Andy Strote Andy Strote

How to Ask For More Money if the Project Changes

Imagine you’re working on a $50,000 project, and part way through it, the client asks you to do additional work that they were going to provide.

You do the extra work, but don’t ask for more money. The job is done, it’s a huge success, everyone is happy.

Except when you review the project, you realize you should have asked for more.

Could you ask for more now that it’s over? Here’s what I advised…

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Bad Time For Freelancers? Here’s How To Make It Better

It’s easy to get caught up in bad news, especially if your freelance business is slowing down.

But that can lead to a spiral of despair. Here’s how to turn that around and get you and your business going again.

The trick? Ignore the things you can’t control and get to work on what you can.

It seems simple but it’s not easy. Here’s how…

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

The Power of Relationships for Freelancers

Successful freelancers use strong relationships to get ongoing business from existing clients and referrals to new clients.

Building strong relationships is much easier than constant hustling. Relationships were the foundation of my successful freelance career and both of my agencies.

Relationships can do the same for you. Learn how…

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Freelancer Coaching And Tips for Beginners

Answering questions about freelancing while you have a full-time job, how to raise your rates if you’re billing by the hour, and how to find new clients.

These are practical answers based on real-life experience. You’ll also read what doesn’t work.

And if you want more, there are direct links to stores where you can buy one of my books.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Lessons For Us From a Wall Street Legend

Wall Street legend Byron Wein passed away a few years ago at age 90. Among other things, he was famous for his Life Lessons list.

Let’s look at a few of those lessons and see how freelancers and small agency owners could adapt them.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Stop Thinking, Start Doing

Too many people spend too much time “thinking about it” rather than taking action.

The longer you think, the less confidence you’ll have to move forward.

What’s the solution? Think a while, then take massive action, one step at a time. The reality is that most actions are easy to reverse, so there’s no real risk. Get on with it!

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Your Estimates Should Quantify All Deliverables

In your estimates, include:

  • How many words

  • How many layout versions of how many pages

  • How many rough options

  • How many revisions

 When you quote a job, do your clients know precisely what you’ll deliver? They should know ahead of time.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Looking for New Clients? Turn to Your Network First

Even if you hate the word networking, you have a network. And, in fact, you are in other people’s networks too.

But many freelancers don’t know what to do with their network. Turning your network into a source of leads is easier than you think.

But it does take a bit of work. Here’s how to do it, and where to start.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Freelancing Getting Harder? Try This…

Is your freelancing business getting harder? Is work slowing down? Are you losing enthusiasm for freelancing?

Maybe it’s time for a reset. A fresh start. Time to reboot the business.

Nothing like a clean sheet to figure out where you want to go and how to get there.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Refresh Your New Business Pitch—5 Ways

Is your freelance business slowing down? Take the initiative to refresh your new business pitch.

You could revise your portfolio, add case studies to your website, reach out to old clients, team up with colleagues to offer full services, and let potential clients know you have availability on social media.

Want to talk about it? Free consultations are available.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

When Will You Be Ready to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Job?

I think every copywriter, designer, or developer working full-time should have a side hustle, in other words, some freelance work.

Then, build the freelance until you’re ready to make it your full-time job.

But how will you know when to make the jump? Here’s everything you need to know about making the transition from full-time to freelance.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Find Clients With Money to Spend On Your Services

That means if you’re a copywriter, they have a budget for copywriting.

If you’re a designer, they have a budget for design.

Too many freelancers get stuck with clients that don’t have real budgets. Often, they’re smaller clients who realize they need some writing, design, or development work done, but they haven’t planned for it.

Here’s how to find the right clients for you.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Freelancers: Are Your Questions Killing Your Billing?

Look at these two questions and spot the difference:

“Would you like a coffee?’

Versus:

“I’m having a coffee. Would you like one too?”

One of these questions will get you to a “yes” faster. It uses a technique called the presumptive close.

Learn how to use the presumptive close to grow your business.

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Andy Strote Andy Strote

Define Your Offer. What Do You Do For Whom?

Define your offer so that prospective clients understand what you can do for them.

There are many ways to do this. Pick one that works for you. This is your “elevator pitch”.

It may take some time to put it into simple language. You should be able to do it in one concise sentence. Work on it until you get it there.

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