In Other Words: Be Useful and Don't Be A Jerk

If you’re interested in making a living as a freelancer, Fred Hicks , who knows freelancing from both sides, has a couple bits of advice for you.

First is: Answer your emails super-promptly. The gal who returns inquiries quickly is going to stand out. She’s first in line, every time.

— Fred Hicks (@fredhicks) November 20, 2012

The second is: Forecast your trajectory vs. deadline, whenever possible. Gonna hit it? Tell your publisher in advance. Gonna miss it? Same.

— Fred Hicks (@fredhicks) November 20, 2012

Don’t stop there, though. Keep on to the heart of his point: communication always matters. People who get in touch quickly, stay in touch, and communicate openly and honestly about what they’re doing and why earn trust and get work. Those who don’t, don’t, not because they’re bad at what they do but because they leave their client hanging in the wind.

No one likes to be left hanging. That’s jerk behavior. Don’t be a jerk.

There’s also a bit in there about gaining a good reputation. I, personally, haven’t seen that turn into more than one or two paychecks, but I know it does. Good work begets more good work and being useful eventually creates other ways where you can be useful.

Good stuff from a guy whose work I really like.

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4. But I Dont Want To Be Stimulated! I Just Want To Keep My Money.

Tags: Business, Communication, Featured, Social Media. Writing

Category: Social Media Mastery