Comments for Freelance Parent http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent Running a Home Based Freelance BusinessThu, 20 Dec 2007 20:26:03 +0000http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2Comment on Book Review: Write for the Web: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing on the Internet by Writing the Cyber Highway http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/book-review-write-for-the-web-a-beginners-guide-to-writing-on-the-internet/#comment-962 Writing the Cyber HighwayThu, 20 Dec 2007 19:16:12 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/book-review-write-for-the-web-a-beginners-guide-to-writing-on-the-internet/#comment-962Great review, Lorna! Sounds like it would have saved me a lot of endless hours surfing the web, too! Smiles, MicheleGreat review, Lorna! Sounds like it would have saved me a lot of endless hours surfing the web, too!

Smiles,
Michele

]]>
Comment on Does Your Freelance Business Need a Blog? by Lorna Doone Brewer http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-957 Lorna Doone BrewerThu, 20 Dec 2007 00:42:15 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-957Steve - That "personal bond" you mentioned is one of the coolest aspects of having a business-related blog. Would you rather take advice from some anonymous person or from someone you'd built a bit of a rapport with via their blog? I'd definitely go with the latter. holli jo - It cracks me up that two months is considered "so long" in blogging time. I hear people all the time say things like "I've been blogging for six months!" as if it makes them an old hand at it. In some respects, I guess it really does. Ally - I've noticed that you have a couple of blogs serving different purposes, and that seems like a great approach to me.Steve - That “personal bond” you mentioned is one of the coolest aspects of having a business-related blog. Would you rather take advice from some anonymous person or from someone you’d built a bit of a rapport with via their blog? I’d definitely go with the latter.

holli jo - It cracks me up that two months is considered “so long” in blogging time. I hear people all the time say things like “I’ve been blogging for six months!” as if it makes them an old hand at it. In some respects, I guess it really does.

Ally - I’ve noticed that you have a couple of blogs serving different purposes, and that seems like a great approach to me.

]]>
Comment on Using a Blog to Grow Your Business by Lorna Doone Brewer http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-956 Lorna Doone BrewerThu, 20 Dec 2007 00:37:59 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-956Samuel - I definitely feel much better about a blog that has something to offer me instead of just wanting to take, take, take. In the long run, I'm likely to spend more time on their site or put more weight behind their opinions. Both can actually lead to more revenue for them! Rachel - I firmly believe that it's A-OK to run a blog just because you want to, not because it is tied in with your business. My Something Good blog has been running for nearly a year and a half, and I don't even have it monetized or anything! I just love the topic.Samuel - I definitely feel much better about a blog that has something to offer me instead of just wanting to take, take, take. In the long run, I’m likely to spend more time on their site or put more weight behind their opinions. Both can actually lead to more revenue for them!

Rachel - I firmly believe that it’s A-OK to run a blog just because you want to, not because it is tied in with your business. My Something Good blog has been running for nearly a year and a half, and I don’t even have it monetized or anything! I just love the topic.

]]>
Comment on Using a Blog to Grow Your Business by Rachel http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-950 RachelTue, 18 Dec 2007 21:31:39 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-950I should add that the main focus of my current blog isn't to impress clients--but if it works, it's a great side effect. (Hence the bio and testimonials on the blog, in case any curious editors find themselves there.)I should add that the main focus of my current blog isn’t to impress clients–but if it works, it’s a great side effect. (Hence the bio and testimonials on the blog, in case any curious editors find themselves there.) ]]>Comment on Using a Blog to Grow Your Business by Rachel http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-949 RachelTue, 18 Dec 2007 21:30:07 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-949Hmm. Good question, Lorna. I don't write a specific beat or fit into a niche, yet. Plus, some of my clients come to me for non-writing services (proofreading, copyediting, etc). I think of my blog then as a place that, if clients find it, they'll at least know that I'm passionate about what I do, that I can stick to a regular schedule, and that I can string a sentence together. If anything I've been thinking about starting a food blog, but not because one of my regular gigs involves writing about restaurants--only because I really like food. Would that help me in the future? Maybe, if I want to expand my food coverage. Hmm.Hmm. Good question, Lorna. I don’t write a specific beat or fit into a niche, yet. Plus, some of my clients come to me for non-writing services (proofreading, copyediting, etc). I think of my blog then as a place that, if clients find it, they’ll at least know that I’m passionate about what I do, that I can stick to a regular schedule, and that I can string a sentence together.

If anything I’ve been thinking about starting a food blog, but not because one of my regular gigs involves writing about restaurants–only because I really like food. Would that help me in the future? Maybe, if I want to expand my food coverage. Hmm.

