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<p>Many women have to consider how to take maternity leave while being self-employed moms. Typically, only full-time workers receive paid family leave. This means a number of women are left navigating the unique territory of self-employed maternity leave. This could require careful planning, saving money in advance, and doing extra work in the months before baby arrives. </p>



<p>Maternity leave for freelancers and self-employed women can be complicated. There may not be anyone to hand off the responsibilities of the work or business, and there are no employer resources to tap into. There could even be a sense of isolation in trying to manage the maternity leave situation on their own or having the pressure of their business success fall on their shoulders alone. Moms-to-be must figure out ways in which they can take maternity leave without it impacting their business negatively and, at the same time, ensuring they can bond with their babies.</p>



<p>If you’re an independent contractor or run your own business and need to take maternity leave, we’ll dive into some tips to help. Gather maternity leave planning ideas to set yourself up for success—both in your business and personal life—during this monumental time.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-your-own-maternity-leave-plan-nbsp">Create Your Own Maternity Leave Plan&nbsp;</h2>



<p>When freelance journalist and content marketing writer <a href="https://www.alexandra-frost.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Frost</a> found out she was pregnant, she was well-prepared to take maternity leave. After all, she already had four children under the age of eight, so she had years’ worth of experience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As soon as she found out she was pregnant with her fifth child, she started saving money. “I did the math to determine how much I’d need to save monthly to take time off, and put aside money every month,” she says. “I also took on additional work to help save more during pregnancy.”</p>



<p>After giving birth, Frost <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-delegate/">passed on some of her responsibilities</a> to her assistant, which included helping with emails, invoicing, and research projects. She also put up an out-of-office message giving specific directions to editors, publicists, and new potential clients so they knew what steps to take in her absence.</p>



<p>Although it isn’t easy, doing some advance planning and creating even a simple plan that works for your situation can go a long way. This will help to ensure you have a self-employed maternity leave plan that you can feel good about. To create a successful plan, consider including: </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Financial planning, personally and for your business&nbsp;</li>



<li>Timeframes of when you will be working and when you will be taking maternity leave&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ways to prepare and protect your business or freelance work&nbsp; (which could include things like automations or hiring temporary help)</li>



<li>Communication with clients or customers</li>



<li>A support network and self-care plan for yourself&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>Remember, it’s your maternity leave plan, so you can get as creative and flexible as you want or need to for your particular situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Quick Tip: Consider talking to other freelance and self-employed moms in your industry to find out how they navigated their situations, too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-save-up-money">Save Up Money</h2>



<p>Once they find out they are pregnant, some freelancers—like Frost—start putting money aside and taking on extra clients during their pregnancy to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-create-a-budget/">build up their savings accounts</a> as much as possible.</p>



<p>According to Gina Knox, CEO and financial coach at Gina Knox Coaching, there is no set amount freelancers should save. However, she says it’s important to make sure you can cover your expenses.</p>



<p>“Can you save or invest so you have three months’—or how many months you want to take—worth of those expenses [covered]?” she says. “This would help you to take that maternity leave without stress.”</p>



<p>If you’re self-employed, consider budgeting apps like <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ynab/id1010865877" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YNAB</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rocket-money-bills-budgets/id1130616675" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocket Money</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goodbudget-budget-planner/id471112395" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goodbudget</a>, or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorns-invest-for-your-future/id883324671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acorns</a> to help you get your personal and professional accounts in order before you take your maternity leave as a freelancer.&nbsp; Apps like these can help you practice new money habits that you can use during your pregnancy, as well as adapt them to a post-pregnancy work life.</p>



<p>Through these changes, it’s also important to try and keep your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/a-day-in-the-life-as-a-freelancer/">day-to-day freelance budget fundamentals</a> in place to help you make money and save money.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-look-into-government-resources">Look Into Government Resources</h2>



<p>California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington are among the states <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-state-of-paid-family-and-medical-leave-in-the-u-s-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that offer a form of paid family or maternity leave</a> for self-employed workers.</p>



<p>Knox urges freelancers to research state programs before they decide to start trying for a baby as programs can vary from state to state or may not be available depending on which state you live in.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Make sure you are paying into the government-assisted short-term disability,” she says. “This is not something you can start when you are pregnant, but need to have thought through prior.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-up-a-stream-of-passive-income">Set Up a Stream of Passive Income</h2>



<p>Mariah Althoff, a six-figure freelancer turned graphic design mentor, didn’t want to halt her business completely while she was on maternity leave for five months. So, she established a plan: She’d automatically earn money while she was out of the office by doing affiliate marketing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Althoff participated in an affiliate program for a peer’s online course and made sure to schedule all the emails she needed to send and social media posts she had to put up well in advance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When I was on leave, I could make affiliate sales without lifting a finger,” she explains.</p>



<p>Affiliate marketing is one of many options for passive income that you can try to set up before you take maternity leave to bring in extra cash during your break. Self-employed workers can also develop digital products, videos or courses that users can access while they’re on their self-employed maternity leave. You can also self-publish books, manuals and other materials that can earn your royalties on a per-sale basis while you take time off.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complete-work-in-advance">Complete Work in Advance</h2>



<p>If you’re on retainer with a client, then you can complete work that’s due when you’re on maternity leave while you’re still pregnant. That’s what Kayla Sloan, a freelance virtual assistant, did when she was out of the office for months at a time, taking care of her two children.</p>



<p>“I worked ahead as much as possible and filmed a lot of training videos to help [my clients] or other team members be able to cover my tasks and duties while I was out of the office,” she says. “My clients were happy to continue paying my regular monthly retainer during my maternity leave, especially since I put in extra work ahead of time before leaving the office.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Anticipating your clients’ needs while you’re gone can help you develop a plan now so they’re well prepared for you to take time off later.</p>



<p>Think about unique ways you can front-load work now that will continue to be helpful to a client while you take some time off. You may be able to build a content calendar or project management calendar that will cover your time off, or develop graphics and other content that can easily be published by your client during your maternity leave.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communicate-with-your-clients">Communicate With Your Clients</h2>



<p>Above all, you must be transparent with your clients about what’s going on. Don’t wait until the last minute to tell them you’ll be out on parental leave; instead, let them know as soon as you can.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Communicate well and early so both your expectations and the clients’ expectations are known and understood in terms of work duties and finances/contract terms and payments,” Sloan says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Frost urges her fellow independent contractors to keep the line of communication open as well.</p>



