In 2015 I started my self-employment journey. Currently I’m freelancing, but I have a bigger goal in mind. Until then I’m really focusing on earning more and saving for the future. You can click here to read about my retirement savings process here.
Recently I noticed that there has been a lot of chatter in the freelancing world about low paying clients. Their comments ranged from:
- Don’t bother with low pay
- Ask for what you’re worth
- I can’t believe that they want to pay me that!
It’s almost as if people forget that there is a ladder to climb in EVERY field regardless of previous experiences. I had several low paying clients this year when I started out freelancing and I loved them! You should love your low paying clients too and I will share five reasons to love your low paying clients!
Love The Low Pay
- Learning the Ropes-I was able to learn the ropes concerning the following as a contractor: communicating with clients, project development and how my role as a contractor fits into an organization. I tried to avoid making mistakes-but when I did it didn’t freak me out in the way that making mistakes with higher paying gigs would.
- Learning Opportunities-You may have more opportunities to learn in a smaller gig. You may be the first person to set up the logistics for the project that you’re working on. I learned how to edit podcasts because of a short-lived gig with a person who had a weekly podcast. I use those skills when editing my podcast Girl Gone Frugal.
- Experience the Client Life Cycle-There is a life cycle to a client relationship. First, you have to find the client, then you learn about the project, then you execute and work in the project, the project finishes…and you move on. Sometimes this can feel very jarring but it’s very important to see how you get through the first cycle of clients. If you find yourself having a hard time dealing with the client life cycle this is something that you need to think about before committing to a freelancing career. I’ve found that with the exception of money concerns, I’m always excited about the next project.
- Logistics-You learn how to invoice, ask for late payments, set up protocols, and your non-negotiables. You learn how to pay taxes, collaborate with a CPA and track your income and outflow. I now use Freshbooks for my invoicing because Paypal can bet a little expensive. I’m trying to transition completely to Freshbooks by January 2016. If you’re needing a simple accounting software for your business check out Freshbooks. Please note: this is an affiliate link and I may receive some compensation if you purchase a package through it.
- Let them go-You learn how to let clients go so that you can find clients that pay more. Letting clients go is a hard skill to learn. Recently, I found myself wanting to move on from some clients because I felt that the lifecycle of the projects I was working on had come to an end. I was literally about to put in my notice when the projects ended. I felt very good about the fact that I was able to recognize that the project wasn’t serving me well anymore-and that I wanted to make space to let better paying projects in. In fact, because of FinCon I had very exciting opportunities opportunities that paid more, I was excited about, and took less time. Freeing up that client time organically or not has enabled me to move forward with amazing opportunities and make more money. You also have to figure out a way to leave an organization in a positive way if at all possible while taking care of your needs.
When people talk about low paying clients I think that they have to remember that as freelancers there is a time and place for low paying clients. Typically, that time and place would be in the beginning of your freelancing career when you’re figuring things out. However, the time will come (and probably fairly quickly) when you feel comfortable enough to ask for and want MORE. More money, more responsibility, more challenges. Embrace those moments and go for it.
Low paying clients won’t last forever…unless you allow it…and I’m sure you won’t!
Have You Had Low Paying Clients?
How Did It Go? Advice?
How did I get into freelancing for myself? I started a blog, I changed my life, and imagined more for myself. It hasn’t been easy but I’m making it happen. If you’re interested in starting a blog check out my post on How To Start A Blog, Change Your Life, and Find Your Tribes. I use Bluehost and if you click on my affiliate link you can host your blog for $3.49 a month. See How You Can Set Up a WordPress Blog in 15 Minutes Please note: I may receive some compensation if you use purchase a package through this link.
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There is a time and a place for sure. At this point with video, I only take low paying gigs if there is a huge benefit in some other way. And make sure it’s a one time thing for that particular client. But yes if it’s a brand new skill I’m testing out I go lower as well.
You hit the nail on the head-there is a time and place for low paying gigs..just not forever! And people have to keep that in mind and be mindful about how they approach these gigs.
completely agree, there is time and place for every thing!!!
I am transitioning out of having really low paying clients to higher paying clients. I am very thankful for my lower paying clients-they provided the foundation for me to be able to build up towards higher paying clientele.
Yes! I started with low-paying clients to get experience and grow my resume. I learned a lot, but one thing you have to do is eventually let low paying clients go so you can earn more money.
I’ve just gone through a process where I’ve wrapped up projects with my lowest paying clients. I’m excited to see what new projects I will be able to put into the place of the old lower paying clients. I do appreciate all of the opportunities that I had because of those clients.
I had an early low-paying client who was very pleased with my work. The problem is she wanted to refer all of her associates and almost expected the same cut rate. What do you do in those situations? I eventually got so angry I burned the bridge and lost all of those referrals.
Hi Andrew! I was out of town for the past couple of weeks and didn’t get a chance to answer this comment. In a situation like this I would thank the client for referring me but let them know that my rates had changed since working with the client. I would then refer those new referrals to a friend or colleague who is working for those rates. Then, everyone is happy and you aren’t working for peanuts.
Well the rate was actually kind of foot-in-the-door low. The client knew better. She knew I would have a hard time breaching the social wall. It was all in all crazy. I let my emotions eat away at my rational behavior too. The result was a lose-lose. The client didn’t get to refer all her associates. I lost out on a good reference by burning the bridge.
Yikes! Well, I’m glad that you’ve learned the lesson and I’m sure it’s not going to happen again.