Who’s the Boss?

Adrienne Barnes
Jul 20, 2017 · 2 min read
Photo by Benjamin Child

In the freelance writing world you come across a lot of people faking it. At first glance, you can’t really tell if they have actually “made it” or if they simply are telling you they “made it”.

Recently, I pitched a client on one of those freelance job boards (yes, I know. Not ideal, but you do what you have to do) I received an email with a list of questions about marketing and blogging. I assumed these questions were to test my knowledge on the subject (even though the answers are right there on google) but I answered them anyways to show that I’m not a complete idiot when it comes to this gig.

I then received a follow up email with more questions. Questions pertaining to how to run the business like:

“Do you speak to the client? Or do I?”

“Do you need a word count for a blog? Or will you give me the word count?”

Oh jeez, (major eye roll) this person has no idea what they’re doing. They are claiming to run a “big time marketing agency” and yet don’t have these types of guidelines in place??? Give me a break. You just told on yourself.

What it comes down to authenticity you can not fake knowledge and experience! You can’t. Stop trying! You are making yourself look ridiculous.

We are all so tired of it.

Needless to say, I got a little snarky on the second response, and I haven’t heard back. Which is fine. I’m not going to bust my butt for someone that has nothing to offer me in exchange.

)

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