<p>“Clients are typically more understanding and accommodating than you think they’ll be if you are open and communicative from the start,” she says. “For example, I interviewed with and secured two new clients during my final weeks of pregnancy, because they were the right fit for me, and was super upfront about my pregnancy and time off.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-help-and-support-while-on-maternity-leave">Find Help and Support While on Maternity Leave</h2>



<p>Consider <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/hiring-virtual-assistants/">hiring an assistant</a> or asking another freelancer to cover for you while you’re on maternity leave. Frost has an assistant to handle communications and manage invoices during her absence. She also passes some of her work over to friends in her industry.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I have used my journalist friend during this leave and the last to help support any editors who needed a writer in my absence,” she says. “This agreement went well both times because I could trust my friend to ‘give back’ my clients on my return and also to do a great job if needed when I was out.”</p>



<p>When preparing for maternity leave while self-employed, remember that it’s not productive to worry. Instead, plan ahead as much as you can and focus on what matters most during this time: taking care of your newborn as well as yourself.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The work will be there <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-companies-can-support-moms-in-and-returning-to-the-workplace/">when you get back</a>,” Frost adds. “Anyone who is not wasn’t worth keeping anyway.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-mistakes-to-avoid-before-taking-maternity-leave">Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Taking Maternity Leave</h2>



<p>It can be hard to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/tips-harmony-in-life-work/">juggle professional and personal responsibilities</a> when you’re trying to figure out maternity leave for work and getting ready for a new baby at home. So, before you take time off, set yourself up for success by avoiding common mistakes if you’re self-employed on maternity leave.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-setting-clear-expectations-with-clients">Not Setting Clear Expectations With Clients</h3>



<p>It’s a good idea to set expectations with clients so they know when you’ll be back to work, and then try your best to stick to that return date. It can be tempting to push it back with a new baby, but delaying your return could cause you to lose business or additional work.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-having-enough-of-a-financial-cushion-nbsp">Not Having Enough of a Financial Cushion&nbsp;</h3>



<p>You should also consider saving more money than you need to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-it-takes-to-financially-prepare-for-a-child/">financially prepare for a child</a> and circumstances that arise while on self-employed maternity leave. This can be beneficial in the event of unexpected changes, such as a client dropping you rather than waiting out your time off on maternity leave or having your baby arrive early and needing your savings sooner. Hospital and medical bills surrounding the birth could also be higher than you anticipate or require additional costs due to complications during the birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-allowing-for-flexibility-and-changes">Not Allowing for Flexibility and Changes</h3>



<p>If anything is certain, it’s that life doesn’t always go as planned. That’s why it’s critical to build in some wiggle room into your carefully laid maternity leave plans. Add <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-five-hour-club-and-the-future-of-flexible-work/">some flexibility to your schedule</a> as you transition from being a self-employed worker to a self-employed worker with kids to establish a good work-life balance. This might mean pivoting when it comes to the way you do business, changing some of your processes or strategies or prioritizing things differently. This might also mean drawing on your support networks even when you are normally the one who does it all.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-a-plan-for-transitioning-back-to-work">Have a Plan for Transitioning Back to Work</h2>



<p>Part of the beauty of being your own boss is having flexibility and working within your own timeframes. Consider when you would like to transition back to your freelance work or business, and put things in place to help with the transition. For example, you might start off with reduced hours or a reduced client load in the first couple of months back. You might plan to do fewer in-person meetings and more Zoom calls that you can squeeze in during your baby’s naptime. You may need part-time care for your little one or to plan a care schedule with your partner. Having a baby means a major change, and it might not mean jumping back into work as usual as soon as maternity leave is over.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Take some time to consider your capacity and resources. This will help you create a post-maternity leave plan that will help you feel prepared and less stressed when it does come time to get back to business.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-ready-for-maternity-leave-and-returning-from-maternity-leave">Get Ready for Maternity Leave—and Returning From Maternity Leave</h2>



<p>There aren’t enough words to express the joy of a new baby. Be prepared with a solid maternity leave plan so you can make your time with your little one as stress-free and beautiful as possible. Enjoy time as a new mom while you put your self-employed professional life on the back burner for a short time.</p>



<p>Remember that maternity leave for contractors and freelancers can look different for everyone. Take some time to find things that best fit your unique circumstances so you can make your self-employed maternity leave work for you.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article was updated May 2025.</em> <em>Photo by GaudiLab/Shutterstock</em></p>

Jenny Cohen

Learn how to manage maternity leave while self-employed, balancing your business with the demands of motherhood in a way that works for you.

Learn how to manage maternity leave while self-employed, balancing your business with the demands of motherhood in a way that works for you. | SUCCESS

How to Navigate Maternity Leave If You’re Self-Employed or a Freelancer

Maternity Leave: A Guide for the Self-Employed | SUCCESS

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle Archives

Elevate your lifestyle for success and happiness

<p>In a post-pandemic world, more and more people are working from home. From 2019 to 2021, the amount of American workers logging in remotely <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-05-18/how-the-covid-pandemic-impacted-working-from-home#:~:text=The%20share%20of%20the%20American,from%20the%20U.S.%20Census%20Bureau." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than tripled</a>. As of 2022, 35% of Americans had the option to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/real-estate/our-insights/americans-are-embracing-flexible-work-and-they-want-more-of-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work from home</a> five days a week.</p>



<p>While working from home has brought about a number of benefits including shorter commutes, higher productivity and a better work-life balance, one issue remains: Employees are still sitting too much. The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2016/16_0263.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">average American sits between 6.5 to 8 hours a day</a>, and they’re straining their bodies in the process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thankfully, if you work at home, you can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/bobby-berks-advice-for-a-well-designed-life/">control your setup</a> and invest in ergonomic products that are better for your body. Or, if you go into the office, you may be able to convince your boss to buy an ergonomic setup for you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Learn about why it’s important to have the right chair, desk and other products for an ergonomic setup. Then, figure out what will work best for your situation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-health-issues-caused-by-a-non-ergonomic-office-setup">Potential health issues caused by a non-ergonomic office setup</h2>



<p>Ergonomic setups maximize efficiency and comfort while protecting your body from experiencing certain health issues. According to Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh, a chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana, a non-ergonomic setup can lead to many negative health outcomes.</p>



