want to do more work with them, pursue referrals, build case studies, and focus on refining your service as much as possible. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/clientsfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clients From Hell</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceBladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryce Bladon</a> on Twitter. Or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">shoot us an email</a>!  Clients From Hell on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clientsfromhell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Subscribe on <a>iTunes</a> | <a href="http://subscribeonandroid.com/clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a> | <a href="http://clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RS</a>

How to start freelancing

There are a lot of freelancing, entrepreneur, and side-hustle expert out there, but few have earned their authority quite like Chris Guillebeau. He joins Bryce to discuss why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to freelancing and his advice for folks who want to get started.  Chris is the host of Side Hustle School and bestselling author of  The $100 Startup,  The Happiness of Pursuit, and  The Art of Non-Conformity. His new book,  Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days, is on sale on September 29th, 2017. --- Side Hustle School: https://sidehustleschool.com/  Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days: https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Idea-Income-Days/dp/1524758841

There are a lot of freelancing, entrepreneur, and side-hustle expert out there, but few have earned their authority quite like Chris Guillebeau. He joins Bryce to discuss why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to freelancing and his advice for folks who want to get started.  Chris is the host of <a href="https://sidehustleschool.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Side Hustle School</a> and bestselling author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/100-Startup-Reinvent-Living-Create/dp/0307951529" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The $100 Startup</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Pursuit-Finding-Quest-Purpose/dp/038534886X/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Happiness of Pursuit</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Non-Conformity-Rules-Change-Perigee/dp/0399536108" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Art of Non-Conformity</a>. His new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Idea-Income-Days/dp/1524758841" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days</a>, is on sale on September 29th, 2017. --- <a href="https://sidehustleschool.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Side Hustle School</a>: <a href="https://sidehustleschool.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sidehustleschool.com/</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Idea-Income-Days/dp/1524758841" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days</a>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Idea-Income-Days/dp/1524758841" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Idea-Income-Days/dp/1524758841</a>

Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days

Bryce Bladon

Life is full of changes. One moment you can be a freelancer, the next you can be working full-time for one of the most exciting blockchain projects in the world, and then a freelancer again! ...Okay, that's pretty specific. But that's exactly the journey Bryce Bladon has taken over the last few years, and he joins old friend Kyle Carpenter to discuss his return to the freelance fold, the strategies he's used to hit the ground running, and why knowing yourself is the most important thing you can do for your career.  Today's links:   https://twitter.com/brycebladon http://brycebladon.com https://easel.ly/infographicdesign Theme song by topmen.bandcamp.com!  Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from Easel.ly! Use this link (https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at twitter.com/KCarCFH Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Life is full of changes. One moment you can be a freelancer, the next you can be working full-time for one of the most exciting blockchain projects in the world, and then a freelancer again! ...Okay, that's pretty specific. But that's exactly the journey Bryce Bladon has taken over the last few years, and he joins old friend Kyle Carpenter to discuss his return to the freelance fold, the strategies he's used to hit the ground running, and why knowing yourself is the most important thing you can do for your career.  Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/brycebladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/brycebladon</a></li> <li><a href="http://brycebladon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://brycebladon.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://easel.ly/infographicdesign" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://easel.ly/infographicdesign</a></li> <li>Theme song by <a href="../../../content/topmen.bandcamp.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">topmen.bandcamp.com</a>!</li> </ul> Want to support the show? Order a custom infographic from <a href="http://Easel.ly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easel.ly</a>! Use this link (<a href="https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.easel.ly/infographicdesign/</a>) for a great price!  Think you'd be a great fit for the show? Let me know at <a href="https://twitter.com/kcarcfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/KCarCFH</a> Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

From full-time to freelance, again! The return of Bryce Bladon!

If you're a freelancer, like it or hate it (and most of us hate it) you're in sales. And for those of us with creative backgrounds, a lot of the time there's a real anxiety about "selling out." Today's guest Brent Weaver makes a career of helping people with their sales strategies at uGurus. He chats with Bryce about how to get over this fear, and how to make the most money from doing your craft!  Links from today's show: http://bit.ly/2u6IctB  http://ugurus.com/  https://twitter.com/brentweaver -- This episode is sponsored by AND.CO, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

If you're a freelancer, like it or hate it (and most of us hate it) you're in sales. And for those of us with creative backgrounds, a lot of the time there's a real anxiety about "selling out." Today's guest Brent Weaver makes a career of helping people with their sales strategies at <a href="http://ugurus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">uGurus</a>. He chats with Bryce about how to get over this fear, and how to make the most money from doing your craft!  Links from today's show: <a href="%20http:/bit.ly/2u6IctB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2u6IctB</a> <a href="http://ugurus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://ugurus.com/</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/brentweaver" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://twitter.com/brentweaver</a> -- This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.and.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AND.CO</a>, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

How to sell yourself without "selling out." 

How to get a client to pay you, how to get a testimonial from a client, and what to do when your work is stolen by another freelancer. Do you have a question of your own? Shoot us an email!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes! -- Freelance FAQ: How do I ensure a client pays my invoice? Always start with a deposit -- typically 50%. This guarantees your time and services. Before sending over the final project, ensure you collect the remaining 50% first.  (You don’t need to do this exact split, but collecting 50-100% upfront is the most straightforward way to ensure timely payment and a quality client)  Use a contract, and in it, stipulate that the intellectual property is yours and usage is illegal until payment in full is received.  Clarify your payment schedule and refund policy in the same contract Attaching payment to milestones is an excellent practice for larger projects If a client is curious why you don’t offer refunds, clarify the time investment and that you have to turn down other work to complete this project.  Make it as easy as possible for the client to pay (e.g. Paypal, Stripe, Bonsai). Automate reminders for the client to pay. Until the client signs the contract and pays your deposit, do NOT start work.  This stage is where you spend your time understanding, evaluating, and explaining things to the client. Once they pay, you should take a more active role.  As always, don’t give them any legitimate reasons not to pay you. Communicate, be on time, and produce quality work. Clients who have issues paying at the start are likely to have issues paying you at the end of a project. Trust your gut in these instances. As you get more experience, learn what to charge for, and what to offer as a free bonus. Friendly emails and phone calls will cover you the vast majority of the time. The more direct the communication method, the harder it is to ignore.   Freelance FAQ: How do you get testimonials from clients? Ask for one after a successful client engagement. Reach out to past clients a few weeks or months down the line; see how the project is doing. While you have their ear, ask for a testimonial. Make it as easy as possible for clients to give you a testimonial.  Make your request short and to the point. Offer some light direction Follow up if you don’t hear back within a week.  If a client reveals they’re dissatisfied with your work and they won’t give you a testimonial, don’t treat this as a loss. Follow up; ask about the issues they experienced with you and what you can do to improve.   Feedback from the Inferno: What do I do about another freelancer who stole my work? (This segment originally premiered over at  The Freelancers Union.) I know you’ve addressed clients stealing work before, but I’m in a slightly different situation. Another photographer – one who I’ve never met – has one my pieces in his portfolio and he’s claiming himself as the creator. What should I do? Do I have any recourse, or should I just let it go? – A picture-perfect freelancer   No need to take the Elsa philosophy; there are three things you can do. Start by writing a polite request for them to take down your work. After that, you can file a DMCA takedown. Here’s a basic breakdown from the NPPA on how to do that. All you need to do is find the ISP hosting your image and draft your takedown notice. Finally, you can hire a lawyer to send them a cease a desist. I wouldn’t recommend this one; it’s not going to be worth your time and effort, and attorneys – in addition to being expensive – tend to take cases like this one in very specific circumstances, e.g. if you’ve registered your photo before the infringement. One thing you should not do is go straight to shaming the perpetrator online; take the high road before you consider the low one. It’s important to stick up for yourself and take necessary steps to protect your work, but it’s unlikely that this will in any way cost you work or somehow tarnish your reputation. Starting an online mob, however, has the potential to do both these things, so tread carefully. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to Clients From Hell or Bryce Bladon on Twitter. Or shoot us an email!  Clients From Hell on iTunes | Soundcloud Subscribe on iTunes | Android | RS

