Your Biggest Business Challenge

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by vanya eftimova bellinger on September 13, 2010 at 4:48pm

Thanks for the advise and the encouragement, Megan! I really should provide the clients with clear expectations for payment upfront. I have hard time negotiating about money anyways, but if I do it while we're going over the details about the job, it won't be that hard. Plus, it would be much easier than endlessly calling in aftermath...:)


Megan Glynn said:

Hey Vanya...

My advice...is be kind but firm. It's much easier said than done, however, your clients will respect you more if you provide them with clear guidelines as to your expectations for payment. Don't allow excuses -- it seems cold, but people will come up with very clever excuses to buy themselves more time. Simply say that you are sorry for their situation, however, you need to stick to your guns. It's very difficult, but after you do it one or two times, you will not only be very proud of yourself, but you will also see your clients respect for you to go up! Good luck!

Megan

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

How to ask the clients to pay on time. I am a writer and I always keep the deadlines because this is essential for my business. But the clients sometimes drag their feet when it comes to pay the bills. I don't want to alienate them with angry mails but it really makes me mad when the check is not on time. I am still figuring out how to insist without being too pushy...

Permalink Reply by vanya eftimova bellinger on September 13, 2010 at 5:05pm

I wish I could ask a percentage upfront, but it doesn't work this way in the media business. I am a foreign-born spouse and I work as a freelance writer for European media. You get paid when you deliver the text, video etc. Some media pay on time, some drag their feet and I am carrying all the costs upfront. It's not that bad when there is a constant flow of money, but now with the economic crisis things are tough. Especially this summer has been a rough experience because the ad revenues are down.




Lori Bell said:

Do you have them pay a percentage upfront? Is it possible not to deliver the final goods (maybe in some weird template format that they can't use) until they pay the final cost?

Megan Glynn said:

Hey Vanya...

My advice...is be kind but firm. It's much easier said than done, however, your clients will respect you more if you provide them with clear guidelines as to your expectations for payment. Don't allow excuses -- it seems cold, but people will come up with very clever excuses to buy themselves more time. Simply say that you are sorry for their situation, however, you need to stick to your guns. It's very difficult, but after you do it one or two times, you will not only be very proud of yourself, but you will also see your clients respect for you to go up! Good luck!

Megan

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

How to ask the clients to pay on time. I am a writer and I always keep the deadlines because this is essential for my business. But the clients sometimes drag their feet when it comes to pay the bills. I don't want to alienate them with angry mails but it really makes me mad when the check is not on time. I am still figuring out how to insist without being too pushy...

Permalink Reply by Shannon Marie Bell on September 13, 2010 at 5:22pm

Sabrina I find that if you are trying to keep a record of things is Microsoft Excel.....I used that a lot when I did my Federal work study at Everest, while I was working on an A.S degree.

Sabrina Kennemore said:

Organization!! I have not found a system that works the best for me and my space so my living room is starting to get taken over with Scentsy. LOL I also have a hard time keeping up with the financial records. I know not good. Anybody use a computer program that makes it simple to keep track of everything. I have one but is only meant for home use so its not as good at keeping up with the business part of it all.

Permalink Reply by Lori Bell on September 13, 2010 at 5:24pm

what if you offer some kind of bonus for paying on time. and an even bigger bonus for paying the entire thing the same day they request. Sort of like what the TV offers do...if you order within the next 10 minutes you'll get a second one free. Like this:

1. Client contacts you for article or whatever freelance project you have.
2. You sell them on the value of your work, offer a fully satisfaction money-back guarantee (I know, risky, but you DO do good work don't you??)..."and if they pay the entire cost of the project RIGHT NOW, you'll throw in a future project at half the cost or free", or whatever your budget can stand.
3. Now, you may need to look at raising your rates just a little, maybe a couple bucks....but who else is making this kind of offer where you are??? I bet no one. That helps set you a part a bit from the competition.

What do you think?

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

I wish I could ask a percentage upfront, but it doesn't work this way in the media business. I am a foreign-born spouse and I work as a freelance writer for European media. You get paid when you deliver the text, video etc. Some media pay on time, some drag their feet and I am carrying all the costs upfront. It's not that bad when there is a constant flow of money, but now with the economic crisis things are tough. Especially this summer has been a rough experience because the ad revenues are down.