<p>“Having a poor ergonomic setup can contribute to musculoskeletal issues like tendonitis and bursitis by putting excess stress and strain on ligaments and joints by not having them in properly supported positions,” he explains. “It can even contribute to poor posture. Working in a place with poor ergonomics can also result in decreased <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-ways-to-stay-productive-when-you-work-from-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity</a> because of the pain and discomfort caused by the conditions poor ergonomics creates.”</p>



<p>Essentially, non-ergonomic setups can cause issues in the neck, hips, back, hands and wrists, according to Dr. Gerda Maissel, a board-certified rehabilitation physician and founder of private patient navigation company My MD Advisor. Health problems include strains and carpal tunnel syndrome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“At home, people tend to use whatever chair, desk or table they have around,” she says. “Sometimes this means no space for the legs under a home desk, so the person sits twisted. This results in back and hip pain.”</p>



<p>Mike Pace, a certified ergonomics expert and senior channel sales and marketing manager with Contour Design, says using the wrong mouse and keyboard can lead to joint stiffness and fatigue in the shoulders and arms. It can also cause tingling or numbness in the hands.</p>



<p>“Luckily, these ailments are a culmination of hundreds of hours spent in an improper posture, which allows for early detection and the opportunity to mitigate the issues as soon as they start,” he says.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-make-your-home-office-ergonomic">How to make your home office ergonomic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>When <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-working-from-home-can-make-you-more-productive/">working from home</a>, you may be tempted to sit at your kitchen table or work from your bed or couch. Perhaps you go to a local coffee shop and sit in one of the booths. Or, while at work, you set up shop in one of the quiet telephone booths. While all of this may seem comfortable in the moment, you could be harming your body. Instead, invest in an ergonomic home office setup, and you’ll contribute to your overall health—and productivity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, instead of sitting anywhere, Maissel urges workers to get an ergonomic chair with supportive armrests that adjust.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I've also seen people use the wrong height desk or chair, although this can happen in offices, too,” she notes. “Armrests should be at the proper height and width to support the individual's forearms while typing.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>When sitting on your ergonomic chair, make sure your feet are on the floor. Keep a hands-width amount of space between your knees and the seat. Ensure you have good lumbar support, and check that your arm rests allow your elbows to be at a 90-degree angle and even with the desk, according to Pace.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Always use an external mouse and keyboard,” he adds. “Do not work off a laptop.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another good idea is to purchase a standing desk to avoid sitting all day long, according to Cavanaugh.</p>



<p>“There is a 20/8/2 rule that was developed by Dr. Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University,” Cavanaugh says. “The rule is meant to remind you that for every 20 minutes of sitting, stand for eight minutes, and move around for two. A standing desk allows you to accomplish this without leaving your workstation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-must-have-products-for-your-ergonomic-home-office-setup">5 must-have products for your ergonomic home office setup</h2>



<p>Want to get started setting up your new ergonomic space at home or in the office? Check out these helpful products.</p>



<p><strong>1. RollerMouse Pro (starting at $249)</strong></p>



<p>Pace recommends <a href="https://contourdesign.com/pages/rollermouse-pro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contour Design’s RollerMouse Pro</a>, “to help keep your hands, wrists and arms in a better posture while working to mitigate the risks and alleviate pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.” This mouse includes a scroll wheel, roller bar, wrist rest and smart buttons, as well as built-in copy/paste buttons that make it simple to swiftly transfer images or text in between applications.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>2. VariDesk Converters for Desktops (starting at $152.99)</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://www.vari.com/varidesk-converters/for-desktops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VariDesk Converters for Desktops</a> are a cheaper option if you don’t want to invest in an actual standing desk, since they convert any desktop into a standing desk. Cavanaugh is a big fan of the VariDesk Converters, which don’t require any assembly and can accommodate up to two monitors.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>3. Steelcase Gesture Chair (starting at $1,107)</strong></p>



<p>For a sleek-looking ergonomic chair, try <a href="https://store.steelcase.com/gesture?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search&amp;utm_campaign=search-br&amp;utm_content=text&amp;utm_term=gesture-chair&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCvqhi6j0CFqtrLnY9A6D-yICLayL_ARPnccIG-Zm0aTX6T4htx8wUAaAiwzEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Steelcase Gesture Chair</a>, also recommended by Cavanaugh. It comes in a variety of colors and has a contoured back. This chair is sold with or without a headrest, depending on your preferences, and has wheels for the carpet or hardwood floors. You can also add in additional lumbar support if necessary.</p>



<p><strong>4. Rain Design Laptop Stand ($39.90)&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-mStand-Laptop-Patented/dp/B000OOYECC/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=570507304483&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9030959&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=5044687030774695299&amp;hvtargid=kwd-60246159603&amp;hydadcr=18035_13462256&amp;keywords=laptop%2Bstand%2Brain%2Bdesign&amp;qid=1692046463&amp;sr=8-3&amp;th=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rain Design Laptop Stand</a> is simple but effective. It comes in silver, gold, black or pink, and raises your laptop screen to eye level, or 5.9 inches. There is a cable management hole in the back for your charger and other wires, and you can place your external keyboard underneath the stand when it’s not in use.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>5. Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard ($129.99)</strong></p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Wrist/dp/B07ZWK2TQT/ref=sr_1_4?hvadid=570432237570&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9030959&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=4299111101538865726&amp;hvtargid=kwd-5323687638&amp;hydadcr=18038_13462240&amp;keywords=logitech%2Bkeyboard%2Bergonomic&amp;qid=1692046585&amp;sr=8-4&amp;th=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard</a> connects to your computer via Bluetooth and tips up for the best ergonomic setup for typing. It’s designed to improve your posture and reduce the chances of lower back strain. It also has a memory foam layer that’s comfortable on your wrists. You may need a while to adapt, but it’s totally worth it.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>fizkes/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

If working at a desk leaves you in achy, read this for tips and products to create an ergonomic office setup and keep your health in check.