How to get a client to pay you, how to get a testimonial from a client, and what to do when your work is stolen by another freelancer. Do you have a question of your own? <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">Shoot us an email</a>!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes!</a> -- Freelance FAQ: How do I ensure a client pays my invoice? Always start with a deposit -- typically 50%. This guarantees your time and services. Before sending over the final project, ensure you collect the remaining 50% first. <ul> <li>(You don’t need to do this exact split, but collecting 50-100% upfront is the most straightforward way to ensure timely payment and a quality client)</li> </ul> Use a contract, and in it, stipulate that the intellectual property is yours and usage is illegal until payment in full is received. <ul> <li>Clarify your payment schedule and refund policy in the same contract</li> <li>Attaching payment to milestones is an excellent practice for larger projects</li> <li>If a client is curious why you don’t offer refunds, clarify the time investment and that you have to turn down other work to complete this project.</li> </ul> Make it as easy as possible for the client to pay (e.g. Paypal, Stripe, Bonsai). Automate reminders for the client to pay. Until the client signs the contract and pays your deposit, do NOT start work. <ul> <li>This stage is where you spend your time understanding, evaluating, and explaining things to the client.</li> <li>Once they pay, you should take a more active role.</li> </ul> As always, don’t give them any legitimate reasons not to pay you. Communicate, be on time, and produce quality work. Clients who have issues paying at the start are likely to have issues paying you at the end of a project. Trust your gut in these instances. As you get more experience, learn what to charge for, and what to offer as a free bonus. Friendly emails and phone calls will cover you the vast majority of the time. The more direct the communication method, the harder it is to ignore. Freelance FAQ: How do you get testimonials from clients? Ask for one after a successful client engagement. Reach out to past clients a few weeks or months down the line; see how the project is doing. While you have their ear, ask for a testimonial. Make it as easy as possible for clients to give you a testimonial. <ul> <li>Make your request short and to the point.</li> <li>Offer some light direction</li> <li>Follow up if you don’t hear back within a week.</li> </ul> If a client reveals they’re dissatisfied with your work and they won’t give you a testimonial, don’t treat this as a loss. Follow up; ask about the issues they experienced with you and what you can do to improve. Feedback from the Inferno: What do I do about another freelancer who stole my work? (This segment originally premiered over at <a href="https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2016/07/05/a-handsy-client-a-complicated-work-triangle-and-stolen-graphics-this-months-feedback-from-the-inferno/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Freelancers Union.</a>) I know you’ve addressed clients stealing work before, but I’m in a slightly different situation. Another photographer – one who I’ve never met – has one my pieces in his portfolio and he’s claiming himself as the creator. What should I do? Do I have any recourse, or should I just let it go? – A picture-perfect freelancer No need to take the Elsa philosophy; there are three things you can do. Start by writing a polite request for them to take down your work. After that, you can file a DMCA takedown. Here’s a basic breakdown from the NPPA on how to do that. All you need to do is find the ISP hosting your image and draft your takedown notice. Finally, you can hire a lawyer to send them a cease a desist. I wouldn’t recommend this one; it’s not going to be worth your time and effort, and attorneys – in addition to being expensive – tend to take cases like this one in very specific circumstances, e.g. if you’ve registered your photo before the infringement. One thing you should not do is go straight to shaming the perpetrator online; take the high road before you consider the low one. It’s important to stick up for yourself and take necessary steps to protect your work, but it’s unlikely that this will in any way cost you work or somehow tarnish your reputation. Starting an online mob, however, has the potential to do both these things, so tread carefully. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/clientsfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clients From Hell</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceBladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryce Bladon</a> on Twitter. Or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">shoot us an email</a>!  Clients From Hell on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clientsfromhell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Subscribe on <a>iTunes</a> | <a href="http://subscribeonandroid.com/clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a> | <a href="http://clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RS</a>

Freelancers from hell and getting a client to pay you

Life is short. How do you do all the things you want to do in the time you have? Of all the people Bryce knows, Ryan Estrada probably comes closest to doing it all. Cartoonist, artist, traveler, podcast producer, and all around asskicker, Ryan uses freelancing to make sure he's doing what he loves all around the world. Links from today's show:   ryanestrada.com bigdata.show https://twitter.com/forexposure_txt  -- This episode is sponsored by AND.CO, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Life is short. How do you do all the things you want to do in the time you have? Of all the people Bryce knows, Ryan Estrada probably comes closest to doing it all. Cartoonist, artist, traveler, podcast producer, and all around asskicker, Ryan uses freelancing to make sure he's doing what he loves all around the world. Links from today's show: <ul> <li><a href="http://ryanestrada.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> ryanestrada.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://bigdata.show/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bigdata.show</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/forexposure_txt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/forexposure_txt</a></li> </ul> -- This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.and.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AND.CO</a>, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

How to be an artist AND an adventurer

Bryce reflects on data from the gig economy, sharing insights into how freelancers are succeeding (and what issues they're struggling to overcome).  Here are the links he talks about during this episode:  https://www.and.co/slash-workers (this survey is visually stunning – check it out!) https://www.hellobonsai.com/rates  https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2015/10/01/freelancing-america-2015/ https://www.upwork.com/i/freelancing-in-america/2016/  -- We want to hear from you! Give us your feedback on how we can improve the Clients From Hell podcast by using this link: https://cfh.typeform.com/to/gEABz7 Want to support the show? Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. -- Shownotes Survey makeup: As vast majority of freelancers AND CO interviewed—95% of them—are what are being call "Slash Workers," or independent workers whose services or skills vary by client and project. About 70% of respondents were from the States Respondent makeup:  Creative/design: 33% Consulting - Professional Services: 21% Writing/Journalism/Content: 17% Tech/Web Design: 15% Other 14% Median income for respondents who reported is in the $25,000 to $49,999 range, which aligns with the average income for single taxpayers in the U.S. per the IRS (2014): $34,940.  General takeaways:  Freelancing is a growing choice Freelancers enjoy higher quality of life at the expense of financial security This quality of life manifests in the form of freedom, be it personal autonomy or flexibility The traditional concept of the office is on the way out. Working from home is a substitute, but more and more people are interested in a “digital nomad” lifestyle – or the ability to work from anywhere.  Interesting insights:  40% of U.S. workers will be freelance by 2020 (Freelancers Union) Two-thirds of freelancers have 0-3 years of freelancing experience. Going independent is a conscious choice for 94% of freelancers (it’s not a fallback) 41% want to freelance “forever” 95% of freelancers offer two or more services  Only 5% offer a single skill or work function   Most freelancers chose freelancing for personal growth (only 7% did it for the financial upside) A quarter of freelancers self-describe as nomads (and they’re 11% happier than other freelancers)  60% of freelancers said they’d be interested in pursuing a nomadic lifestyle in the future.   Nearly half of freelancers want companies to offer more remote work opportunities About 3/4 of freelancers feel less financially stable since going freelance  But 68% say their general quality of life has increased   Only 6% of respondents are freelancing until they find their next full-time gig.  Money and jobs:  91% of respondents said they typically get work from word of mouth and referrals  Just under half said organic website or portfolio traffic 37% find work through outreach or pitching One-third find work via freelance-specific job boards 23% find work via general job boards     43% earn less than $25K a year  1/6th earn between that and 50k 1/6th earn between 50k and 75k 7% earn between 75k and 100k 10% earn 100k or more  Interestingly, there’s a correlation between the experience levels of respondents and their income bracket. Do keep in mind that correlation does not equal causation though      Bonsai found that for all skills and locations, the most significant jump in compensation per experience level comes between the 1-3 and 3-5 year categories. This can be most often attributed to them developing essential business skills (project management, negotiation...), developing their knowledge about their market and their clients, building a strong portfolio and leveraging their network. Developers earn about 30% more than designers across experience levels and geographies. This happens to be true even for highest charging designers (ie Product Designers) when compared to lowest charging developers (Front-end / Android) Design rates (in particular graphic design) hardly reach $60 per hour for all locations and experience levels. While developers can see their rates increase quickly with their gaining experience (typically after 3 years), most experienced designers grow rates at a slower pace. The most common explanation we’ve heard for this is local or international competition at lower rates, including from part time designers. The lower barrier to entry for design types, plus the smaller project sizes, leads to lower rates. The issues for freelancers:  61% say they miss the feeling of community a traditional workplace offered 60% of respondents say there’s a lack of respect for freelancers 44% have been stiffed by a client Men are 4.5x more likely to earn $150k+/year than women  And 48% of women fall into the lowest tax bracket   41% of respondents want more protections for freelancer rights 

