Why I Don't Want to Work for You

I’m sure you’re a great boss and your company is awesome. Maybe you have free coffee or even offer free lunch on Fridays. That’s great. 

I just don’t want to work for you. Why? 

I’d rather work WITH you. 

Not as in my name is on your business documents but as in I’m your email and/or website copywriter. The person you consult with and trust to handle that part of your business. You still have the final say, but I do all the work. 

How can we know if this partnership will work? Here are 3 areas that top my list to know if you're someone I want to work with (or continue to). 

How you communicate
Something that took me a while to figure out is finding business owners who had a clear way to communicate, made their boundaries known, and respected mine. What do I mean by that? My working hours are 9AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday and Fridays are 9AM to 1PM. I don’t answer emails, phone calls, or text messages after business hours unless it would be a true emergency (i.e. something going to print, post, send, etc within the next hour). I communicate best by email or text but will get on a phone call if necessary. How does your communication style and boundaries line up with mine?

You don’t provide me with what I need
Before I start working, I ask for 2 things from you: fill out my Briefing Questionnaire and send out 3-5 emails for Voice of Customer research (I provide a template that you copy and paste). I may also ask for your logo in a .jpg and .png file and any other photos or images you have rights to that you want to use. I can’t start most of my work until these items are done. It’s no different than if you don’t have the right part or equipment to do the job - it has to wait until you do. I do create a shared Google Folder so you know exactly where it needs to go and where to go for all that I create for you as well. 

You don’t provide constructive feedback
Telling me “I don’t like this” is not helpful when it comes to reviewing my copy. I only offer 2 rounds of edits so we don’t waste time with a lot of back and forth. To save many rounds of edits (and additional charges), I’d prefer to hear about: 

• Things or areas that don’t feel on-brand (with highlights of the specific areas)
• Facts/informations/messages that aren’t correct/accurate
• Anything that could put you in legal hot water

Remember, as much as this is your business’s project, this isn’t for you - it’s for your customers and others who are interested in your small business. I’m writing with THEM in mind because it’s about giving them the right information and communicating in a way they like. That’s why I do the Voice of Customer research I mentioned - so I get it straight from the horse’s mouth. And don’t worry, I offer enough time for you to review and make any notes.  

Success doesn’t have “i” in it, but you also can’t spell it without “us”. As good of a copywriter as I consider myself, I can’t be successful if the client I’m working with doesn’t have at least have a basic understanding of these 3 points. These don’t just apply to me but any other freelancer, contractor, or business owner you work with. Think of the age old saying “treat others how you want to me treated.” 

If you found yourself nodding along while reading this, and you’re ready to do more in your marketing efforts, take the next step and reach out!