If working at a desk leaves you in achy, read this for tips and products to create an ergonomic office setup and keep your health in check. | SUCCESS

How to Make Your Office Setup Ergonomic—And Avoid Health Issues

How to Create an Ergonomic Office Setup and Avoid Health Issues | SUCCESS

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two hands holding pens, each hovering over paperwork to decide between an agreement vs contract

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

<p>When James Sperling first started his marketing and branding agency Sheep Don’t Bark, he noticed a pattern: His clients didn’t like contracts.</p>



<p>“When we said we’d put together a contract, it would scare some of them,” he recalls. “They didn’t want to sign it.”</p>



<p>With the help of his team, he came up with a plan to offer agreements instead. The agency found that clients were much more willing to sign agreements, which would shield both parties if anything went wrong.</p>



<p>“Business owners may want to work on a handshake if they are hungry for work, and that can be very bad,” Sperling says. “An agreement can protect everybody.”</p>



<p>Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, an online marketplace connecting homeowners with local lawn care professionals, initially used long, exhaustive contracts. But like Sperling, he found that he was scaring people off.</p>



<p>“It seemed like overkill,” he says. “A hefty contract can create an intimidating barrier that can deter potential customers. Based on the results I’ve seen, an agreement is more straightforward, user-friendly and less intimidating, leading to a higher conversion rate <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/master-the-sales-mindset-to-land-your-biggest-clients/">with new clients</a>.”</p>



<p>Should you use an agreement in your business like these business owners? Here's the scoop on agreements vs contracts and how to decide if an agreement is right for you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agreement-vs-contracts-how-are-they-different">Agreement vs. contracts: how are they different?</h2>



<p>Many of those who use agreements believe <a href="https://www.lawdistrict.com/articles/agreement-vs-contract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they’re not as formal</a> as contracts but are still highly effective—if not moreso.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chrissy Bernal, who does brand management and public relations at Be a Better Brand, says that while agreements have less legalese than contracts, she prefers them “because they're specific, easy to understand and clearly establish expectations. I feel like contracts are often so vague they are starting the relationship off with ambiguity or concern over a lack of understanding.”</p>



<p>For Therese Skelly, an intuitive business mentor for service-based business owners, agreements make more sense because they are collaborative as opposed to transactional.</p>



<p>“In the coaching industry, there are those who have an ironclad contract,” Skelly explains. “‘Sign up for 12 months for the program and under no circumstances will you be given a refund’ is how it’s positioned. The idea is to use the contract to ‘make the client keep their commitment to themselves.’ Personally, I would not be in that kind of relationship. I know that sometimes, life happens,” she says. “A kid gets sick, there are major house repairs, etcetera, so to have no leeway or the ability to change or amend the contract feels cold and impersonal to me.”</p>



<p>With an agreement, however, you can be flexible, depending on the client’s needs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s a client-friendly way of being that works for me,” Skelly adds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to include in your agreement</h2>



<p>Let's say you've settled on a decision in the agreement vs. contract debate, and are going to draft your first agreement. <a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-to-draft-a-service-agreement.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">When writing your agreement</a>, you’ll need to include what each party is responsible for, as well as the payment terms. When doing this, it’s important to be as specific as possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, if you’re running a PR agency, you could say, “I will write a press release and pitch you to 20 different outlets over the course of the month. You agree to make yourself available to interviewers. Payment is due within five days of signing this agreement.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sperling says the agreement should also outline what the final result should look like. “You don’t want any unpleasant surprises,” she says. “With an agreement, expectations are realistic and there are no assumptions.”</p>



<p>Additionally, Sperling recommends adding in your hourly rate if the project goes over the allotted time so that you can avoid “<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/scope-creep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scope creep</a>,” or a client trying to get more out of you. It’s also wise to include a line about what happens if they cancel a project before it’s completed. Make sure that you send the client the agreement to sign, and keep a copy.</p>



<p>“Agreements make sure the client is serious, and they make you look professional,” Sperling says. “Don’t start any work until you have that signed agreement.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting yourself legally with an agreement</h2>



<p>You can hire a lawyer to look over your agreement to make sure that it will hold up in court should anything go wrong.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Katie Charleston, a founding partner at Katie Charleston Law, the fundamental difference between a contract and an agreement is that a contract is legally binding, while an agreement is usually a mutual arrangement or understanding between parties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If an agreement is specific enough, then, and involves consideration, it may be an enforceable contract even if not in a formal writing,” Charleston explains. “Business owners would be prudent to include specific terms, an intent to enter the agreement and consideration even in the most informal agreements to enforce it if necessary.”</p>



<p>Sperling said it’s critical that you track your hours, just in case you need to go to court. The judge may ask for those hours.</p>



<p>“If you have a signed agreement, you could always plead your case,” he says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Getting started with agreements</h2>



<p>Once you come up <a href="https://oboloo.com/blog/what-are-business-agreements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with everything you need</a> for your agreement, you can send it to clients before working for them. You can always make changes if any issues arise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“An agreement helps to ensure everybody's on the same page,” Clayton says. “In most cases, it's more than enough to keep things running smoothly.”</p>

Many business owners are opting for informal agreements vs contracts. Here's the legal difference and how to know which is best for you.

Many business owners are opting for informal agreements vs contracts. Here's the legal difference and how to know which is best for you. | SUCCESS

Agreement vs. Contract: Why Business Owners Are Using Informal Agreements for Clients

Agreement vs Contract: Which One Is Better for Your Business? | SUCCESS

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business manager in front of his computer looking frustrated because he's dealing with a toxic client

<p>A few years ago, ghostwriter Marcia Layton Turner met with a potential client for the first time. The meeting went well—the client had a clear idea for the book and Turner thought they might be a good fit. She scheduled a second meeting to talk about the book in more detail.</p>



<p>“It was during that meeting that I got a totally different impression of this client,” she says.</p>



<p>In the meeting, where the client’s associate was also present, Turner asked him a question.</p>



<p>“The female associate started to answer and he cut her off angrily,” she recalls. “It was totally rude and I was shocked by it.”</p>



<p>Right then, Turner knew <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-customer-isnt-always-right-but-how-do-you-know-where-to-draw-the-line/">she no longer wanted</a> to work with the client.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-spot-a-toxic-client">How to spot a toxic client</h2>



<p>Unlike Turner’s situation, however, it’s not always so easy to spot a toxic client right away. A business owner might sign a contract with a client before discovering they aren't a good fit. Or, they might have gone against their initial feeling, signed with a toxic client and later regretted it. </p>



<p>Here are some signs that you may be dealing with a toxic client, as well as <a href="https://www.ignitionapp.com/blog/firing-a-client" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how to terminate the relationship</a> the right way.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">They don’t trust you</h3>



<p>A client comes to you because they know you’re skilled in your field… right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.</p>