Bryce reflects on data from the gig economy, sharing insights into how freelancers are succeeding (and what issues they're struggling to overcome).  Here are the links he talks about during this episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.and.co/slash-workers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.and.co/slash-workers</a> (this survey is visually stunning – check it out!)</li> <li><a href="https://www.hellobonsai.com/rates" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hellobonsai.com/rates</a></li> <li><a href="https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2015/10/01/freelancing-america-2015/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2015/10/01/freelancing-america-2015/</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.upwork.com/i/freelancing-in-america/2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.upwork.com/i/freelancing-in-america/2016/</a></li> </ul> -- We want to hear from you! Give us your feedback on how we can improve the Clients From Hell podcast by using <a href="https://cfh.typeform.com/to/gEABz7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link</a>: <a href="https://cfh.typeform.com/to/gEABz7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cfh.typeform.com/to/gEABz7</a> Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. -- Shownotes Survey makeup: As vast majority of freelancers AND CO interviewed—95% of them—are what are being call "Slash Workers," or independent workers whose services or skills vary by client and project. About 70% of respondents were from the States Respondent makeup: <ul> <li>Creative/design: 33%</li> <li>Consulting - Professional Services: 21%</li> <li>Writing/Journalism/Content: 17%</li> <li>Tech/Web Design: 15%</li> <li>Other 14%</li> <li>Median income for respondents who reported is in the $25,000 to $49,999 range, which aligns with the average income for single taxpayers in the U.S. per the IRS (2014): $34,940.</li> </ul> General takeaways: <ul> <li>Freelancing is a growing choice</li> <li>Freelancers enjoy higher quality of life at the expense of financial security</li> <li>This quality of life manifests in the form of freedom, be it personal autonomy or flexibility</li> <li>The traditional concept of the office is on the way out. Working from home is a substitute, but more and more people are interested in a “digital nomad” lifestyle – or the ability to work from anywhere.</li> </ul> Interesting insights: <ul> <li>40% of U.S. workers will be freelance by 2020 (Freelancers Union)</li> <li>Two-thirds of freelancers have 0-3 years of freelancing experience.</li> <li>Going independent is a conscious choice for 94% of freelancers (it’s not a fallback)</li> <li>41% want to freelance “forever”</li> <li>95% of freelancers offer two or more services <ul> <li>Only 5% offer a single skill or work function</li> </ul> </li> <li>Most freelancers chose freelancing for personal growth (only 7% did it for the financial upside)</li> <li>A quarter of freelancers self-describe as nomads (and they’re 11% happier than other freelancers) <ul> <li>60% of freelancers said they’d be interested in pursuing a nomadic lifestyle in the future.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Nearly half of freelancers want companies to offer more remote work opportunities</li> <li>About 3/4 of freelancers feel less financially stable since going freelance <ul> <li>But 68% say their general quality of life has increased</li> </ul> </li> <li>Only 6% of respondents are freelancing until they find their next full-time gig.</li> </ul> Money and jobs: <ul> <li>91% of respondents said they typically get work from word of mouth and referrals <ul> <li>Just under half said organic website or portfolio traffic</li> <li>37% find work through outreach or pitching</li> <li>One-third find work via freelance-specific job boards</li> <li>23% find work via general job boards</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>43% earn less than $25K a year <ul> <li>1/6th earn between that and 50k</li> <li>1/6th earn between 50k and 75k</li> <li>7% earn between 75k and 100k</li> <li>10% earn 100k or more <ul> <li>Interestingly, there’s a correlation between the experience levels of respondents and their income bracket. Do keep in mind that correlation does not equal causation though</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> Bonsai found that for all skills and locations, the most significant jump in compensation per experience level comes between the 1-3 and 3-5 year categories. This can be most often attributed to them developing essential business skills (project management, negotiation...), developing their knowledge about their market and their clients, building a strong portfolio and leveraging their network. Developers earn about 30% more than designers across experience levels and geographies. This happens to be true even for highest charging designers (ie Product Designers) when compared to lowest charging developers (Front-end / Android) Design rates (in particular graphic design) hardly reach $60 per hour for all locations and experience levels. While developers can see their rates increase quickly with their gaining experience (typically after 3 years), most experienced designers grow rates at a slower pace. The most common explanation we’ve heard for this is local or international competition at lower rates, including from part time designers. The lower barrier to entry for design types, plus the smaller project sizes, leads to lower rates. The issues for freelancers: <ul> <li>61% say they miss the feeling of community a traditional workplace offered</li> <li>60% of respondents say there’s a lack of respect for freelancers</li> <li>44% have been stiffed by a client</li> <li>Men are 4.5x more likely to earn $150k+/year than women <ul> <li>And 48% of women fall into the lowest tax bracket</li> </ul> </li> <li>41% of respondents want more protections for freelancer rights</li> </ul>

Rise of the Slash Worker: Data and Insights from Freelancers

Who do you think you are? Everyone who works for themselves has wrestled some point over what title to use. Many start by using the title "freelance _"—designer, writer, software developer, or whatever the case may be. The words you use influence others’ perception of you.' Today's links:    https://www.fastcompany.com/3054141/lessons-learned/why-i-stopped-calling-myself-a-freelancer   https://www.amazon.com/Words-Can-Change-Your-Brain/dp/B00D9T9ULY/?tag=psychcentral  -- According to Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, words can literally change your brain. They argue that a single negative word can increase the activity in our amygdala (the fear center of the brain). This releases dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters, which in turn interrupts our brains’ functioning. In other words, “angry words send alarm messages through the brain, and they partially shut down the logic-and-reasoning centers located in the frontal lobes." Meanwhile, a positive word can strengthen areas in frontal lobes and promote cognitive function. They write "as our research has shown, the longer you concentrate on positive words, the more you begin to affect other areas of the brain. Functions in the parietal lobe start to change, which changes your perception of yourself and the people you interact with. A positive view of yourself will bias you toward seeing the good in others, whereas a negative self-image will include you toward suspicion and doubt. Over time the structure of your thalamus will also change in response to your conscious words, thoughts, and feelings, and we believe that the thalamic changes affect the way in which you perceive reality." So what does that mean for us? What’s your first thought when you hear the word "freelancer"? Do you picture a college kid working out of her parent’s basement? Most people perceive freelancers as in the lurch, between unemployment and their next ‘real’ job. Many people who call themselves freelancers don’t exactly think of what they do as a business. But they should. Clients too often see freelance arrangements as low-cost line items rather than strategic partnerships. And that creates a power imbalance, with the client in charge—hardly an ideal situation for independent workers, especially those trying to start a business with the express purpose of gaining more freedom over their work. When he first started out, Tim Dietrich described himself as a "freelance database consultant." But he soon realized that the "freelance" tag said more to clients about the structure of his business (process) than what he could actually do for them (results). Tim now introduces himself with this simple line, "I develop custom apps for businesses." Who would you want to work with more: Someone who tells you how they file their taxes or explains what they can do for your balance sheet? Your livelihood doesn't depend on your own self-perception, but on how potential clients see you and your work. Freelancers don't always see themselves as business owners because businesses have quarterly targets, revenue streams, and brand images to preserve. And clients expect that other businesses have systems and processes leading to consistent results. Don’t worry if you’re still working on systems and processes. It’s still okay to call yourself a business—which can in turn push you to build a workflow for yourself, set firmer goals, and increase your margins—just like an actual business.   -- This episode is sponsored by AND.CO, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. Also: do you love the podcast? Is there anything you'd like to see us change about it? Let us know by filling out this short survey!

