1) I state or request a specific “due date” for the writing project. Even if the client is not in a hurry, my ususal turnaround time is 7 business days; projects can be completed sooner, of course, but an extra fee is incurred.

2) I have my own set fees for my professional services and do not depend on someone else (the person who hires me) to tell me what he/she thinks my education, experience, skills, and creativity are worth; that weeds out some potential projects, but leaves quality time for quality work. If I am “earning” what I asked for, it completely eliminates any “procrastination problems” because, as all professional writers have experienced at some point in their careers, there is little worse than accepting a big project for pocket change just to get the job. I respect YOUR fees and your professional insight, and simply expect and ask for the same in return. While I would love to take on every project offered to me, if the client can’t afford my fees (that have been established over decades of professional work), he/she won’t appreciate the authenticity, creativity, and professionalism of the magnum opus I would create for him.

3) I value my time; as a result, I choose not to waste it in idle chatter over the phone, reading what someone had for lunch at the seminar via their FB postings, or spending the day surfing the net or the tube.

4) I do every single project as if it were for my own business, project, needs.

5) I start every project the day I am hired; this way, I’ve got a huge portion done by the time it gets closer to the established deadline.

6) I absolutely love what God has blessed me with the ability to do – bring brainstormed ideas to fruition via the written word. As a result, referrals are the best form of advertisement any business owner or service provider can’t buy!

Argh…typos and mistakes galore, but I hope you get my point.

I think I understood the question because it doesn’t really matter who you’re outsourcing to, the advice is the same. If you want good work out of people, you have to provide the right environment for them. Of course, nothing is guaranteed and there will be good apples and bad apples, but such is life.

There are 3 people on my team who have been with me for a very long time (betwee 6-8 years). 2 of them are freelancers who focus on freelancer…although one has a couple of side projects. The other is very much an entrepreneurial freelancer, but I think we have the type of relationship where there is so much benefit between us that it just works and have worked for 8 years!

The working relationship is what you make it. If you do your part and it still doesn’t work, don’t sweat it and move on. 🙂

I am fed up with the hype-masters, upsellers and video mongers. Currently, I am revising my site, rewriting the pitch page and courting customers who appreciate honest professional with quality, evergreen products.

I have learned much from, and have great respect for Nicole, Alice and the other associated ladies. Why is it that it is mostly male marketers with whom I am fed up, while the female marketers get my respect? Because that’s where I see the honesty, quality and professionalism. I hope one day to see myself and other like-minded men join the ranks of these women whom I greatly admire.

(as you might have read here on NOTN, I tend to be quite verbose)

I just wanted to add…

I love what all the experts had to say. This is a great topic. AND, I know for a fact that Nik encourages freelancers to get going on their own stuff. Yes, it’s okay to work hard for someone else (instant money talks) but it won’t get you where you want to be in the future. That doesn’t give you the freedom that you long for. You are still tied to your computer if all you’re doing is writing or working for someone else. (Yes ma’am.)

It’s a difficult juggling act for us freelancer/VA types. Money now v. Money later. hmmm… I know I go through this dilemma EVERY SINGLE DAY! I wake up thinking about my own projects, look at the clock, and realize how many hours I have to work for ‘instant money’ and see the day slipping by without working on my own stuff.

What I LOVE about the gals I write for is that they really do KICK MY BUTT! That is such a good feeling. I don’t think they would be kicking my butt if I was letting THEIR work go, missing deadlines, or providing shoddy work. I’m guessing if these gals were frustrated with my work, they would be leaving me alone. 😉

So, my question to freelancers/VAs is:

Are the people you’re providing services for kicking your butt?
If not, maybe you aren’t providing the kind of quality work that you should be.

And yes, Susanne, having a successful entrepreneur lend her name, time, website, reputation, and even content to a fledgling wannabe entrepreneur is absolutely PRICELESS! Thank you!

And yes, Nicole, being The Mom and receiving shout-outs here and elsewhere definitely feels good and produces wonderful results, too. Of course, having your ear doesn’t hurt, either! kiss kiss

Like I said earlier, business owners are typically warm fuzzy caring people. They understand the mindset of freelancers because they often came from the same place in life – wanting to provide a better life for themselves and their family. Everyone can respect that.

So, on that note, we should all be after the same thing – a good relationship.

Business owners want their work done well and on time.
Freelancers want to work on things they like with people they like, while learning how to make their own business grow.

Thanks Nik for this great topic as well as your honest appraisal. Thanks, too, to all the experts. As a freelancer/VA, it’s so good to hear the business owner’s side of the story.

Hi Tracy! It’s so nice to see your smilin’ face here. Good input, too. I hear ya and agree.

Providing quality work ON TIME is a challenge for sure, but is so crucial. And for VA’s and other freelancers it’s all about reputation. If someone continuously says “Yes, I can do that” then keeps missing the deadline, or provides shoddy work, there’s a disconnect going on.

And, yes, it’s also about motivation. We all need our ‘atta girls/boys’ don’t we. Beyond the kudos, it really is important to find out what drives someone to work hard.

And, yes, I agree with you Tracy. When a business owner is understanding and patient when ‘life happens’ to disrupt a VA’s schedule, it’s nice for sure. Most business owners are kind caring people who really feel for their workers. Heck, many business owners started out as freelancers themselves. So, when things happen, they really do understand and care.

I also agree that this can get a bit tedious for the business owner who keeps hearing how desperate their VA’s or freelancers are for money, but then how unable they are to meet a deadline. hmmm… I feel for those poor business owners who are left trying to juggle their own life and their own business now with a missed deadline.

Anyway, I just wanted to chime in to your comment, Tracy. It was fun to see you here. 😀

One thing I unfortunately don’t recommend anymore is trying to hire people you know UNLESS they have a proven track record in what you need done. We’ve all had the frustrating experience of trying to help someone by giving them work and getting that dialogue pretty much as Nicole spelled out – YES they want the work, YES they can do it, YES they just need a chance – and then it’s nothing but excuses or disappearing.

I learned to actually put a time on the deadline, as ‘afternoon’ to you may mean ‘early evening’ to someone else. If your work is time sensitive, be specific. That way there’s no debating whether it’s on time or not. Include your time zone 🙂

Also watch for undiscovered talents as you work with people. Some of my team have been able to move into editing, project management etc as I see they can do more than what I hired them to do. It’s so much easier than starting from scratch with someone unknown.

Becki

There is nothing wrong with creating passive income and in fact, it’s a smart thing to do. However, if I want payment for services provided, it’s probably a good thing to actually provide the service. Quality Work. On Time.

The fact of the matter is that most entrepreneurs aren’t making a passive income yet and need quick cash. They contract for work and then life gets in the way. Life happens to everyone….it’s how you manage things that matters.

If someone tells me they really need money and I give them a job to do and then when the deadline looms and still nothing….there’s a disconnect in what is truly important to that person. I’m guessing it really isn’t coming up with money to pay the mortgage, car, college, etc.

The tough thing to learn (and which Nicole does so well – she’s one that will take the time) is what will motivate the people you outsource to.

So, a question to my fellow service providers: Are you doing what you say you’ll do when you say you’ll do it?