<p>Baruch Labunski, founder of Rank Secure, an SEO marketing company, knew from the moment that he started talking with a potential client that he “was one of those people who would never be happy with anything that was done,” he says. “It was in his tone and his attitude.”</p>



<p>But since Labunski needed the money, he took the job anyway. Eventually, he saw how his gut feeling turned out to be right.</p>



<p>“[The client] scoffed at any professional advice and truly believed he knew better than me about marketing, even though he came to me for help,” Labunski recalls. “He said every plan and proof I sent him was wrong.”</p>



<p>The lesson? Don’t work with people who don’t trust that you’ll do a great job for them.</p>



<p>“It was an awful experience, and I fired him as a client halfway through the project,” Labunski says. “I missed out on a lot of money because I didn't finish it, but it wasn't worth it.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">They don’t treat your employees with respect</h3>



<p>At Miami’s Armour Settlement Services, President Tali Raphaely cut off a client once they started upsetting Raphaely’s employees.</p>



<p>“They felt disrespected and that none of their efforts were getting any appreciation whatsoever,” Raphaely says. “We are very protective of our people, who work so hard and care so much about the company.”</p>



<p>Raphaely had a conversation about it with the client, but it was clear they weren’t going to change their behavior. So he did what he had to do to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/discover-the-formula-for-happy-employees/">keep his employees satisfied</a>: “We made the decision to show our staff our support and stop working with the client immediately.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">They don’t respect your personal time</h3>



<p>Sonya Lee, a mindfulness coach who previously worked as a design freelance artist, received a text on Christmas Eve of 2016 about meeting with a potential client.</p>



<p>“I quickly agreed because time is money, and set up a phone call to speak with the founder right away,” she recalls. “He did not seem to be bothered by the fact that I was out of town visiting my family, at a bustling restaurant in the middle of a meal. I knew at that time that this was going to be toxic based on the fact that this client was so eager to overlook the holidays and my own family plans,” she says. “But nonetheless, I agreed to it.”</p>



<p>He told her there would be a hotel room in Las Vegas where she could stay when she flew out to meet him. But when she arrived, there was none.</p>



<p>Now, Lee knows to never go with a client who isn’t considerate up front. “<a href="https://solowork.co/story/forget-nightmare-clients-this-is-what-dream-clients-look-like" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A great client</a> is someone who will respect your time, boundaries and experience,” she says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">They don’t listen to you</h3>



<p>When Mike Wood, founder of the marketing and Wikipedia editing company Legalmorning, notices a potential client isn’t listening to him, he won’t sign with them.</p>



<p>“[Watch] their reaction when you answer their questions,” Wood says. “If they cut you off and ask a different question, they likely aren't listening and just want you to tell them something they want to hear.”</p>



<p>Wood won’t take on these clients’ projects because he knows they will end up being a disaster.</p>



<p>“These are the projects that you wind up failing at because although you provided them the exact service you stated, they ultimately did not receive what they hoped for,” he explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to end a relationship with a toxic client</h2>



<p>Whether you’ve had one meeting or you’ve worked with a toxic client for a long period of time, there are amicable ways to terminate the relationship—or convey you don’t want to work with them in the first place.</p>



<p>For Turner, that involved sending a quick message.</p>



<p>“As soon as the Zoom session concluded, I sent an email conveying that, as it turns out, I was not available to take on this project,” she says. “The client wanted to schedule another meeting to understand my change of heart but I declined. I also let the person who had referred him know about his behavior.”</p>



<p>Labunski said he told his client that he appreciated the work, but needed to end the professional relationship. </p>



<p>Raphaely also takes an honest approach with any toxic clients he deals with. “In situations like this, we simply tell the client it’s not a good fit and that we can’t accept any new orders from them,” he explains.</p>



<p>The bottom line? If you’re trying to decide whether or not you're dealing with a toxic client, look at the signs and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/know-when-to-trust-your-instinct/">trust your instincts</a>.</p>



<p>“Your gut is a good indicator of who may be a good client for you,” Turner says. “If you feel a hesitation or anxiety about a client, pay attention to that. Something is amiss that your body is trying to warn you [about].”</p>

Here are some signs that you may be dealing with a toxic client, as well as how to terminate the relationship the right way.

Here are some signs that you may be dealing with a toxic client, as well as how to terminate the relationship the right way. | SUCCESS

Follow That Gut Feeling: 4 Signs You're Dealing with a Toxic Client

Follow That Gut Feeling: 4 Signs You&#8217;re Dealing with a Toxic Client

4 Signs You're Dealing with a Toxic Client | SUCCESS

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Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Every day, it seems like <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/25/business/layoffs-2023/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another company’s round of layoffs</a> makes the news. From Meta to Dotdash Meredith to Bank of America, businesses in every industry are <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-fire-someone-2/">scaling back on their workforce</a>, due to reasons such as <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-recession/">the impending recession</a> and economic hardship.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of staying quiet about the fact that they’ve been laid off, some workers are announcing it on LinkedIn—and receiving overwhelmingly positive responses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mike Seibel, who used to work at Intellum, an e-learning provider, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mike-seibel-314164122_openforwork-recruiters-interviewing-activity-7036047906549768192-ipZR?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote on LinkedIn</a>, “Been laid off now for over 6 months. Countless applications, interviews , phone calls, zoom calls. Being ghosted by the recruiters that reached out to me.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Seibel went on to say how he was a great salesman and he’s self-motivated. His post received over 50,000 likes and more than 2,800 comments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another LinkedIn user, Logan Wade, received support from coworkers and other LinkedIn users <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/logan-wade_opentowork-cpgindustry-marketing-activity-7023697434979524608-E9b9?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">when she posted</a> she’d been laid off in February. Fast forward to a month later, and she was announcing that she’d been hired at a new company.</p>



<p>“A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped me navigate the uncertainties and anxieties of being laid off,” she wrote. “I'm so grateful to and humbled by the kind words and network connections shared with me! I’m excited to start my new job!”&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-mentally-manage-a-sudden-job-loss/">If you’ve been laid off</a>, you may be wondering whether or not you should also announce it on LinkedIn. Before posting, learn about the pros and cons, and how you can be empowered in your job search with advice from HR professionals.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pros-and-cons-of-sharing-the-news">Pros and cons of sharing the news</h2>