Who do you think you are? Everyone who works for themselves has wrestled some point over what title to use. Many start by using the title "freelance _"—designer, writer, software developer, or whatever the case may be. The words you use influence others’ perception of you.' Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3054141/lessons-learned/why-i-stopped-calling-myself-a-freelancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.fastcompany.com/3054141/lessons-learned/why-i-stopped-calling-myself-a-freelancer</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Words-Can-Change-Your-Brain/dp/B00D9T9ULY/?tag=psychcentral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.amazon.com/Words-Can-Change-Your-Brain/dp/B00D9T9ULY/?tag=psychcentral</a></li> </ul> -- According to Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, words can literally change your brain. They argue that a single negative word can increase the activity in our amygdala (the fear center of the brain). This releases dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters, which in turn interrupts our brains’ functioning. In other words, “angry words send alarm messages through the brain, and they partially shut down the logic-and-reasoning centers located in the frontal lobes." Meanwhile, a positive word can strengthen areas in frontal lobes and promote cognitive function. They write "as our research has shown, the longer you concentrate on positive words, the more you begin to affect other areas of the brain. Functions in the parietal lobe start to change, which changes your perception of yourself and the people you interact with. A positive view of yourself will bias you toward seeing the good in others, whereas a negative self-image will include you toward suspicion and doubt. Over time the structure of your thalamus will also change in response to your conscious words, thoughts, and feelings, and we believe that the thalamic changes affect the way in which you perceive reality." So what does that mean for us? What’s your first thought when you hear the word "freelancer"? Do you picture a college kid working out of her parent’s basement? Most people perceive freelancers as in the lurch, between unemployment and their next ‘real’ job. Many people who call themselves freelancers don’t exactly think of what they do as a business. But they should. Clients too often see freelance arrangements as low-cost line items rather than strategic partnerships. And that creates a power imbalance, with the client in charge—hardly an ideal situation for independent workers, especially those trying to start a business with the express purpose of gaining more freedom over their work. When he first started out, <a href="http://timdietrich.me/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Dietrich</a> described himself as a "freelance database consultant." But he soon realized that the "freelance" tag said more to clients about the structure of his business (process) than what he could actually do for them (results). Tim now introduces himself with this simple line, "I develop custom apps for businesses." Who would you want to work with more: Someone who tells you how they file their taxes or explains what they can do for your balance sheet? Your livelihood doesn't depend on your own self-perception, but on how potential clients see you and your work. Freelancers don't always see themselves as business owners because businesses have quarterly targets, revenue streams, and brand images to preserve. And clients expect that other businesses have systems and processes leading to consistent results. Don’t worry if you’re still working on systems and processes. It’s still okay to call yourself a business—which can in turn push you to build a workflow for yourself, set firmer goals, and increase your margins—just like an actual business. -- This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://and.co?utm_source=CFH&amp;utm_campaign=promo&amp;utm_medium=sharedcode&amp;ref=CFH17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AND.CO</a>, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. Also: do you love the podcast? Is there anything you'd like to see us change about it? Let us know by <a href="https://cfh.typeform.com/to/gEABz7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">filling out this short survey</a>!

Stop calling yourself a freelancer

Do you know what it takes to get a good job? Most people look for jobs by shouting into the online abyss – but there's a better way. Freelancers are especially empowered to not only find work but to create it for themselves.    In this episode, Bryce discusses: - Why nobody knows how to find good work  - The evolving model for employment and what that means for you - Don't treat your portfolio as the only path to employment - How to understand your prospects needs and how you can help (hint: listen to next week's episode) - Don't wait for an open position; communicate to a prospect you understand their problem and how you can help

Do you know what it takes to get a good job? Most people look for jobs by shouting into the online abyss – but there's a better way. Freelancers are especially empowered to not only find work but to create it for themselves.  In this episode, Bryce discusses: - Why nobody knows how to find good work  - The evolving model for employment and what that means for you - Don't treat your portfolio as the only path to employment - How to understand your prospects needs and how you can help (hint: listen to next week's episode) - Don't wait for an open position; communicate to a prospect you understand their problem and how you can help

Freelancing isn't about finding jobs – it's about creating them

Getting your client to live up to their side of your business relationship can be difficult and it's almost always necessary. But how do you do it? Whether it's the client delivering promised files, paying your rate, or them simply keeping their word, there's rarely an easy fix.  James Rose of Content Snare has at least one solution – and a lot of quality advice. If you enjoyed what James had to say, he invites you to check out the Content Snare Facebook Group! ---   Content Snare: https://contentsnare.com Content Snare's Facebook Group: https://contentsnare.com/group James Rose on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_jimmyrose

Getting your client to live up to their side of your business relationship can be difficult and it's almost always necessary. But how do you do it? Whether it's the client delivering promised files, paying your rate, or them simply keeping their word, there's rarely an easy fix.  <a href="https://twitter.com/_jimmyrose" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Rose</a> of <a href="https://contentsnare.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Content Snare</a> has at least one solution – and a lot of quality advice. If you enjoyed what James had to say, he invites you to check out the <a href="https://contentsnare.com/group" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Content Snare Facebook Group!</a> --- <a href="https://contentsnare.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Content Snare</a>: <a href="https://contentsnare.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://contentsnare.com</a> <a href="https://contentsnare.com/group" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Content Snare's Facebook Group</a>: <a href="https://contentsnare.com/group" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://contentsnare.com/group</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_jimmyrose" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Rose on Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/_jimmyrose" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/_jimmyrose</a>

What to Do When Your Client Won't Deliver What They Promised

Things are changing at Clients From Hell! Long time Editor in Chief and all-round superhero Bryce Bladon is moving on to new adventures and leaving us behind. But that's okay, because Bryce is chatting with new host Kyle Carpenter about why he's making the shift from a successful freelance career to a full time position with his favorite client, and when you should stop playing the field and get serious. Change is scary, but if you have any tips for our new host, let him know at @Clientsfh or contact@clientsfromhell.net with the subject line: Podcast.  Follow Bryce at:  https://twitter.com/@BryceBladon http://brycebladon.com/ 

Things are changing at Clients From Hell! Long time Editor in Chief and all-round superhero Bryce Bladon is moving on to new adventures and leaving us behind. But that's okay, because Bryce is chatting with new host Kyle Carpenter about why he's making the shift from a successful freelance career to a full time position with his favorite client, and when you should stop playing the field and get serious. Change is scary, but if you have any tips for our new host, let him know at @Clientsfh or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">contact@clientsfromhell.net</a> with the subject line: Podcast.  Follow Bryce at: <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/brycebladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/@BryceBladon</a></li> <li><a href="http://brycebladon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://brycebladon.com/</a></li> </ul>

When to commit: from freelancer to full-time 

A recent survey of freelance workers done by AND CO showed that the pay gap exists even for the self-employed. On average, self-employed women make less than self-employed men. That's troubling information, given that freelancers are able to set their own wages. So what's happening here? What baggage are we bringing in to setting our own rates?  Joining Bryce to discuss this important and delicate topic is Lauren Loria, a Michigan based commercial photographer that helps clients build their brands through visual imagery that reflects their business' personality.   Today's links:   www.laurenloriaphotography.com https://twitter.com/@LaurenLoria1 https://www.instagram.com/laurenloriaphotography/ https://www.and.co/slash-workers  -- This episode is sponsored by AND.CO, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on  Apple Podcasts or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. Also: do you love the podcast? Is there anything you'd like to see us change about it? Let us know by filling out this short survey!