Lori Bell said:

Do you have them pay a percentage upfront? Is it possible not to deliver the final goods (maybe in some weird template format that they can't use) until they pay the final cost?

Megan Glynn said:

Hey Vanya...

My advice...is be kind but firm. It's much easier said than done, however, your clients will respect you more if you provide them with clear guidelines as to your expectations for payment. Don't allow excuses -- it seems cold, but people will come up with very clever excuses to buy themselves more time. Simply say that you are sorry for their situation, however, you need to stick to your guns. It's very difficult, but after you do it one or two times, you will not only be very proud of yourself, but you will also see your clients respect for you to go up! Good luck!

Megan

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

How to ask the clients to pay on time. I am a writer and I always keep the deadlines because this is essential for my business. But the clients sometimes drag their feet when it comes to pay the bills. I don't want to alienate them with angry mails but it really makes me mad when the check is not on time. I am still figuring out how to insist without being too pushy...

Permalink Reply by Shannon Marie Bell on September 13, 2010 at 5:24pm

Thanks Lori I will check that site out. No it did not sound like jibberish lol.

Lori Bell said:

You need a simple website with ecommerce. To start cheaply and quickly, just get a free blog at Wordpress and start talking about your jewelry. Wordpress has free or cheap plugins that allow you to sell easily. Did that sound like jibberish?!

Shannon Marie Bell said:

My biggest hurdle is how am I going to sell these lovely bracelets? I have no clue on how I am going to sell them. I am so clueless with all this business stuff.......I guess I should got that degree in business instead of criminal justice.

Permalink Reply by vanya eftimova bellinger on September 13, 2010 at 5:37pm

I really like the way you think, Lori :) I have to try some of these idea and see how it works.

Lori Bell said:

what if you offer some kind of bonus for paying on time. and an even bigger bonus for paying the entire thing the same day they request. Sort of like what the TV offers do...if you order within the next 10 minutes you'll get a second one free. Like this:

1. Client contacts you for article or whatever freelance project you have.
2. You sell them on the value of your work, offer a fully satisfaction money-back guarantee (I know, risky, but you DO do good work don't you??)..."and if they pay the entire cost of the project RIGHT NOW, you'll throw in a future project at half the cost or free", or whatever your budget can stand.
3. Now, you may need to look at raising your rates just a little, maybe a couple bucks....but who else is making this kind of offer where you are??? I bet no one. That helps set you a part a bit from the competition.

What do you think?

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

I wish I could ask a percentage upfront, but it doesn't work this way in the media business. I am a foreign-born spouse and I work as a freelance writer for European media. You get paid when you deliver the text, video etc. Some media pay on time, some drag their feet and I am carrying all the costs upfront. It's not that bad when there is a constant flow of money, but now with the economic crisis things are tough. Especially this summer has been a rough experience because the ad revenues are down.




Lori Bell said:

Do you have them pay a percentage upfront? Is it possible not to deliver the final goods (maybe in some weird template format that they can't use) until they pay the final cost?

Megan Glynn said:

Hey Vanya...

My advice...is be kind but firm. It's much easier said than done, however, your clients will respect you more if you provide them with clear guidelines as to your expectations for payment. Don't allow excuses -- it seems cold, but people will come up with very clever excuses to buy themselves more time. Simply say that you are sorry for their situation, however, you need to stick to your guns. It's very difficult, but after you do it one or two times, you will not only be very proud of yourself, but you will also see your clients respect for you to go up! Good luck!

Megan

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

How to ask the clients to pay on time. I am a writer and I always keep the deadlines because this is essential for my business. But the clients sometimes drag their feet when it comes to pay the bills. I don't want to alienate them with angry mails but it really makes me mad when the check is not on time. I am still figuring out how to insist without being too pushy...

Permalink Reply by Lori Bell on September 13, 2010 at 5:43pm

not a problem girl! this is what I do! hope you try it...get brave...put on your big girl britches and just do it.

and imagine what is the real cost of them not paying on time. is it taking something from your kids? your personal budget? having you to take money from somewhere else that they should have paid? if you do great work, YOU DESERVE TO BE PAID...what you're worth and on time. It's not being rude. It's being in business.

and i'll tell you one thing...I bet men never have this problem. and I'm not picking on you....just want to stir you up to see what you might be cheating yourself and family out of....you can do it!