<p>Announcing your layoff is a personal decision, and it should be weighed carefully. According to Joshua Hart of Joshua Hart Consulting, your decision depends on your preferences, circumstances and goals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are potential benefits to sharing this news on LinkedIn, such as attracting the attention of recruiters or hiring managers who are looking for candidates with similar skills and experience,” he said. “It can also help to dispel any rumors or misconceptions that may be circulating about why you left your previous job.”</p>



<p>However, there are also risks and drawbacks you need to consider, Hart says. This could include “potential negative perceptions from future employers and the emotional impact of sharing this news publicly.”</p>



<p>Tara Furiani, a former chief people officer and the current CEO of Tarabull Media, encourages people to announce their layoff on LinkedIn.</p>



<p>“LinkedIn is a powerful platform for networking and job searching, and being laid off is nothing to be ashamed of,” she says. “In fact, being transparent about your situation can help you connect with potential employers and opportunities you might not have considered before.”</p>



<p>Like Furiani, Logan Mallory, vice president of marketing at Motivosity, also recommends posting on LinkedIn when you’ve been laid off.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Just a few years ago this would have been frowned upon, but as we've experienced mass layoffs associated with COVID and again in 2023, it's become totally acceptable to share your layoff news via LinkedIn,” he says. “It's become commonplace, so there's little to no negative stigma anymore. The advantage of announcing your layoff is that you're likely to get quick and meaningful support from others on LinkedIn. When companies do mass layoffs, others are inclined to help and provide support.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-announce-your-layoff-on-linkedin">How to announce your layoff on LinkedIn</h2>



<p>Prior to posting about being laid off, make sure you weigh the pros and cons. You should avoid doing anything in a hurry, according to Kathryn Boudreau, operations manager at CallerSmart Inc.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“People are usually anxious to help, but clarity about what you expect can help others guide you in the right direction, [for example] referring you to a hiring manager or even sending you relevant work opportunities in their organization,” she says. “Most news announcements in this layoff season become a melee of commiseration and best wishes. Take time to mull over what has happened and what exactly you want next.”</p>



<p>When creating your post, Hart says it’s important to be clear and concise: announce that you’ve been laid off, and include relevant details about your experience, skills and what you’re seeking in a new job.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It's important to avoid oversharing or being negative about their previous employer and to maintain a professional tone,” he warns. “Losing a job can be a difficult and challenging experience, but it's important to remember that it's not a reflection of an individual's worth or abilities. It's also important to take care of one's mental health and seek support from friends, family or a mental health professional if needed.”</p>



<p>In addition to announcing your layoff on LinkedIn, Furiani recommends updating your resume and online profile; <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-tips-for-successful-online-networking/">networking with friends</a>, family and former colleagues; attending industry events; and considering working with a staffing agency or recruiter. Then, you’ll know you’re doing everything you can to land a new position.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Job searching can be a challenging and frustrating process, but it's important to stay positive and focused on your goals,” Furiani adds. “With persistence, determination and a little bit of luck, you'll find the right opportunity that fits your skills and experience.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Dean Drobot/Shutterstock</em></p>

Are you wondering if you should announce you've been laid off on LinkedIn? Here's what to consider and how to do it, according to HR experts.

Are you wondering if you should announce you've been laid off on LinkedIn? Here's what to consider and how to do it, according to HR experts. | SUCCESS

Should You Announce You’ve Been Laid Off on LinkedIn? 

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Is It Okay to Announce Your Layoff on LinkedIn? | SUCCESS

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<p>In the spring of 2021, the Israel-Gaza conflict was making headlines worldwide. On social media, a PR war was happening, with people on both sides of the issue posting their opinions about and videos of the conflict.</p>



<p>When Sheila Nazarian, M.D., a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who starred on Netflix’s <em>Skin Decision: Before and After</em> saw the anti-Israel sentiments that were spreading, she knew she couldn’t stay silent anymore.</p>



<p>"I went full-blown pro-Israel during the May 2021 conflict,” she says. “I felt like I had to speak up because a lot of my colleagues were spreading lies. I was going to try to help people learn the truth."</p>



<p>Nazarian, an Iranian Jew who had to escape her country after the Iranian Revolution, always felt deeply connected to Israel. In the past, she hadn’t voiced her political opinions online, instead opting to post about plastic surgery and skincare. While some people disagreed with her post, overall, taking a political stance boosted her brand.</p>



<p>"My patients are intelligent people,” she says. “They either became obsessed with me for speaking up or they said, 'I don't agree with you, but I respect you and I know you have a good heart. You're willing to say something <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-speak-well-and-listen-better/">and I'll listen</a>.' It didn't hurt me at all. It only helped."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-decide-whether-to-talk-about-politics-online">How to decide whether to talk about politics online</h2>



<p>In recent years, <a href="https://cmosurvey.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The_CMO_Survey-Highlights_and_Insights_Report-February-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an increasing number of companies</a> and business owners have been speaking up about political issues, just like Nazarian. Whether businesses have posted about the 2020 presidential election, Black Lives Matter, gun control or a range of other issues, several haven’t been afraid to voice their opinions. This is in stark contrast to how businesses would operate in the past, when they’d stick to selling products and try to avoid controversy.</p>



<p>Perhaps, like Nazarian, companies feel the need to speak out. It could also be a response to the fact that many consumers want companies to get political. According to the “<a href="https://www.5wpr.com/new/wp-content/uploads/pdf/5W_consumer_culture_report_2020final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5WPR 2020 Consumer Culture Report</a>,” 83% of 18- to 34-year-olds want to buy from companies that align with their personal values. However, if a consumer has different beliefs than a company, weighing in on controversial topics could be detrimental to a brand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The decision to take a stand on political issues comes with a risk,” says David Prosperi, executive vice president and managing director of KemperLesnik, a Chicago-based public relations and brand activation agency. “It can potentially <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-craft-compelling-messages-online-and-win-new-customers/">attract new customers</a> to your business, but the greater risk is that you alienate members of your current or potential customer base who may like your product and price but vehemently disagree with your political stance to the point that they take their business elsewhere.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-talking-about-politics-online-fit-with-your-company-s-mission">Does talking about politics online fit with your company’s mission?</h3>



<p>Prosperi knows a thing or two about politics and business: He worked on two presidential campaigns and was White House assistant press secretary during the Reagan administration as well as press secretary to former vice president Dan Quayle during the 1988 presidential campaign. Before deciding to speak out about an issue, he urges business owners to determine how it fulfills their company’s purpose.</p>