]]>
Comment on Using a Blog to Grow Your Business by Samuel Ryan http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-948 Samuel RyanTue, 18 Dec 2007 20:50:06 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/using-a-blog-to-grow-your-business/#comment-948I like the point about focusing on "giving." Many blogs I visit feel like they're mostly about "how I make money off you, the visitor" instead of giving me good content...I like the point about focusing on “giving.” Many blogs I visit feel like they’re mostly about “how I make money off you, the visitor” instead of giving me good content… ]]>Comment on Potty Training for Freelancers by Using a Blog to Grow Your Business | Freelance Parent http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/potty-training-for-freelancers/#comment-947 Using a Blog to Grow Your Business | Freelance ParentTue, 18 Dec 2007 19:02:39 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/potty-training-for-freelancers/#comment-947[...] business,” I’m not implying that it is hurting us. While it’s true that writing about potty training and housework might not seem like the most “professional” approach, it makes sense for us. First [...][…] business,” I’m not implying that it is hurting us. While it’s true that writing about potty training and housework might not seem like the most “professional” approach, it makes sense for us. First […] ]]>Comment on Does Your Freelance Business Need a Blog? by Ally http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-945 AllyTue, 18 Dec 2007 16:50:54 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-945I've had clients say the exact same thing- "I hired you because of your blog." My understanding from clients is that my blog puts a voice on my name- a warmth to my business. Yours does the same for you. Interestingly, I believe photos help a bit, too. Smiling photos show that you're a real person, that you're welcoming, that you have a life and family. I really like your two photos at the top here, especially the baby one. ;)I’ve had clients say the exact same thing- “I hired you because of your blog.” My understanding from clients is that my blog puts a voice on my name- a warmth to my business. Yours does the same for you. Interestingly, I believe photos help a bit, too. Smiling photos show that you’re a real person, that you’re welcoming, that you have a life and family. I really like your two photos at the top here, especially the baby one. ;) ]]>Comment on Does Your Freelance Business Need a Blog? by holli jo http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-943 holli joTue, 18 Dec 2007 04:21:37 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-943I couldn't agree more. I waited two months after starting my freelance writing business to create a blog, and I shouldn't have waited so long! Can't wait to hear your blogging ideas.I couldn’t agree more. I waited two months after starting my freelance writing business to create a blog, and I shouldn’t have waited so long!

Can’t wait to hear your blogging ideas.

]]>
Comment on Does Your Freelance Business Need a Blog? by Steve http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-942 SteveTue, 18 Dec 2007 04:08:38 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-your-freelance-business-need-a-blog/#comment-942You point out a number of good reasons to have a blog. We're about to start one for many of these same reasons. Even though we are not a freelance business, but we still think having a blog will allow us to 'connect' with our user community - hopefully creating something of a personal bond between ourselves and our members.You point out a number of good reasons to have a blog. We’re about to start one for many of these same reasons.

Even though we are not a freelance business, but we still think having a blog will allow us to ‘connect’ with our user community - hopefully creating something of a personal bond between ourselves and our members.

]]>
Comment on Thanks to Everyone!! by Link Love-- CornerScribe http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/thanks-to-everyone/#comment-938 Link Love-- CornerScribeTue, 18 Dec 2007 01:39:28 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/thanks-to-everyone/#comment-938[...] a list of top blogs for writers. If you’re looking for a new blog to add to your RSS feed (and who isn’t!), then this [...][…] a list of top blogs for writers. If you’re looking for a new blog to add to your RSS feed (and who isn’t!), then this […] ]]>Comment on Freelance Advice From the Blogosphere, Goal Setting Edition by Ally http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-926 AllySun, 16 Dec 2007 18:48:36 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-926Thanks for the link to writersunbound. I think we're all trying to get business STUFF finished up so we can relaz and enjoy the holidays. I know I am at least. Still haven't completed my goal planning all the way, but will share any wisdom I garner from it.Thanks for the link to writersunbound. I think we’re all trying to get business STUFF finished up so we can relaz and enjoy the holidays. I know I am at least. Still haven’t completed my goal planning all the way, but will share any wisdom I garner from it. ]]>Comment on Freelance Advice From the Blogosphere, Goal Setting Edition by Genesis http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-923 GenesisSun, 16 Dec 2007 17:25:08 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-923Excellent list of links. I´m still working my way through them. :D Congrats to you both on being named in the Top Ten!Excellent list of links. I´m still working my way through them. :D Congrats to you both on being named in the Top Ten! ]]>Comment on Does Making Good Money Outweigh Quality? by James Chartrand - JCM Ent. http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-922 James Chartrand - JCM Ent.Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:10:53 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-922@ Annette - I don't have this particular problem because we aren't lone freelancers. We switch stuff around, mix it up, split it between writers... nothing ever becomes stale. In your case, there were a few possible solutions: Continue with the client and YOU subcontract the work to other writers - with the client's knowledge. Never subcontract and hide that fact from clients. Write a list of all the possible angles. Mindmap. Problogger.net recently had a great article about this. Take a break. Instead of quitting, take some time off from the contract. Don't be literal. When someone asks you to write on firetrucks, and you've covered every possible aspect, look further than the literal topic at hand. How about community spirit and the addition of firetrucks in parades? How about the best wax for your car, used by firemen? (talking off the top of my head, here...) However, I do think you made the right choice to tell the client you weren't doing the project justice any more. Even if the client is happy, you weren't. End of story.@ Annette - I don’t have this particular problem because we aren’t lone freelancers. We switch stuff around, mix it up, split it between writers… nothing ever becomes stale.

In your case, there were a few possible solutions:

Continue with the client and YOU subcontract the work to other writers - with the client’s knowledge. Never subcontract and hide that fact from clients.