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

I really like the way you think, Lori :) I have to try some of these idea and see how it works.

Lori Bell said:

what if you offer some kind of bonus for paying on time. and an even bigger bonus for paying the entire thing the same day they request. Sort of like what the TV offers do...if you order within the next 10 minutes you'll get a second one free. Like this:

1. Client contacts you for article or whatever freelance project you have.
2. You sell them on the value of your work, offer a fully satisfaction money-back guarantee (I know, risky, but you DO do good work don't you??)..."and if they pay the entire cost of the project RIGHT NOW, you'll throw in a future project at half the cost or free", or whatever your budget can stand.
3. Now, you may need to look at raising your rates just a little, maybe a couple bucks....but who else is making this kind of offer where you are??? I bet no one. That helps set you a part a bit from the competition.

What do you think?

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

I wish I could ask a percentage upfront, but it doesn't work this way in the media business. I am a foreign-born spouse and I work as a freelance writer for European media. You get paid when you deliver the text, video etc. Some media pay on time, some drag their feet and I am carrying all the costs upfront. It's not that bad when there is a constant flow of money, but now with the economic crisis things are tough. Especially this summer has been a rough experience because the ad revenues are down.




Lori Bell said:

Do you have them pay a percentage upfront? Is it possible not to deliver the final goods (maybe in some weird template format that they can't use) until they pay the final cost?

Megan Glynn said:

Hey Vanya...

My advice...is be kind but firm. It's much easier said than done, however, your clients will respect you more if you provide them with clear guidelines as to your expectations for payment. Don't allow excuses -- it seems cold, but people will come up with very clever excuses to buy themselves more time. Simply say that you are sorry for their situation, however, you need to stick to your guns. It's very difficult, but after you do it one or two times, you will not only be very proud of yourself, but you will also see your clients respect for you to go up! Good luck!

Megan

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

How to ask the clients to pay on time. I am a writer and I always keep the deadlines because this is essential for my business. But the clients sometimes drag their feet when it comes to pay the bills. I don't want to alienate them with angry mails but it really makes me mad when the check is not on time. I am still figuring out how to insist without being too pushy...

Permalink Reply by Megan Glynn on September 13, 2010 at 5:44pm

Hey Becky...I agree with Lori. Get a list running that will give you "warm" contacts. Give your friends a "referral incentive" (if this is applicable for your business) and start branching out that way. When you are a "friend of a friend" -- it might be better received than a "cold call"!

Lori Bell said:

Cold calling is cold for a reason! :O) Think about how you respond to someone who asks you to buy something uninvited and caught off-guard...you can't hang up fast enough!

Have you started building a list? And not just offline...online too? A list are people who have opted-in to what you offer, so that means they are WARM...they WANT more of you. List building is crucial to sustaining any biz because you gotta fill your bag with people who want more of you. People buy from those they like, know and trust...not from cold-callers. What do you think

Becky Dowd said:

My biggest hurdle is the PHONE!!!! The phone is usually my friend but to pick it up and make a cold call is tough.

In terms of Sabrina's question- Pampered Chef provides us with a computer program to submit our shows and track our income and expenses. When it comes to tax time, if you are organized, you can just hit 'print' and hand it off to your tax preparer. :) I know your pain about the business taking over the home, but I have designated space for it when we bought this home. We are not formal people so the living room is my office/kids homework/art area. I have large white cabinets to hide my products along with all my paperwork. I have a pretty good system going when I'm in the zone! :)

Permalink Reply by Megan Glynn on September 13, 2010 at 5:45pm

Amen to that, Lori! Well said!

Lori Bell said:

not a problem girl! this is what I do! hope you try it...get brave...put on your big girl britches and just do it.

and imagine what is the real cost of them not paying on time. is it taking something from your kids? your personal budget? having you to take money from somewhere else that they should have paid? if you do great work, YOU DESERVE TO BE PAID...what you're worth and on time. It's not being rude. It's being in business.

and i'll tell you one thing...I bet men never have this problem. and I'm not picking on you....just want to stir you up to see what you might be cheating yourself and family out of....you can do it!

