As entrepreneurs, we’re all in protective mode. Heck – my whole job is helping people not get taken advantage of in business!

We want to protect our time, our energy and keep out bottom lines as cushiony as possible.

And the way we’re doing that…is by saying no.

“No thank you” or “We’re not a good fit” or “I’m not taking on new clients at this time”

But what if there were a better way? Some way we could maintain our boundaries but still be open to new opportunities and experiences? How cool would it be to take those lemons, and make some lemonade?

It’d be very cool. Read on to find out how.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyMay 13, 2015article, negotiation consultant, sales, clients, strategy

Contracts for Creative Entrepreneurs-Part 3: Payment

Let’s face it. When it comes to our businesses, no matter how creative or heart-centered it is…entrepreneurs need to get paid. Having to chase down clients for overdue invoices, or entering a write-off into the books is no fun – and with the right level of detail and clarity in a contract, it doesn’t have to happen. We’re wrapping up the Contracts for Creative Entrepreneurs series this week with a look into Payment.

Read on to explore the payment structures, terms and methods you may face in your next contract.

3 Quick Negotiation Confidence Boosts

You play it safe. You order off the menu. You say yes, please instead of no, thank you far too often. It’s a pretty comfortable existence. It is…one could say…good enough.

But negotiating could make it so much better.

It all starts with confidence – and here are 3 quick confidence boosters to get you negotiating, now!

Small BusinessDevon SmileyMay 6, 2015video, negotiation consultant, mindset, motivation, guidelines

Contracts for Creative Entrepreneurs - Part 2: Exclusivity

Now that we’ve got a handle on the Deliverables in our contracts, we’re moving on to explore an element in your contract that may be a bit subtler – but is still important to understand before you sign. In Part 2 of Contracts for Creative Entrepreneurs, we’re taking a look at Exclusivity, and the various forms it can take in a relationship with a client. I’ll be sharing four different variations on exclusivity, along with industry examples, pros and cons. Read on to find out what type of relationship your client or partner is proposing, and how that effects your business.

Contracts for Creative Entrepreneurs - Part 1: Deliverables

How much do you love reading contracts? Legal documents? Terms & Conditions? Chances are…you don’t. And I’m also willing to bet that when an intense contract lands in your inbox, you’re not always confident in tackling it. That’s why I’m sharing the Contracts for Creative Entrepreneurs blog series with you – to help you get a handle on three of the main features in your contracts, so that you can dive into review, and slap your signature on them with confidence and pride.