When you make the leap as a professional writer, it’s easy to see the big things as the stuff that holds you back. The amount you charge per piece is going to have a big impact relative to your personality. In every way, it makes sense because what you charge directly impacts your bottom line. The way you carry yourself affects your profit margins too. To quote Samuel L Jackson, personality goes a long way. Making small changes to your how you handle the public can be the difference between success and failure.

You can find ways to better how the public sees you, below.

Develop Organizational Skills

It may feel like a hobby still, but the reality is this freelance writing business is your main source of income. As a result, it’s crucial you treat it like you would any other job so others will see you as a professional. That means creating budgets and tracking expenses to ensure every penny you spend isn’t a waste. Act like a boss and others will, too.

Yes, taking control and promising to do better is one way to grab the bull by the horns. Try using a mobile app like Personal Capital reviews, Mint and Quicken,  can keep tabs on on accounts via a mobile device. So, all it takes is a single download.

Take Action

As a self-employed person, there will be times when clients fail to pay on time. Although it’s inevitable, it’s frustrating when it happens because they didn’t keep their end of the bargain. It’s worse when they drag their feet. Some companies and individuals do it because they are disorganized, yet others know they can get away with delaying. Don't lose your cool. That's a bad look and makes you seem unprofessional.

The only way these people get the message to pay is with solid action, such as threatening a lawsuit. Here's an example: 

Dear (Client),

It has come to my attention that you have failed to pay the balance of ($$$) for the work (name of article, etc.) completed on (date). I am informing you that you have no legal right to use the work until the balance is paid in full. If you refuse to pay the full amount by (deadline), I will be forced to take unpleasant measures. Step one will be to alert the Better Business Bureau. Step two will be to leave an unflattering review on Yelp of your business. Step three will be to contact my lawyer.

I am awaiting payment.

(Provide payment details here, such as your address or PayPal info.)

Thank you for your prompt payment,

(Name)

Figure Out Relative Savings

You spend time figuring out what printer ink to buy and how to save a small amount on business cards, but the big things you ignore. Remember that saving 5% on $1,000 isn’t the same as saving 5% on $500. Airline tickets are a prime example.

Understand the need to cut back on the big things and let the little stuff slide is a lifestyle change that is pretty straightforward and can make your seem more control in your business. All you need to do is to single out the large, expensive items and do your research. 

Understand the Need For Quality

Some things are too good to pass up on as a writer. Take your laptop as an illustration. You may have spent time trying to slash the final cost to save money, but it will it help in the long-term? A device which constantly breaks down only adds to the expenses column as it needs repairing and you lose earnings. Constantly missing deadlines because of faulty equipment makes you look cheap and flakey to clients, too. Even though the initial price is high, it’s better to splash out a little extra cash now for quality to make more money in the future.

How does your lifestyle impact your career salary?