<p>“Business owners should feel free to talk about their political views online if that fits with their mission and culture,” Prosperi says. “Their board of directors, customers, employees and investors must have a clear understanding of this approach and be aligned with it, as a certain political stance may conflict with their own views.”</p>



<p>When you speak up, it could go either way: You might lose customers and valuable opportunities, or you could potentially become bigger than ever. April White, CEO and founder of Trust Relations, a virtual strategic communications firm, had clients whose business owners were vocal about their political opinions online and it compromised a potential acquisition. But other clients who were vocal about political issues on LinkedIn were approached for interviews in the media.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-your-customer-base-look-like">What does your customer base look like?</h3>



<p>When choosing whether or not to speak up, White encourages business owners to look at their customers and what kind of political opinions they hold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If you know your customer base and business associates, partners, sponsors, investors, etcetera all lean to one side of the political aisle, it's not as dangerous to post about your political opinions,” she says. “However, if your target audience, colleagues and stakeholders are politically diverse, it could ostracize up to half of them if you vocalize your political thoughts online.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-has-your-company-talked-about-politics-online-in-the-past">Has your company talked about politics online in the past?</h3>



<p>You should also look at your history of talking about politics online. White says that if you don’t have a history of doing this, you could appear opportunistic, or it might seem random to your customers to be doing it so suddenly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But if you have spoken up in the past, “being vocal online about politics can simply appear as a continuation of your congruence as someone who has always been left- or right-leaning in your politics, and people now expect that of you,” she continues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-it-have-an-impact-on-your-employees">Will it have an impact on your employees?</h3>



<p>It’s also crucial to think about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-set-workplace-communication-boundaries/">how voicing your opinion</a> could affect your employees and colleagues, if you have any. You don’t want to jeopardize their income, says D. Channing Muller, principal at DCM Communications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If it’s just you as the solopreneur, then you can make the decision quickly. If speaking out could affect the livelihood of five, 10 or 100-plus employees, then you need to be more careful in your decision-making process,” she says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-important-is-speaking-up-to-you">How important is speaking up to you?</h3>



<p>Once you’ve weighed all the relevant factors, there’s one last thing to consider: How important is this issue to you?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here’s what Nazarian advises: “Everyone has their own hill they're willing to die on. Whatever your cause is, if you can't not speak about it, then go ahead. We tell physicians in training that if you can become anything other than a doctor, do that. But if this is your calling, then you have to do it."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-talk-about-politics-online">How to talk about politics online</h2>



<p>Now that you’ve decided to voice your opinion, it’s time to figure out how to go about it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-about-what-you-re-going-to-say">Think about what you’re going to say</h3>



<p>First, collect your thoughts before making a move. Stephanie Scheller, CEO and founder of Grow Disrupt, works with small business owners on marketing and event production. She encourages her clients to calm down before hitting “post” and to be careful in choosing what they say and how they say it.</p>



<p>“I believe that there are ways to express beliefs and perspectives that matter without making it&nbsp;political,” she says. “For example, a small business owner can talk about how important it is to pay your people well without making it about minimum wage.”</p>



<p>According to Muller, you need to make sure you’re putting a statement out there that will add value to the conversation and not just become noise.</p>



<p>“There is a difference between showcasing your values online as they tie to political topics, usually the hotly debated ones too, and going online to rant about a current political issue,” she says. “Our values matter to us. We naturally become passionate when speaking about them, but that passion can also change into ranting and raving very quickly.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-the-right-platform">Choose the right platform</h3>



<p>It’s also a good idea to keep a business and personal brand separate. You might just want to post your opinions on your personal page instead.</p>



<p>“You may find you get just as much moral absolution from sharing on your personal without the same direct affect to business, good or bad,” Muller says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you and the PR firm you work with decide that it’s a good idea to speak up, Muller recommends finding the ideal platform to spread your message so that it has the most impact.</p>



<p>“Choose the platform that’s best for you whether it’s social media, an email to your customers and prospects, an op-ed in your local paper or a press release,” she says. “There is no one-size-fits-all.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assess-the-impact-of-talking-about-politics-online">Assess the impact of talking about politics online</h3>



<p>Once your message gets out there, assess how you did. How did your audience respond? Did your post spread like wildfire and make a positive impact? Was there a backlash?&nbsp;</p>



<p>If there was a backlash, consider investing in crisis communications to smooth things over. If it went over well, then you may want to keep posting your beliefs and expanding on them.</p>



<p>After Nazarian’s posts went viral—mostly in a positive way—she decided to become more of an activist and speak out on a daily basis. Now, she talks about Israel, antisemitism and speaking up about your beliefs for various organizations, and she hosts a podcast, <a href="https://www.closetpodcast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Closet</em>,</a> about this very topic. Being opinionated has only brought her closer to her clients and more business in general.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"I have more authentic conversations with people,” she says. “They aren't wondering where I stand or who I am or <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/are-you-honoring-your-values/">what my core values are</a>. Nothing is superficial now."</p>



<p>She continues, “If you stand firm in your beliefs, it'll be the best thing you ever did."</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock</em></p>

In recent years, an increasing number of companies and business owners have started talking about politics online. Should you do it too?

In recent years, an increasing number of companies and business owners have started talking about politics online. Should you do it too? | SUCCESS

Should Your Business Talk About Politics Online? 

Should Your Business Talk About Politics Online?  | SUCCESS

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<p>People are always asking me: How did you get published in [insert prominent publication here]? How did you get an interview with [insert celebrity here]? How did you snag [insert big company here] <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/master-the-sales-mindset-to-land-your-biggest-clients/">as a client</a>?&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s simple, I tell them: I sent an email.</p>



<p>I don’t have any special connections. There is no big secret to my success. I’m just really good at finding the right email addresses and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-get-a-yes-to-your-next-sales-pitch/">crafting an enticing pitch</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By sending an email, you could <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-badly-do-you-want-the-life-you-dream-about/">accomplish your dreams</a>, just like I have. For over a decade, I’ve worked as a journalist, marketer and publicist, and have interviewed celebrities like <a href="https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/342467/mayim-bialik-keeping-her-cool-in-hollywood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayim Bialik</a>, <a href="https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/351501/bill-maher-is-sticking-to-his-beliefs-whether-you-like-it-or-not/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Maher</a> and <a href="https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/television/352002/rachel-bloom-reflects-on-reboot-and-dreams-of-being-on-broadway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rachel Bloom</a>, created content for companies like Mastercard, Visa, IBM and Dell, and have done publicity for influencers <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-tips-for-rapid-social-media-growth-in-2022/">with millions of followers</a>. I credit all of my achievements to being really good at email pitching.</p>



