We have had some great interactions and stimulating topics in the Everyday Entrepreneur Community. One such question or nagging frustration that was brought forward by a member was: " I am tired of being asked to submit creative samples or proposals and having the potential client treat it with indifference or take it to another competitor to get it done."

This is a common problem with creative industry in general. They ask for you to put in time and effort to produce something, then take the creative "IP" and give it elswhere. In brief there is one way to weed out the serious inquiries from the thieves.

Charge a modest up-front fee for creative work, that if accepted can be deducted off the total project. That way you as a creative person are compensated for time and effort, the client percieves a greater value to the work itself, it helps to build a stronger committment in the client, and you STOP GIVING AWAY YOUR WORK!

A serious client will value this, but be warned. If you decide to employ this concept for your business, be prepared to fight all the inner instincts and fear of losing an opportunity. Would you rather be gainfully paid for the two or three good projects? Or would you rather fool yourself by being busy with all these exciting proposals...I think you understand what I am getting at here.

Join in: "Mastering Relationship Selling" September 16-17 Edmonton Alberta!

Enjoy your day!

James