A recent survey of freelance workers done by AND CO showed that the pay gap exists even for the self-employed. On average, self-employed women make less than self-employed men. That's troubling information, given that freelancers are able to set their own wages. So what's happening here? What baggage are we bringing in to setting our own rates?  Joining Bryce to discuss this important and delicate topic is Lauren Loria, a Michigan based commercial photographer that helps clients build their brands through visual imagery that reflects their business' personality.   Today's links:  <ul> <li><a href="http://www.laurenloriaphotography.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.laurenloriaphotography.com</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/@LaurenLoria1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/@LaurenLoria1</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurenloriaphotography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/laurenloriaphotography/</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.and.co/slash-workers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.and.co/slash-workers</a></li> </ul> -- This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://and.co?utm_source=CFH&amp;utm_campaign=promo&amp;utm_medium=sharedcode&amp;ref=CFH17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AND.CO</a>, the freelancer's resource! They offer great tools for freelancers, including curated job lists, time tracking and invoicing software, contracts, free guides and more!  -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. Also: do you love the podcast? Is there anything you'd like to see us change about it? Let us know by <a href="https://cfh.typeform.com/to/gEABz7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">filling out this short survey</a>!

Mind the pay gap — sexism and self-employment

How do you specialize with a niche? Why do you specialize with a niche? A third question!? This and more on this episode of the Clients From Hell podcast.  Do you have a question of your own? Shoot us an email!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes! -- How do I find my niche? This question was originally submitted for the 'Feedback from the Inferno' segment. However, it's a common question, so we've elevated it to the Freelancer FAQ segment.    I don’t have much experience freelancing and I’m confused how to sell my services – what makes me unique? I’m an illustrator, I started freelancing straight out of university, and I’ve only had a handful of jobs in roughly two years – I think this is because I spent a lot of time not knowing what I wanted to do or even how to do it but I’m starting to find a bit more focus now. I’ve started pushing myself towards children’s illustration with the hopes of getting work in publishing, greetings cards, stationary – maybe even the games industry. My issue is this – I have no idea what my niche is. I used to think narrowing my field was good enough, but I was just listening to your “how to find work as a freelancer” podcast, and you mentioned the need to tell a client why they need you, and why you can do the work in a unique way. The thing is, I don’t know how I can complete the work in a way that another illustrator couldn’t also do. I don’t have an impressive client list under my belt, and I don’t have a particularly unique workflow or style. I simply don’t know what I could say to a client that would make me stand out. - A no-niche freelancer   Everyone feels this way at a certain point – in life and in freelancing. Do not stress about being unsure about your uniqueness quite yet. You may not even have the practical experience necessary to really know yourself and what you’re about. I think it would be worthwhile for you to try and get some practical experience at an agency. It offers on-the-job experience; it can refine your skills, and it can teach you a lot about dealing with clients. It can also tell you a lot about yourself, what you value, and what separates you from the pack. But, if you already have a day job, or if freelancing as an illustrator is your exclusive interest, that’s fine too. The first thing you should focus on is what Neil Gaiman identified as the three reasons someone will work with a freelancer. The best part is, you only need to deliver on two of them:  Quality work Delivered promptly Pleasant to work with  After you manage two out of three on that, then you can start to hone in on that niche. The more work you do, the more you’ll appreciate what kind of work you enjoy – and what kind you despise. The more work you do, the more you’ll come to appreciate what makes you, as a professional, unique and compelling. It doesn’t just happen. It’s a long, slow, and heavily involved process that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. I’m almost certain that the handful of clients you’ve had has resulted in an informative experience, if not a niche-defining one. There are a few suggestions for finding that specific niche:  Reach out to potential clients and ask them questions (e.g. why did you hire that freelancer, how did you find them, what problems were you having, what results did you expect, etc.) Do not try to pitch these clients while you’re researching Time, effort, work, and a whole lot of reflection on your experiences Go to a job board or freelancer site (e.g. upwork, fiverr) and look at what the highest paid freelancers claim as their unique selling proposition (USP) Reach out to successful illustrators and ask them about their journey to where they are now. (e.g. what kind of clients did you end up focusing on? What made your offering compelling? What was the most common client pain point? Etc.) Figure out what you’re good at. Ask your friends; give them an anonymous google doc to fill out if you want a lot of honest answers.  I’ll be honest: my niche has changed multiple time over the course of my career. It will almost certainly change again. I learned that I’m a flexible resource that completes work quickly, and I’m excellent at providing creative content. However, I’m not a huge fan of actually “selling” my work, nor did I always feel I had the chops to provide strategic consulting. Having worked with clients of a few shapes, sizes, and industries, I figured I’d aim at smaller agencies that had issues with their copy (I looked at their website, job postings, etc.). A client taught me that most agencies of a certain size don’t have a staff writer (this is a pain point); they make due with somewhat-unreliable freelancers (another pain point) for this work. I reached out directly to the CEO or head of hiring, showcased I did my research, and (POLITELY) brought these issues to their attention. I closed the letter by asking if I could chat with them for five minutes to get some advice regarding their industry. Almost every one said yes. People like being approached as experts, especially if you start by offering a little value first. After taking these meetings, I ask my questions (see that point about researching your clients?). I close the meeting by thanking them for their time, and I state that, if they ever need help creating content, I was hungry for practical experience in the industry, and I’d even charge less than my usual rate. I also addressed those aforementioned pain points (e.g. I can come in a couple of times a week for in-person briefings and on-the-fly edits; I can commit x hours a week, so you’re always guaranteed a reliable resource, etc.) Full disclosure: I don’t actually have a usual rate. I figured out what I wanted to make an hour and said it was half my usual rate. TL;DR:  Get experience with as many clients as you can. Reach out to clients and ask after their industry and why they hire freelancers Research successful freelancers in your field The end goal: Figure out the client’s challenges, the solutions others offer, and what defines you as an individual. You don’t need to re-invent the wheel with your offering; you just need to give it your own compelling spin.  --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to Clients From Hell or Bryce Bladon on Twitter. Or shoot us an email!  Clients From Hell on iTunes | Soundcloud Subscribe on iTunes | Android | RS

