Patience in Payment

Steady jobs provide steady income.  Every 2 weeks or the 15th and 30th of every month, a check arrives.  You can plan and budget pretty easily.  Let's be honest, a freelancers payment lifestyle is not that easy.  It can be one of the drawbacks to the freelance lifestyle, but it doesn't have to be. 

In many cases, freelance jobs will take at least 30 and up to 90 days before you receive payment.  With the average time probably being around 60 days. 

Here's a hypothetical example (note: both the product & company are not real).   The Corporate office of Sassy Sauce has hired a promotional company, Can Do Promotions, to execute events all over the country.  Can Do Promotions, has hired you as a Brand Ambassador in your City.  You work a promotion for Sassy Sauce . After the event, you submit a time sheet to Can Do Promotions, who then sends an invoice to Sassy Sauce.  Once everything has gone through the chain of command in pay roll, Sassy Sauce sends a check to Can Do Promotions, who then sends a check to you!

Since there are so may companies to go through, the process will take some time.  That's why I highly encourage a reserve fund and creating a steady flow of jobs.  Once you get going, there is a cycle.  As long as you are working, you are giving yourself a pay check down the road.  You receive a check today for a job you work 60 days ago, but to you are working a job today you will be paid for in 60 days.  The more jobs and multiple streams of incomes you create, the better off you will be in between paychecks!

So, don't worry if it's been 30 days and you haven't seen the payment yet.  Maybe send a gentle email reminder, but usually, the company you worked with is waiting to get paid as well.  The more you understand the process, the better you can prepare and plan your finances.

Repeat Clients

One of the best ways to make Random Day Job work is to find repeat clients.  Last Friday, Dresscode Clothing received another shipment that needed to be posted to their website.  Lucky for me, they called me again (twice in 2 weeks) to model the new T-shirts.  Afterward, the owner said he would give me a call when the next shipment arrived.  What a great gig!

Why do you want Repeat Clients?  Ideally, the core of any business should include repeat clients where jobs are completed on a weekly, monthly or random basis. Think about it, repeat clients require very little marketing and know exactly what to expect from you because they have hired you before.  Plus, repeat clients can provide a steady flow of income, which is a very good thing for a self-employed freelancer like myself!

How to Create or Keep Repeat Clients.  Obviously, if a client is unhappy the first time, there will not be a next time to work for them.  So, here are a few things to remember:

1. Be On-Time (or even a few minutes early).  If the job takes place on location, don't be late.  Tardiness is a form a disrespect and clients don't appreciate it.  If you are completing a job online, submit the final project by the deadline (if not early).
2. Have a Fantastic Attitude - You are more likely to get hired again if you have a great attitude.  Naturally, people want to work with people who are friendly, respectful and easy to be around.
3. Do what is asked of you - Did you complete all necessary paperwork?  Did you follow the company rules, guidelines and procedures?  Are you wearing the appropriate attire?  Are you familiar with the talking points?  Have you turned in your time sheet or invoice?  Whatever the client expects, have you accurately completed the task?
4. Say Thank-you - Always let your clients know that you appreciate the work.  Also, don't be afraid to let them know it would be a pleasure to work for them again!

I'm flattered to have Dresscode Clothing as a repeat client and I hope to add more repeat clients to my Random Day Job list.  Actually, I have another repeat client starting this week, but more on that later!

***Want more Dress Code?  Click here***

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Results!!

Congratulations, JESSICA!!! 

You are the winner of the Amazon Gift Card Giveaway with Random Day Job!  Hope you are able to buy some books for your classroom or yourself!! I have emailed you the gift card, so let me know if you have any problems.

Thanks so much for everyone who entered!! 

The Promotion Chronicals

Attention all Brand Ambassadors, Promotional Models and anyone looking to learn more about promotional work!!  My friend Kaiti started a one stop shop blog called The Promotion Chronicals. 

The blog is a fantastic resource for promotional models - how to start, avoiding scams, what to wear and much, much more!!  Make sure to check it out.

Kaiti and I have worked several promotions together including Chegg, ZizZazz and  The Stealth Engage Tour!

Do you know of any good promotional blogs?  I would love to hear about them!

Check Out Cat 'n Mouse Promotions!

Cat 'n Mouse Promotions is an independently owned promotional company in Southern California.  Expect to see fantastic results with an extremely reasonable price!  (Note: Brand Ambassadors, they pay REALLY fast :)

I had the pleasure of working for Cat 'n Mouse on the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism job last month.  If you missed the action, check it out here, here and here.  Today, Cat 'n Mouse was kind enough to feature me and Random Day Job on their website and facebook page!

Let Cat 'n Mouse get the word out!!  Send them some love and "like" their facebook page!!

2 More Casting Websites

Looking for auditions?  Try these two:

Backstage - Search by category (union, non-union, etc.) and east coast, west coast or by state.  Inside Tip - The website gives you basic info, but charges a monthly fee to see the entire breakdown.  I've been able to google almost every audition I was interested in and figure out where to email/submit my information.

Reality Wanted - Ever wanted to appear on Reality TV?  Reality Wanted is the place for you!  It's actually hilarious to browse through the postings.  There are some crazy shows out there!  You will need to set up a profile, but it's free.  Have fun :)

***For more casting websites, click here and here***

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

It's time for another Random Day Job Giveaway!!!  Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

PRIZE: $25 Amazon Gift Card

TO ENTER:  Leave one Comment (1 entry)

Extra Points - "Like" Random Day Job Facebook Page (2 entries) and/or Subscribe to Random Day Job Blog or Emails (2 entries)

BONUS QUESTION: What do you need from Amazon.com?

GIVEAWAY ENDS: Monday, March 28th (Noon EST)

ADDITIONAL INFO: Winner will be selected through Random.org

GOOD LUCK!!!