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

I really like the way you think, Lori :) I have to try some of these idea and see how it works.

Lori Bell said:

what if you offer some kind of bonus for paying on time. and an even bigger bonus for paying the entire thing the same day they request. Sort of like what the TV offers do...if you order within the next 10 minutes you'll get a second one free. Like this:

1. Client contacts you for article or whatever freelance project you have.
2. You sell them on the value of your work, offer a fully satisfaction money-back guarantee (I know, risky, but you DO do good work don't you??)..."and if they pay the entire cost of the project RIGHT NOW, you'll throw in a future project at half the cost or free", or whatever your budget can stand.
3. Now, you may need to look at raising your rates just a little, maybe a couple bucks....but who else is making this kind of offer where you are??? I bet no one. That helps set you a part a bit from the competition.

What do you think?

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

I wish I could ask a percentage upfront, but it doesn't work this way in the media business. I am a foreign-born spouse and I work as a freelance writer for European media. You get paid when you deliver the text, video etc. Some media pay on time, some drag their feet and I am carrying all the costs upfront. It's not that bad when there is a constant flow of money, but now with the economic crisis things are tough. Especially this summer has been a rough experience because the ad revenues are down.




Lori Bell said:

Do you have them pay a percentage upfront? Is it possible not to deliver the final goods (maybe in some weird template format that they can't use) until they pay the final cost?

Megan Glynn said:

Hey Vanya...

My advice...is be kind but firm. It's much easier said than done, however, your clients will respect you more if you provide them with clear guidelines as to your expectations for payment. Don't allow excuses -- it seems cold, but people will come up with very clever excuses to buy themselves more time. Simply say that you are sorry for their situation, however, you need to stick to your guns. It's very difficult, but after you do it one or two times, you will not only be very proud of yourself, but you will also see your clients respect for you to go up! Good luck!

Megan

vanya eftimova bellinger said:

How to ask the clients to pay on time. I am a writer and I always keep the deadlines because this is essential for my business. But the clients sometimes drag their feet when it comes to pay the bills. I don't want to alienate them with angry mails but it really makes me mad when the check is not on time. I am still figuring out how to insist without being too pushy...

Permalink Reply by Megan Glynn on September 13, 2010 at 5:54pm

Hey Sabrina! As for the organization, break it into small projects (ex. - 1 a day or week...depending on your situation). By breaking it up, it will seem a lot less daunting. With each "mini" goal you achieve, you will become motivated to do more and before you know it, you'll have it all completed. Another idea, bring a friend over and treat her to lunch (pb & j sandwiches usually work just fine!) -- bringing in a fresh perspective could also really help! As for the financial program -- does your company offer one? or could your company provide you names of other Scentsy consultants in your area? Perhaps you ould brainstorm with them and get a few ideas to help you get on top of your business financially.

Sabrina Kennemore said:

Organization!! I have not found a system that works the best for me and my space so my living room is starting to get taken over with Scentsy. LOL I also have a hard time keeping up with the financial records. I know not good. Anybody use a computer program that makes it simple to keep track of everything. I have one but is only meant for home use so its not as good at keeping up with the business part of it all.

Permalink Reply by Maretta Johnson on September 22, 2010 at 2:12pm

Since my product is a new invention, my biggest hurdle was patenting. It takes time to get an actual patent and patience but once it came, it was well worth it. Another hurdle was manufacturing but I will be the first to say that owning your own product or idea is worth the hurdles. Ladies, if you need tips in finding a manufacturer for a product, leave my a message at www.totaltravelbag.com

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Felshaw on November 3, 2010 at 12:41am

Support! I struggle with reliable volunteers and anyone to help out with what we are doing. It's very hard running a business and a non-profit is even more of a struggle. It's difficult getting community support too. I've found there are several organizations that assist military families in this area (Southern Cali) and instead of working together, they are in competition with each other. I don't understand that. The goal is to fulfill needs of our military families and show our appreciation for their sacrifices and service. Why not work together?

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