More from Deb Ng, who told us yesterday how to gain confidence in any freelance job.
What Freelancing Taught Me – Part 2 Be Firm but Not Tough by Deb Ng
Did you ever see a person on television or even real life who was considered “tough†in business? She could pick up the phone and get what she wants, or have employees running at her beck and call, practically sniveling at her feet. I used to work for a woman like that. I admired her so much until I realized she wasn’t tough, she was mean. People responded to her because she wasn’t a nice person and they didn’t want to be on the receiving end of her wrath.
As a freelancer I learned to get my way too, but not so my clients and colleagues are afraid of temper tantrums or hissy fits. I learned to be firm. I think a freelancer has to be firm enough to make sure she’s paid on time but not so tough her first paycheck is her last. A freelancer has to know the customer is (almost) always right, but not at the expense of her dignity. I’m thinking it’s best to know how to catch flies with honey, because the other alternatives stink.
Freelancers should be firm when:
- Negotiating
- Collecting a payment
- Not allowing another to take away one’s voice or sense of style
- Meeting a deadline
- Making a decision
And even though we’re being firm and making sure we get a fair deal, we have to be nice. Because nice works better than mean. Nice ensures return clients and future clients. Be nice because people response better to nice. Be firm because you don’t want to be a pushover. Be yourself because there’s no one better.
Are you firm or are you tough? What do you think is the difference in how people react?
Deb Ng blogs about the best ways to find, and keep, freelance writing jobs. Why not stop by and say hello?
Thanks, Deb!
Everyone, tune in tomorrow for Part 3 – Good Habits Rock
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!