What do you do with prospects who want to give you work — but don’t want to stick to your compensation terms?
Instead, they want to pay you with an equity stake in their company or a percentage of their profits, along with promises of future work.
I’ve rarely seen this type of arrangement work out for the writer.
So what should you do instead?
The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe in iTunes to get this show delivered straight to the Podcasts app on your smart phone, tablet or iPod.
In this kind of situation, you can either walk away.
Or you can offer to work with them on a consulting basis.
And the consulting project would be to develop a content roadmap for them.
After all, most of these businesses are startups. What they need most is not the content itself — but the strategy that should drive it.
You could develop this roadmap at a lower cost than a lengthy and complicated piece of content (such as a white paper) and still make a profit, especially if you productize the process.
However, this approach works best when there’s a decent probability that the roadmapping engagement will lead to future projects where you help them execute on the strategy you developed.
So if you don’t think the roadmapping engagement will lead to something bigger, then you may want to pass.
But if the business is well funded and just being cautious, then roadmapping can be a great way for them to dip their toe in the water.
It also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate what you bring to the table and positions you execute on the roadmap when they’re ready.
Aside from this kind of scenario, agreeing to get paid by an equity stake or percentage of profits is not a good idea.
You’re better off pursuing other prospects that are well funded and willing to pay your fees.
Plus … whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Grab a free copy of my book for ESTABLISHED writers/copywriters.
You’ll discover how to quickly and predictably reawaken dead leads, generate new client opportunities and convert not-yet-ready prospects into freelance writing clients. — Click Here
2. Download a free copy of my new book for writers who are NEW to freelancing.
I’ll show you the 3 things you need to do to get your business off the ground safely and land your first paying client faster. — Click Here
3. Join my implementation program and be a case study.
I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’d like to work with me to grow your income quickly with better clients (and become one of my new success stories). Just email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Case Study” in the subject line.
4. Work with me privately.
If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com … put “Breakthrough” in the subject line and I’ll get back to you with more details.
