Comments for Self Employed Central

Comment on Question of the Week: Would You Ever Take a Full-Time Job Again? by Kathy Shattler

Kathy Shattler — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:16:46 +0000

My only problem right now is getting myself marketed into a new area, the area of internet counseling and writing. Since I quit my internet job in October of 2010, it has been difficult picking up new contracts. But, I love managing my own time and absolutely hate the idea of being at the mercy of another corporation. I was in the corporate world for 13 years before going to work online as a consultant. I now have over twenty years under my belt and a world’s worth of work experience to fall back on.

Comment on Question of the Week: Would You Ever Take a Full-Time Job Again? by Mark Fairless

Mark Fairless — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:15:36 +0000

Not a chance. After working for others for close to 30 years, self employment is the best! It allows time freedom, choice in where to live, and I can FINALLY work to create my own wealth. In my previous job as a CFO, I worked to fatten the pay of others, now my efforts go toward increasing my own pay, my own retirement, etc. And, in the business I’m in, because it’s new and growing very quickly, the success stories of others retiring and gaining new wealth are very exciting to watch. I’ve never had this much fun in my work life.

Comment on Question of the Week: Would You Ever Take a Full-Time Job Again? by Dan & Barb Shock LeMire

Dan & Barb Shock LeMire — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:14:59 +0000

I have been self employed for 16 years and wouldn’t have it any other way. The trade off would be giving 40+ hours of my week to helping someone else reach their goals and for those 40+ hours I get a paycheck. I prefer to “Build MY Dreams, not work a job to build THEIRS”

Comment on Question of the Week: Would You Ever Take a Full-Time Job Again? by Stuart Clarkson

Stuart Clarkson — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:10:35 +0000

Having worked more than 20 years as self-employed I see no one offering me a job, especially at the tender age of 69. I still do translation (Dutch or French to English) and sort out network problems, as well as being grounds man at the local soccer club.

Comment on Featured Professional: Richard Shergold by Diane Aksten

Diane Aksten — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:19:27 +0000

Richard: What a wonderful piece on you!! Your passion for your business and helping others succeed definitely came through in this article and I wish you much success in your business!

Comment on Featured Professional: Margaret Griffin by Margaret Griffin – Featured as a Self Employed Professional! « alaskaskincare

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:50:38 +0000

[...] http://www.selfemployedcentral.com/2011/06/29/self-employe-professional-margaret-griffin/ [...]

Comment on Question of the Week: What Do You Do About Clients That Don’t Pay? by Old Nikko

Old Nikko — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:07:43 +0000

I’m pretty hard-line when it comes to collecting what’s owed. Because I am, I don’t have many accounts go bad.

First, it’s hard to get credit with me. First few orders are 50/50. 50% deposit, balance on delivery – and cash/company check only. Next few orders are cash on delivery (COD).

When they have developed into a qualified account, I invoice ‘2 in 10′ for those that have qualified for a credit account, ‘net 30′.

Dealing with delinquency:
After 10 days delinquent, 1st notice and a gentle reminder that service may be terminated.
After 20 days, 2nd notice and a somewhat stronger warning about pending termination.
After 30 days, final notice and STRONG warning that any and all services AND accounts will be terminated in 10 days if invoice remains unpaid.
NB: All notices come with an insistence that they contact me to make payment arrangements.

And stick to it!
Close the account and send notice of coming collection agency action.
If no payment within 10-30 days (depending upon if they contacted me or not), notify them of a pending lawsuit for non-payment. (Depending on the amount, I try to use small claims court filings first. Getting served with court papers usually scares heck out of almost all of the bad account holders, and most times leads to at least a partial payment right away, and terms for the balance. That’s the winning hand as I play it.)

BTW: If you make one exception, you will prove that your word is not your bond.
Keep your reputation because it’s one of the most valuable things you have going for you.
Clearly state your policies up-front, in writing, before credit is granted… then enforce them if need be.

Comment on The (Unreasonable) Expectations of a Work-at-Home Professional by Karen Mousseau

Karen Mousseau — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:26:12 +0000

I have two websites, so I left them out… Loved the articular above as it rings true for me as well.

Thanks,
Karen

Comment on How Your Freelance Business Is Like The Deadliest Catch by Jose Arenado

Jose Arenado — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:04:31 +0000

Thanks for the love Karin!

Comment on Question of the Week: Should Freelancers Work for Free? by karinabilich

karinabilich — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:13:05 +0000

I happen to agree with you, James. Unless they specifically negotiated for shares in the company, they aren’t legally owed anything. They agreed to write for free, and that’s what they did. They can’t change the rules now. But I’m curious … does anyone agree with the writers here? I’d love to hear that side of the argument…