But learn from my mistake. Even when things get hectic and busy, don't
forget to market yourself and stay in touch with other clients or
continue expanding your client base.

Anyway, today's post might be interesting to Asian or Malaysian
business owners. Well, even if you're not located within this region,
read anyway because you'll never know when you'll have to deal with
people from this region.

Smiles!
Marsha M
http://www.marshamaung.com

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MALAYSIAN PAYMASTERS vs. MALAYSIAN FREELANCERS

It is always nice that Malaysian writers find me on the Internet, have
problems and consider me experienced enough to help them and advice
them. Some people would consider these people enemies and competitors
but to me, we're in the same boat. I use other freelancers all the
time when I don't have the time to cope. So, I go out of my way to
help them find the answers that they want to find.

Well, if you're so, here's something that might help you.

Question

Hi Marsha,

I read ur article on ehomemakers entitled "stop complaining". I
totally agree with u which is why I'm a freelance writer today. I need
ur advice please becoz as a freelance writer I notice that some
editorials tend to be a bit lax when it comes to payment. I had 2
editors who threatened to get other freelance writers if I keep
demanding for my pay. (1 editor was fussy enough to demand that all
her sms messages be replied that very same day!) I believe that
there's a limit to one's patience and how do we put our foot down
without losing our jobs? Most freelance writers tend to take it easy
but I believe that we shouldn't stoop too low. What do you think?

Priya

Answer

Priya,

That is why I have not written for Malaysian mags and newspapers for
some time now. Even Singaporean.  Payment. The payment policy in
Malaysia is like that...whatever the company. We'll just have to go by
their rules and there's no pre-payment or deposit to speak of.

Which is why I write primarily for US based companies who gives me
prompt payment without question. But we've developed a long
relationship and have mutual trust.

For you, usually payment will only be made when it goes through all
the red tape (blue, yellow, purple, orange and indigo tapes as well,
if you ask me) which usually takes about 3 weeks to 5 weeks depending
on the company. Bear with it, that's my advice. They will only respond
that company policy cannot be changed. Just pre-plan all your bills
and estimate when you will get the payment.

It's best not to mess with the editors, Priya. Putting your foot down
is one thing but dealing with customers/clients is quite another
thing. I put my foot down with new clients with the deposit thing, as
in no deposit, no go. With Malaysian publication companies, this
cannot be done unless the whole Malaysian industry changes....which is
as likely as me finding a chestful of gold in my home tomorrow
morning!

The only thing you can 'insist' on is that they give you a follow-up
by when-and-when or give you the name of the accountant who is writing
the blasted cheque so that you can go bug the accountant. As far as
the editors are concerned, they have many other more important things
to deal with than your cheque.

Grit your teeth and aim for the person with your cheque instead.

Trust is a very big issue when crossing geographical boundaries. Put
up a website and post all your work into your blog or website. You can
have a different one or use your blog, doesn't matter. As long as
there's a place where the client can see your work, establish a
connection with you despite the distance. Once they can connect with
you via website, Instant Messenger or phone call, they feel safer in
giving a deposit.Deposit for first-time customers is a MUST. No matter
how desperate you are for work....it's easy to bend the rule but once
you do it once and get bitten, you'll really suffer for it. Trust me
on this one. If they don't want to give a deposit, ask them to place
it into an escrow account. It's an account whereby no one touches the
money until both parties agree.

Hope I somewhat helped.

Original article can be found here.
http://trulymarsha.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/malaysian-paymasters-vs-m...

***

USEFUL LINK TODAY
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You can create your own web store using their user-friendly service
but if you're located OUTSIDE of the United States and United Kingdom,
you're better off using other services. www.eCrater.com's payout
system can only payout your earnings in these countries.
http://www.ecraters.com

****