How do you specialize with a niche? Why do you specialize with a niche? A third question!? This and more on this episode of the Clients From Hell podcast.  Do you have a question of your own? <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">Shoot us an email</a>!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes!</a> -- How do I find my niche? This question was originally submitted for the 'Feedback from the Inferno' segment. However, it's a common question, so we've elevated it to the Freelancer FAQ segment.  I don’t have much experience freelancing and I’m confused how to sell my services – what makes me unique? I’m an illustrator, I started freelancing straight out of university, and I’ve only had a handful of jobs in roughly two years – I think this is because I spent a lot of time not knowing what I wanted to do or even how to do it but I’m starting to find a bit more focus now. I’ve started pushing myself towards children’s illustration with the hopes of getting work in publishing, greetings cards, stationary – maybe even the games industry. My issue is this – I have no idea what my niche is. I used to think narrowing my field was good enough, but I was just listening to your “how to find work as a freelancer” podcast, and you mentioned the need to tell a client why they need you, and why you can do the work in a unique way. The thing is, I don’t know how I can complete the work in a way that another illustrator couldn’t also do. I don’t have an impressive client list under my belt, and I don’t have a particularly unique workflow or style. I simply don’t know what I could say to a client that would make me stand out. - A no-niche freelancer Everyone feels this way at a certain point – in life and in freelancing. Do not stress about being unsure about your uniqueness quite yet. You may not even have the practical experience necessary to really know yourself and what you’re about. I think it would be worthwhile for you to try and get some practical experience at an agency. It offers on-the-job experience; it can refine your skills, and it can teach you a lot about dealing with clients. It can also tell you a lot about yourself, what you value, and what separates you from the pack. But, if you already have a day job, or if freelancing as an illustrator is your exclusive interest, that’s fine too. The first thing you should focus on is what Neil Gaiman identified as the three reasons someone will work with a freelancer. The best part is, you only need to deliver on two of them: <ul> <li>Quality work</li> <li>Delivered promptly</li> <li>Pleasant to work with</li> </ul> After you manage two out of three on that, then you can start to hone in on that niche. The more work you do, the more you’ll appreciate what kind of work you enjoy – and what kind you despise. The more work you do, the more you’ll come to appreciate what makes you, as a professional, unique and compelling. It doesn’t just happen. It’s a long, slow, and heavily involved process that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. I’m almost certain that the handful of clients you’ve had has resulted in an informative experience, if not a niche-defining one. There are a few suggestions for finding that specific niche: <ul> <li>Reach out to potential clients and ask them questions (e.g. why did you hire that freelancer, how did you find them, what problems were you having, what results did you expect, etc.)</li> <li>Do not try to pitch these clients while you’re researching</li> <li>Time, effort, work, and a whole lot of reflection on your experiences</li> <li>Go to a job board or freelancer site (e.g. upwork, fiverr) and look at what the highest paid freelancers claim as their unique selling proposition (USP)</li> <li>Reach out to successful illustrators and ask them about their journey to where they are now. (e.g. what kind of clients did you end up focusing on? What made your offering compelling? What was the most common client pain point? Etc.)</li> <li>Figure out what you’re good at. Ask your friends; give them an anonymous google doc to fill out if you want a lot of honest answers.</li> </ul> I’ll be honest: my niche has changed multiple time over the course of my career. It will almost certainly change again. I learned that I’m a flexible resource that completes work quickly, and I’m excellent at providing creative content. However, I’m not a huge fan of actually “selling” my work, nor did I always feel I had the chops to provide strategic consulting. Having worked with clients of a few shapes, sizes, and industries, I figured I’d aim at smaller agencies that had issues with their copy (I looked at their website, job postings, etc.). A client taught me that most agencies of a certain size don’t have a staff writer (this is a pain point); they make due with somewhat-unreliable freelancers (another pain point) for this work. I reached out directly to the CEO or head of hiring, showcased I did my research, and (POLITELY) brought these issues to their attention. I closed the letter by asking if I could chat with them for five minutes to get some advice regarding their industry. Almost every one said yes. People like being approached as experts, especially if you start by offering a little value first. After taking these meetings, I ask my questions (see that point about researching your clients?). I close the meeting by thanking them for their time, and I state that, if they ever need help creating content, I was hungry for practical experience in the industry, and I’d even charge less than my usual rate. I also addressed those aforementioned pain points (e.g. I can come in a couple of times a week for in-person briefings and on-the-fly edits; I can commit x hours a week, so you’re always guaranteed a reliable resource, etc.) Full disclosure: I don’t actually have a usual rate. I figured out what I wanted to make an hour and said it was half my usual rate. TL;DR: <ul> <li>Get experience with as many clients as you can.</li> <li>Reach out to clients and ask after their industry and why they hire freelancers</li> <li>Research successful freelancers in your field The end goal: Figure out the client’s challenges, the solutions others offer, and what defines you as an individual.</li> <li>You don’t need to re-invent the wheel with your offering; you just need to give it your own compelling spin.</li> </ul> --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/clientsfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clients From Hell</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceBladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryce Bladon</a> on Twitter. Or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">shoot us an email</a>!  Clients From Hell on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clientsfromhell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Subscribe on <a>iTunes</a> | <a href="http://subscribeonandroid.com/clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a> | <a href="http://clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RS</a>

Unique snowflakes and specializing with a niche

Dealing with the isolation that comes with freelancing and the magnificent, life-changing power of saying no.  Do you have a question of your own? Shoot us an email!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes! -- Freelance FAQ: How do you deal with isolation when working from home? It sucks. It really does. Getting over that hump takes a lot of work -- useful, doable work -- but work.  Have an immediate support system of friends you can spend non-work time with Stop work immediately at a designated time (Kai's is 4:30pm) Only start work at a certain time (Kai's is 9:30am) Have 2-4 hobbies you’ve cultivated (I like road biking, hiking, weight lifting, and reading) so you can switch to something non-work if you have energy and it’s the evening Track how you’re feeling. Even just in a journal or a journal app like Day1, track how you’re feeling with the isolation and working from home. Mostly negatives? Mostly positives? If the isolation causes you issues -- it very well may -- then look into coworking spaces or sharing an office with an individual or a team to give you that social interaction.  Freelance FAQ: How do you say no?  Practice. Realize that you saying no is not a rejection of the client’s idea, but you saying ‘there is a better way to do this.’ Be comfortable with the uncomfortableness of saying no. It gets easier over time. Read ‘non-violent communication, a language of life.’ Realize that if you don’t say no, you’ll be doing a lot of extra work without compensation; you owe it to yourself to say no.  And if a client pushes back? Either they have a legitimate reason and information you don’t have (good!) or they’re incorrect and a bad client who you should fire.  --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to Clients From Hell or Bryce Bladon on Twitter. Or shoot us an email!  Clients From Hell on iTunes | Soundcloud Subscribe on iTunes | Android | RS

Dealing with the isolation that comes with freelancing and the magnificent, life-changing power of saying no.  Do you have a question of your own? <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">Shoot us an email</a>!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes!</a> -- Freelance FAQ: How do you deal with isolation when working from home? It sucks. It really does. Getting over that hump takes a lot of work -- useful, doable work -- but work. <ul> <li>Have an immediate support system of friends you can spend non-work time with</li> <li>Stop work immediately at a designated time (Kai's is 4:30pm)</li> <li>Only start work at a certain time (Kai's is 9:30am)</li> <li>Have 2-4 hobbies you’ve cultivated (I like road biking, hiking, weight lifting, and reading) so you can switch to something non-work if you have energy and it’s the evening</li> <li>Track how you’re feeling. Even just in a journal or a journal app like Day1, track how you’re feeling with the isolation and working from home. Mostly negatives? Mostly positives?</li> <li>If the isolation causes you issues -- it very well may -- then look into coworking spaces or sharing an office with an individual or a team to give you that social interaction.</li> </ul> Freelance FAQ: How do you say no? <ul> <li>Practice.</li> <li>Realize that you saying no is not a rejection of the client’s idea, but you saying ‘there is a better way to do this.’</li> <li>Be comfortable with the uncomfortableness of saying no. It gets easier over time.</li> <li>Read ‘non-violent communication, a language of life.’</li> <li>Realize that if you don’t say no, you’ll be doing a lot of extra work without compensation; you owe it to yourself to say no.</li> </ul> And if a client pushes back? Either they have a legitimate reason and information you don’t have (good!) or they’re incorrect and a bad client who you should fire. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/clientsfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clients From Hell</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceBladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryce Bladon</a> on Twitter. Or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">shoot us an email</a>!  Clients From Hell on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clientsfromhell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Subscribe on <a>iTunes</a> | <a href="http://subscribeonandroid.com/clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a> | <a href="http://clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RS</a>

Being alone and the life-changing ability to say no

Freelancers can do more than work remotely; they can live their life on their terms while making a pretty penny.  Long-time friend of the show Jake Jorgovan helps agencies and consultants win their dream clients. He also travels the world while doing it.  Links from today's show:  https://jake-jorgovan.com/ https://jake-jorgovan.com/podcast/ https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay  -- This episode is sponsored by our new book, Hell to Pay 2: A freelancer's guide to making good money (https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay).  Podcast listeners save 40% with coupon code: CFHPodcast https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. 

