Expert: Don Wood - 9/11/2004

Question
I want to pursue my dream, so I start my own design service, I enjoy doing design work, but connect with right clients is very hard.  Most of people do not respect my design work, no matter what I say, they only concern about price, some people cheated me, some ignored me.  I only have few pleasant experience, the rest are all nightmares.  I spend lots of time and energy search for clients, extra long meeting, study, research… the rewards is so little.  I am a sensitive person, I cannot be super sales.  

After few months of working alone, I totally lose energy, I think about working for company again, the life is much simple there.   

What is wrong when I work for myself? I believe I always think positive. Can you analyze me and give me direction?


Answer
You have a very difficult job. This is the real world. There are people who are only concerned with cost, some are slow payers, there are few people who would give pleasant experiences. This is why when you are in a business, that you create the paperwork, contracts, professional billing that will cover you in the event that they try to cheat you. If it is in writing what you will do for them and they have signed a contract for that service, no court will allow them to try to cheat you. Of course, if the level of service you're providing is not equal to what your contract states then they have the grounds to avoid paying. I contract all my big-ticket services so that if they try to insist I do something that I have not contracted for I have a basis for refusing unless the client understands that this is an extra-cost service which should be compensated properly.
It is difficult to work for yourself, even harder if you are the only source of income for your personal expenses. It helps if you have someone who pays your rent, provides the meals, etc while you're building your business. In any year, of 10 photographers who attempt to start a studio or a business with a camera.8-9 will not last the year, 1-2 will hang on an extra year. Possibly one will last for 5 years, you can see that it is very difficult to start a business. I call it, paying your dues, meaning gaining the business experience you will need to succeed. Being good is not enough, you must manage your business to succeed. I wish you well in your drive to succeed. Good luck.
Don