Write a list of all the possible angles. Mindmap. Problogger.net recently had a great article about this.

Take a break. Instead of quitting, take some time off from the contract.

Don’t be literal. When someone asks you to write on firetrucks, and you’ve covered every possible aspect, look further than the literal topic at hand. How about community spirit and the addition of firetrucks in parades? How about the best wax for your car, used by firemen?

(talking off the top of my head, here…)

However, I do think you made the right choice to tell the client you weren’t doing the project justice any more. Even if the client is happy, you weren’t. End of story.

]]>
Comment on Freelance Advice From the Blogosphere, Goal Setting Edition by jozet at Halushki http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-921 jozet at HalushkiSun, 16 Dec 2007 05:52:22 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-921I just found your blog and I'm thrilled! I'm ready to start making some money in 2008. If I could get paid to write - even enough to keep me in printer ink - I'd be over the moon. Except, possibly, with a less cliched expression for being really, really happy.I just found your blog and I’m thrilled!

I’m ready to start making some money in 2008.

If I could get paid to write - even enough to keep me in printer ink - I’d be over the moon. Except, possibly, with a less cliched expression for being really, really happy.

]]>
Comment on Does Making Good Money Outweigh Quality? by Annette http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-918 AnnetteSat, 15 Dec 2007 23:01:41 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-918I think it is difficult to only write for products we support 100%. Honestly, there aren't that many wonderful products out there. That being said, I also have not taken projects that were for terrible products. I was commissioned to write for a financial product once that was downright harmful to folks and I just couldn't sell the thing without feeling like a heel. You have to draw the line somewhere for yourself. If the product is going to potentially cause them harm then that's one thing, if it's just a little bit of wasted money then that may be something different. It depends on your personal comfort, and your financial status! To put a little wrench in things...what do you do when you're just dog tired of writing about the same subject day after day week after week and you know that the content is beginning to sound pretty weak however the client is still happy and paying you? I had to make this decision recently and I had to offer the client alternative writers to work with. I'm pretty sure he was angry and hasn't contacted me again but hey...that's okay!I think it is difficult to only write for products we support 100%. Honestly, there aren’t that many wonderful products out there.

That being said, I also have not taken projects that were for terrible products. I was commissioned to write for a financial product once that was downright harmful to folks and I just couldn’t sell the thing without feeling like a heel.

You have to draw the line somewhere for yourself. If the product is going to potentially cause them harm then that’s one thing, if it’s just a little bit of wasted money then that may be something different. It depends on your personal comfort, and your financial status!

To put a little wrench in things…what do you do when you’re just dog tired of writing about the same subject day after day week after week and you know that the content is beginning to sound pretty weak however the client is still happy and paying you? I had to make this decision recently and I had to offer the client alternative writers to work with. I’m pretty sure he was angry and hasn’t contacted me again but hey…that’s okay!

]]>
Comment on Giving Birth to Your Business by Samantha http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/giving-birth-to-your-business/#comment-913 SamanthaSat, 15 Dec 2007 04:28:41 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/giving-birth-to-your-business/#comment-913I loved this. You did such a great job of comparing the two! I know exactly what you are saying. :-) And it gets so much better when you have given birth (to both)!I loved this. You did such a great job of comparing the two! I know exactly what you are saying. :-)

And it gets so much better when you have given birth (to both)!

]]>
Comment on Freelance Advice From the Blogosphere, Goal Setting Edition by Laura http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-912 LauraSat, 15 Dec 2007 04:15:11 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/freelance-advice-from-the-blogosphere-goal-setting-edition/#comment-912Hi Lorna Doone! What a great collection of links. I even discovered a new blog (Self Made Chick). I stumbled this so it will find a wider audience.Hi Lorna Doone!

What a great collection of links. I even discovered a new blog (Self Made Chick).

I stumbled this so it will find a wider audience.

]]>
Comment on Does Making Good Money Outweigh Quality? by James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-911 James Chartrand - JCM EnterprisesSat, 15 Dec 2007 02:40:44 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-911Debate's good. Strange when we're debating the things we're agreeing on, but hey. So! Back to the point! All writers chime in! Have you ever been in the situation where you wondered which to choose, quality or money? :)Debate’s good. Strange when we’re debating the things we’re agreeing on, but hey.

So! Back to the point! All writers chime in! Have you ever been in the situation where you wondered which to choose, quality or money? :)

]]>
Comment on Does Making Good Money Outweigh Quality? by Tamara Berry http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-910 Tamara BerrySat, 15 Dec 2007 02:34:29 +0000http://emomsathome.com/freelance-parent/does-making-good-money-outweigh-quality/#comment-910James - I have no bad feelings over here at all! Perhaps I've been projecting thoughts onto you that you don't actually have (or perhaps I remember you once saying you enjoy a good debate, and I'm taking you up on that offer). Either way, I mean no disrespect.James -

I have no bad feelings over here at all! Perhaps I’ve been projecting thoughts onto you that you don’t actually have (or perhaps I remember you once saying you enjoy a good debate, and I’m taking you up on that offer). Either way, I mean no disrespect.

]]>