Freelancers can do more than work remotely; they can live their life on their terms while making a pretty penny.  Long-time friend of the show <a href="https://jake-jorgovan.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jake Jorgovan</a> helps agencies and consultants win their dream clients. He also travels the world while doing it.  Links from today's show: <ul> <li><a href="https://jake-jorgovan.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://jake-jorgovan.com/</a></li> <li><a href="https://jake-jorgovan.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://jake-jorgovan.com/podcast/</a></li> <li><a href="https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay#_=_" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay</a></li> </ul> -- This episode is sponsored by our new book, <a href="clientsfromhell.net/helltopay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hell to Pay 2: A freelancer's guide to making good money</a> (<a href="https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay</a>).  Podcast listeners save 40% with coupon code: CFHPodcast <a href="https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay</a> -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

Travel the world while working for yourself

Going directly from school to freelancing can be tough, but one illustrator managed to do it.  Jen Fryer joins Bryce to discuss how she locked a nationally syndicated newspaper as a client, the mistakes first-time freelancers need to make, and what creative professionals need to know to succeed in their craft as professionals.  Links from today's show:  http://www.jvfryer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drawingsheep/ http://school.clientsfromhell.net/p/start-freelancing  -- This episode is sponsored by our new book, Hell to Pay 2: A freelancer's guide to making good money (https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay).  Podcast listeners save 40% with coupon code: CFHPodcast https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely. 

Going directly from school to freelancing can be tough, but one illustrator managed to do it.  Jen Fryer joins Bryce to discuss how she locked a nationally syndicated newspaper as a client, the mistakes first-time freelancers need to make, and what creative professionals need to know to succeed in their craft as professionals.  Links from today's show: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.jvfryer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jvfryer.com/</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawingsheep/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/drawingsheep/</a></li> <li><a href="http://school.clientsfromhell.net/p/start-freelancing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://school.clientsfromhell.net/p/start-freelancing</a></li> </ul> -- This episode is sponsored by our new book, <a href="clientsfromhell.net/helltopay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hell to Pay 2: A freelancer's guide to making good money</a> (<a href="https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay</a>).  Podcast listeners save 40% with coupon code: CFHPodcast <a href="https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://clientsfromhell.net/helltopay</a> -- Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> or recommend us to a friend. It helps immensely.

A freelance illustrator's first year out of school

A freelancer wonders what to do after his best client's best friend refuses to pay his invoice; Bryce offers advice for charging clients.  Do you have a question of your own? Shoot us an email!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes! -- Freelance FAQ: How should I charge my client? The basic answer is, “if you want to earn X this year, you need to be making Y for every hour you work.”  My rule of thumb: Take what you want to earn in a year and drop the zeroes. If you want to earn $45,000 this year, you need to be earning, at least, $45 for every hour you spend on your business. The logic behind this rule of thumb: There are about 2,000 billable hours in a year (40 hours a week x 50 weeks in a year – we’re losing two weeks for holidays). You cut those billable hours in half, because at least 25% of your time will go into business upkeep, and the other 25% will go into taxes, insurance, and retirement (which adds up to 50% of your time – half). Thus, take what you want to earn in a year (e.g. $60,000) and divide it by the 1000 billable hours (e.g. $60/hour). Remember, these are ballpark estimates, not fine-tuned figures.  Besides hourly, there are numerous ways to charge a client:  Daily   Can begin charging for value (not time) and you get to focus on one thing at a time You can’t be flexible with your day; this billing rate doesn’t work with every situation   Weekly   More flexibility to charge for value and not time; it is very results orientated. Weekly rates are more applicable to consultants and results-based work; the time investment for some weeks can wildly exceed a typical 40-hour workweek   Monthly   A monthly rate offers regular income that bolsters a long-term relationship with clients It’s similar to being a full-time employee, with the pros and cons associated with that. Typically, you’ll have to charge more than a full-timer would and it can be difficult to communicate to a client why that is.   Per deliverable   This style of billing is directly tied to a product or result; your rate and time commitment are completely irrelevant. Scope changes and negotiation are commonplace   Per project   Your billing purely by value; there’s less need for oversight and micromanagement regarding your day-to-day activities However, there’s an immense amount of planning involved; if you miss something, you eat the cost.    You should know your hourly rate even if you do not intend to charge by the hour. Your hourly rate informs all other forms of billing, typically as a bare minimum you need to be making. Experience will teach you how you like to work, and how you like to work will influence the ideal way for you to bill your clients. Despite weekly billing having a higher potential income attached to it, monthly billing works better for my clients and me.   Feedback from the Inferno: My best client's best friend stiffed me – now what? (This segment originally premiered over at  The Freelancers Union.) My biggest client referred his best friend to me. That friend stiffed me on my invoice. What can I do without ruining the 15+ year relationship I have with my client? In a nutshell, my best and biggest client referred me to his close friend for some IT work. It came as an emergency. I did my best, and I got my client’s friend up and running again. Over two visits, the friend accumulated $1600 worth of time within a few days. Both of his checks bounced. His business went bankrupt, and he claimed creditors to be relieved from, but I wasn’t one of them. I got his word he would pay me and that he appreciated the work I did for him. Time went by. Nothing happened. I asked my client about his situation and from what I saw, my client was also one of the people his friend borrowed from. I’m unsure if he was someone he was relieved from. When I asked my client if I should pursue it, he said I should drop it that I would probably never get the money back. That $1600 isn’t chump change. With the economy like it is, I could sure use it. I don’t want to alienate my client, but it burns my ass that his friend got off, especially since he’s rich and lives in an exclusive neighborhood, nice cars, has another business which is flourishing, etc. Additional context: the freelancer who wrote in has been in IT since 1994, and he started his business in 2004. There are no contracts involved in most of his work, as most of his clients have long and personal relationships with him – often spanning over a decade. – A freelancer with a burnt butt   Honestly, it seems like you've already reached the conclusion on this: it's frustrating, but that money is likely gone. A lot of time has passed, and there was no contract in place. It's certainly possible there's a route you can take to regain that lost $1,600, but I don't see a way that's worth that amount of money – almost all of them will cost you in much more damaging ways. I respect the crap out of the style of work you offer – close relationships, time-honed offerings, constant support – but it's a style where a contract-free experience should only be offered to proven and qualified clients. As you stated (this was in a separate email), it's the newer clients that take advantage of your stalwart offering. I'd suggest taking a look at how you qualify these new clients and if there's a way to offer an expedited contract or down payment. Here's how I deal with this: I have a simply-worded and short contract template that I use for clients I'm unsure about. I fill in the blanks with the client, and that ensures we're both on the same page regarding it (e.g. what results do they expect? what services do they need? who's my main contact? who's in charge of payment?). My first meeting or two with the client is spent gaining an understanding of their issue, offering my solution, and engaging them for the work. My third meeting is a 5-45-minute engagement where we fill in those contract blanks and ensure we understand each other. I'm protected, my client is protected, and we’re both clear what I'll be doing with them. Plus, that contract-creating experience is my built-in client-qualification system. I also suggest you check out the Freelance Isn’t Free act. I think you’ll be interested in supporting it. Otherwise, I wish you the best with your future clients. I know a principled business (with such a remarkable pedigree) will do just fine in the long run, so my final piece of advice is this: don't sweat the crappy experiences. They seem to be few and far in-between. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to Clients From Hell or Bryce Bladon on Twitter. Or shoot us an email!  Clients From Hell on iTunes | Soundcloud Subscribe on iTunes | Android | RS