<p>Whether you’re working in the media business like I am, or you’re running your own business and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/successful-lead-generation-starts-with-committing-to-these-3-things/">looking for leads</a>, learning the art of the email pitch is key to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-steps-to-manifest-your-goals-in-life-yes-it-really-does-work/">achieving your goals</a>. Here’s where to begin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-do-research-before-sending-an-email-pitch">Do research before sending an email pitch</h2>



<p>Before sending a pitch email, do the research on your contact and the company they work for. That way, you can guarantee that you’re sending the right person the right email at the right time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, let’s say I’m writing to pitch an article about how I spent my winter vacation to a parenting website. I would first need to see if the website covers topics like this and whether or not they covered it already.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Then, I would make sure that I’m contacting the correct person. I would look at the masthead or LinkedIn and find the editor who assigns stories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Let’s say you aren’t sure whom to contact even after doing your research. You could always make an educated guess. I’ve had contacts forward my pitch emails onto their colleagues, who then got back to me. Nobody has ever gotten upset with me for sending them an email by accident.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-tools-to-find-email-addresses-to-send-pitches">Tools to find email addresses to send pitches</h2>



<p>Back in the day, I’d have to find the email format for a company and then guess a contact’s email address. I would receive tons of bounced-back emails, because I was usually wrong. It would take many tries to get the correct email address.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thankfully, however, now there are tools that can help you find emails. Some of them are free, while others will charge you a monthly or yearly fee.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-getemail">GetEmail</h3>



<p>My favorite email finder is <a href="https://getemail.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GetEmail</a>, which you can install on LinkedIn. Once you’ve installed it, go to the profile of the person whose email you wish to find. Then, hit GetEmail, and most of the time, it will be able to locate the email for you. This tool has a free and paid version.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-rocketreach">RocketReach</h3>



<p>If a contact isn’t on LinkedIn or GetEmail can’t find the email, then try RocketReach instead. <a href="https://rocketreach.co/pricing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RocketReach</a> is a paid tool, but it gives you a free trial so you can try it out. I find that RocketReach is the best tool out there, but note that it’s $80/month at minimum. It could be a business expense that ends up paying off big time.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-imdbpro">IMDbPro</h3>



<p>If you’re trying to reach celebrities—like I often do—<a href="https://pro.imdb.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMDbPro</a> is the tool you’ll need. It has a free 30-day trial so you can see what it’s all about. I always opt to contact a celebrity’s publicist instead of an agent or manager. If you choose to sign up for IMDbPro, it’s $149.99 per year, and totally worth it if you work in the entertainment business.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-social-media">Social media</h3>



<p>If these tools don’t work, you could try to find someone’s email address in their Twitter bio, Instagram or YouTube. Note: You should stick with professional email addresses instead of personal ones. People don’t like receiving business emails to their private addresses.</p>



<h3 id="h-the-guessing-game">The guessing game</h3>



<p>If these tools and tips don’t work, you can then do the guessing game. Typically, email formats are the first initial of the first name coupled with the last name (i.e. jsmith@facebook.com), the first name dot the last name (john.smith@facebook.com) or the first name if that company is on the smaller or more modern side (john@facebook.com).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-write-a-great-pitch-email">How to write a great pitch email</h2>



<p>Once you find your contact’s email address, it’s time to write that perfect email pitch.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Create a short, descriptive subject line so that your contact knows exactly why you’re reaching out. You can include a question mark as well—it can make you stand out in their inbox.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, when I pitch a publication, I’ll write something like:&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Pitch from a Writer: How I Spent My Winter Vacation?"</p>



<p>I like to say whom the pitch is coming from, because oftentimes, people receive spam. When you identify yourself in the subject line, you’re being transparent, and people are more likely to open your email.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next, keep the pitch email itself short and sweet. Talk about the value you can deliver to the contact, not what they can do for you. Then, provide proof that you are the perfect person for this task. For me, that comes in the form of prominent publications I’ve written for in the past, as well as samples of my articles. Here’s a typical cold email pitch I’ll send.</p>



<h3 id="h-pitch-email-example">Pitch email example</h3>



<p>"Hi [First name here],</p>



<p>I hope you’re well. I’m writing to pitch an article on [subject here]. I believe it’d be a great fit for your publication. What do you think?</p>



<p>I’ve written for [list a few publications here].&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are samples of my work:</p>



<p>Sample No. 1 link</p>



<p>Sample No. 2 link</p>



<p>Thank you so much for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.</p>



<p>Sincerely,</p>



<p>Kylie"</p>



<p>Now, you may notice how I included niceties like “I hope you’re well” and “Sincerely.” Some people may cut to the chase and state the pitch right away, but I believe it’s better to be courteous. It’s just my style. Your industry may operate differently, so you’ll have to make that call. Either way, always be as polite and gracious as possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You may be wondering: <em>What happens if I don’t receive a response?</em> Usually, I give someone six days to respond, but if it’s a time-sensitive matter, I give two or three days instead. I’ve had to follow up with people three times to receive a response, since everybody is so busy these days. Every time I follow up, I make sure to be respectful and not aggressive.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-getting-started-with-email-pitching">Getting started with email pitching</h2>



<p>Are you ready to begin pitching potential new clients? Now is the time to be fearless.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You may receive a “no,” and that’s totally OK. Don’t give up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After so many years of doing this, I have absolutely no fear of rejection anymore. For all the visible wins I have, there are many, many more failures. And you know what? I’m still here. I’m still going.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even if it doesn’t work out the first 10, 20 or 100 times, keep pushing on. After so many rejections, when you finally do get that “yes,” it’ll be that much sweeter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your dream could be one pitch email away. So start sending.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by muse studio/Shutterstock</em></p>

Whether you work in the media or you’re looking for business leads, learning the art of the pitch email is key. Here’s where to begin.  

Whether you work in the media or you’re looking for business leads, learning the art of the pitch email is key. Here’s where to begin.   | SUCCESS

An Email Can Change Your Life: How to Write a Pitch Email

Writing a Pitch Email? Here's What You Need to Know | SUCCESS

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