Thicken that skin!! Some advice to live by.

So, right now I am putting some quotes together for freelance work. Some of it is worth the time, most isn't.
When you run your own business from home, disappointment comes a lot at first.
Case in point,
I shot a couple videos. One was for a party, the other was a live shoot and edit for a stage event.
Both promised good money and I busted my buns over it. Neither paid. In fact the two staging companies I dealt with denied everything and just laughed at me when I threatened collections.
Why? It's not a lot of money and they would rather take the chance of me calling collections (which would end up costing me more in the end) then pay me the paltry cash they promised. to save a couple bucks, I'm the poor stooge that get's screwed over.

A lot of people would have given up. I know many who have. I've only technically been self employed for 3 months now, and it is a tough business.

I went through something similar with my TV show. I learned a lot from that one experience but there is still much to learn about these little, more annoying events.

A lot of freelance producers, editors, graphics guys, make their cash with one offs, small, quick, easy projects.
These tend to take up a lot of time, and rarely pay well, but they cover the bills and the way time between larger projects.
In my last blog, I said that most of what you do is leg work, this is no different. I have spent more time trying to get paid than I did actually doing the work in the first place!
Think I'm alone in this? I'm sure many of you face similar dilemmas.

Do I hate it? Sure. Does it scare me off of what I do? Nope. it just thickens my skin.

In any business, you have to be willing to take chances. Should I buy that new clothing line? Do I offer a discount on something in the hopes it leads to more work later on? Should I invest in new equipment or wait for the next project to pay for it?
Everything you do is risk. There are bigger rewards with risk, but you need to be willing to not falter when disappointment hits.
If you are good and patient, the money comes. In the meantime, learn more and educate yourself about what and how you go about business.

So, I will impart what I've learned.

1) Ask for a percentage up front. If they are legit and have the budget, this is not a problem.
Especially if you are going to be doing more work for them in the future. This establishes a line of credit with the client. They now owe you a percentage than, let's say a whole bill.

2) Don't be afraid to ask for more. Negotiation is about give and take. If they are serious and professional, they will negotiate. Aim high go medium. They will try and lo ball, or even use emotion and sound stressed out. Don't let it get under your skin. It is business and everyone want's to save or make a buck. You are no different so being nice gets you no where.

3) An asshole you are not, but one they must fear. Cold, calculating and lack of information will ensure they respect you. (Tell them as little about you and your practices as possible unless you can build a relationship with them) A handshake and a smile are nice, but a well written invoice with proper information and follow up will guarantee respect.

4) Don't stop calling. They may not like it that you knock on their door or call at 2 in the morning or slash their tires (I'm not advocating slashed tires folks)
They have your money, and you did services for them. You're work is your whore and you are the pimp, so show your pimp hand and collect!

5) Do not be afraid. All of this can not happen if you have fear. This is business. It is THEIR problem if they treat it personal. Don't you do the same.
If they owe you money, you need to get it. Rules of Aquisitions say

109. Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack.

If you deliver a product, you need to get paid. If they whine about this and that or some nonsense about friendship and loyalty (what happened to me on that TV show) just shake your head and wave your hand. Say no. This is how it has to be.

6) No good deed goes unpunished. You run a business, not a charity. Trying to cut people slack for sob stories only hurts you. You lose money and respect.

and above all, number seven,

Thicken that skin!

Yes, much of this sounds callous and jaded, but this is business! This does not reflect the totality of business, just a preparation for when people will actively try and screw with you.

To have everything you want, you have to be willing to sacrifice everything you have. You also have to be willing to put yourself out there, and suffer those consequences as well.
DO not be afraid!! Confidence and honesty, mixed with determination and a lack of fear will bring you great reward.

THICKEN THAT SKIN!

My next blog will talk about the importance of forming relationships and how to be confident in your choices.

Cheers.