A freelancer wonders what to do after his best client's best friend refuses to pay his invoice; Bryce offers advice for charging clients.  Do you have a question of your own? <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">Shoot us an email</a>!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes!</a> -- Freelance FAQ: How should I charge my client? The basic answer is, “if you want to earn X this year, you need to be making Y for every hour you work.” <ul> <li>My rule of thumb: Take what you want to earn in a year and drop the zeroes. If you want to earn $45,000 this year, you need to be earning, at least, $45 for every hour you spend on your business.</li> <li>The logic behind this rule of thumb: There are about 2,000 billable hours in a year (40 hours a week x 50 weeks in a year – we’re losing two weeks for holidays). You cut those billable hours in half, because at least 25% of your time will go into business upkeep, and the other 25% will go into taxes, insurance, and retirement (which adds up to 50% of your time – half). Thus, take what you want to earn in a year (e.g. $60,000) and divide it by the 1000 billable hours (e.g. $60/hour). Remember, these are ballpark estimates, not fine-tuned figures.</li> </ul> Besides hourly, there are numerous ways to charge a client: <ul> <li>Daily</li> <li> <ul> <li>Can begin charging for value (not time) and you get to focus on one thing at a time</li> <li>You can’t be flexible with your day; this billing rate doesn’t work with every situation</li> </ul> </li> <li>Weekly</li> <li> <ul> <li>More flexibility to charge for value and not time; it is very results orientated.</li> <li>Weekly rates are more applicable to consultants and results-based work; the time investment for some weeks can wildly exceed a typical 40-hour workweek</li> </ul> </li> <li>Monthly</li> <li> <ul> <li>A monthly rate offers regular income that bolsters a long-term relationship with clients</li> <li>It’s similar to being a full-time employee, with the pros and cons associated with that. Typically, you’ll have to charge more than a full-timer would and it can be difficult to communicate to a client why that is.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Per deliverable</li> <li> <ul> <li>This style of billing is directly tied to a product or result; your rate and time commitment are completely irrelevant.</li> <li>Scope changes and negotiation are commonplace</li> </ul> </li> <li>Per project</li> <li> <ul> <li>Your billing purely by value; there’s less need for oversight and micromanagement regarding your day-to-day activities</li> <li>However, there’s an immense amount of planning involved; if you miss something, you eat the cost.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> You should know your hourly rate even if you do not intend to charge by the hour. Your hourly rate informs all other forms of billing, typically as a bare minimum you need to be making. Experience will teach you how you like to work, and how you like to work will influence the ideal way for you to bill your clients. Despite weekly billing having a higher potential income attached to it, monthly billing works better for my clients and me. Feedback from the Inferno: My best client's best friend stiffed me – now what? (This segment originally premiered over at <a href="https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2016/08/24/my-best-clients-best-friend-stiffed-me-now-what/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Freelancers Union.</a>) My biggest client referred his best friend to me. That friend stiffed me on my invoice. What can I do without ruining the 15+ year relationship I have with my client? In a nutshell, my best and biggest client referred me to his close friend for some IT work. It came as an emergency. I did my best, and I got my client’s friend up and running again. Over two visits, the friend accumulated $1600 worth of time within a few days. Both of his checks bounced. His business went bankrupt, and he claimed creditors to be relieved from, but I wasn’t one of them. I got his word he would pay me and that he appreciated the work I did for him. Time went by. Nothing happened. I asked my client about his situation and from what I saw, my client was also one of the people his friend borrowed from. I’m unsure if he was someone he was relieved from. When I asked my client if I should pursue it, he said I should drop it that I would probably never get the money back. That $1600 isn’t chump change. With the economy like it is, I could sure use it. I don’t want to alienate my client, but it burns my ass that his friend got off, especially since he’s rich and lives in an exclusive neighborhood, nice cars, has another business which is flourishing, etc. Additional context: the freelancer who wrote in has been in IT since 1994, and he started his business in 2004. There are no contracts involved in most of his work, as most of his clients have long and personal relationships with him – often spanning over a decade. – A freelancer with a burnt butt Honestly, it seems like you've already reached the conclusion on this: it's frustrating, but that money is likely gone. A lot of time has passed, and there was no contract in place. It's certainly possible there's a route you can take to regain that lost $1,600, but I don't see a way that's worth that amount of money – almost all of them will cost you in much more damaging ways. I respect the crap out of the style of work you offer – close relationships, time-honed offerings, constant support – but it's a style where a contract-free experience should only be offered to proven and qualified clients. As you stated (this was in a separate email), it's the newer clients that take advantage of your stalwart offering. I'd suggest taking a look at how you qualify these new clients and if there's a way to offer an expedited contract or down payment. Here's how I deal with this: I have a simply-worded and short contract template that I use for clients I'm unsure about. I fill in the blanks with the client, and that ensures we're both on the same page regarding it (e.g. what results do they expect? what services do they need? who's my main contact? who's in charge of payment?). My first meeting or two with the client is spent gaining an understanding of their issue, offering my solution, and engaging them for the work. My third meeting is a 5-45-minute engagement where we fill in those contract blanks and ensure we understand each other. I'm protected, my client is protected, and we’re both clear what I'll be doing with them. Plus, that contract-creating experience is my built-in client-qualification system. I also suggest you check out the <a href="https://www.freelanceisntfree.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Freelance Isn’t Free act</a>. I think you’ll be interested in supporting it. Otherwise, I wish you the best with your future clients. I know a principled business (with such a remarkable pedigree) will do just fine in the long run, so my final piece of advice is this: don't sweat the crappy experiences. They seem to be few and far in-between. --  Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/clientsfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clients From Hell</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceBladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryce Bladon</a> on Twitter. Or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">shoot us an email</a>!  Clients From Hell on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clientsfromhell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Subscribe on <a>iTunes</a> | <a href="http://subscribeonandroid.com/clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a> | <a href="http://clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RS</a>

Charging clients and dealing with a client's deadbeat best friend

Defining success, setting expectations, and avoiding clients from hell. Chris Hawkins of the 100K Freelancer Podcast joins Bryce to discuss all these things and more.  S'a good one this week, guys.  Do you have a question of your own? Shoot us an email!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on iTunes! -- Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to Clients From Hell or Bryce Bladon on Twitter. Or shoot us an email!  Clients From Hell on iTunes | Soundcloud Subscribe on iTunes | Android | RSS

Defining success, setting expectations, and avoiding clients from hell. <a href="http://www.christopherhawkins.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Hawkins</a> of the <a href="http://www.100kfreelancing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100K Freelancer Podcast</a> joins Bryce to discuss all these things and more.  S'a good one this week, guys.  Do you have a question of your own? <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">Shoot us an email</a>!  Want to support the show? Leave us a review on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes!</a> -- Questions? Episode ideas? Talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/clientsfh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clients From Hell</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceBladon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryce Bladon</a> on Twitter. Or <a href="mailto:contact@clientsfromhell.net">shoot us an email</a>!  Clients From Hell on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/clients-from-hell-podcast/id993029563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clientsfromhell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Subscribe on <a>iTunes</a> | <a href="http://subscribeonandroid.com/clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Android</a> | <a href="http://clientsfromhell.libsyn.com/rss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RSS</a>

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