9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How do you manage different deadlines?

by WordsofWorth
8 replies
How do copywriters on here deal with different deadlines when you're working on multiple projects at the same time?

The reason I ask is that we work with a lot of writers, and we give them regular work with monthly deadlines and they have to keep on track throughout the month. The trouble is that, with some professional writers, we find that as soon as a more profitable project lands in their lap they're unable to keep up with the schedule that we need.

I must stress that this is only occasionally, and most professional writers are fine with regular work and keeping on track, which is why I'm asking here about how people manage different deadlines and workloads so we could perhaps pass on the advice to our writers who struggle with it.

Thanks in advance.
#deadlines #manage
  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    If you are working with a new writer, it is a good idea to let them know the importance of YOUR deadline and that you hire writers who deliver on time.

    So, it becomes more than a one shot deal for them, the carrot is future work too, if...they hit the deadline.

    Writer's you've worked with before probably know this, but, almost every writer encounters speed bumps sometimes...

    IF it is a critical deadline for you...there are NO excuses for being late...

    IF it is something in the development stage, and you like the writer's work, you could cut some slack...but, maybe have a penalty attached.

    Since it is only an OCCASSIONAL problem, then may I suggest you occassionally fire those writers who chase after other projects while ignoring your deadline.

    gjabiz


    Originally Posted by WordsofWorth View Post

    How do copywriters on here deal with different deadlines when you're working on multiple projects at the same time?

    The reason I ask is that we work with a lot of writers, and we give them regular work with monthly deadlines and they have to keep on track throughout the month. The trouble is that, with some professional writers, we find that as soon as a more profitable project lands in their lap they're unable to keep up with the schedule that we need.

    I must stress that this is only occasionally, and most professional writers are fine with regular work and keeping on track, which is why I'm asking here about how people manage different deadlines and workloads so we could perhaps pass on the advice to our writers who struggle with it.

    Thanks in advance.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5249793].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author WordsofWorth
      Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post


      IF it is a critical deadline for you...there are NO excuses for being late...

      Since it is only an OCCASSIONAL problem, then may I suggest you occassionally fire those writers who chase after other projects while ignoring your deadline.
      Thanks for this. Yeah, the deadlines are always critical. The clients we write for require a steady stream of content as much of it is news based. We even have an online system that manages writers' deadlines for them, telling them whether they're on track for their work as a whole, and by each individual project.


      As I say, most people can manage this OK - it's just that occasionally we get professional writers who drop everything for a more profitable project. It's a pain when this happens because we either have to cover for it in-house (which takes up a lot of time) or we need to pass the work onto another writer at the last minute.


      This time of year is the worst possible time for this to happen as we have to get everything ahead for the Christmas and New Year break.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5263567].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author godinu
    Any writer worth their salt would adhere to the deadlines even if something more lucrative came along. I used to run into this problem in the music business where flaky musicians would not show up to a gig because a better one came along. Either you commit or you don't, and those who don't end up losing work in the end. Reliability is important in any business.
    Signature
    You have exactly as much potential as you believe you do

    * 60+ sold! * Business method EVERYONE can implement, no expertise needed: offline perpetual profit machine (WSO)

    Simple Secret TeeSpring Cash Cow: easy enough for beginners
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5251795].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author abugah
    I prefer to work on a project from beginning to end. Even if a project is due for delivery 30 days ahead, I would rather finish today and revise as we go along. The best way to avoid missing deadlines is to use first in first out principle. And of course work when you are supposed to work.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5264563].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Hugh Thyer
      Working with other writers is tough.

      Once they get some experience they can get higher paying gigs, so you become a lower priority.

      So then you find an other copywriter, train them up and get into a groove...until it happens again.

      Problem is, good copywriters are in huge demand. Well, it's actually a good thing but it does have it's drawbacks...
      Signature

      Ever wondered how copywriters work with their clients? I've answered that very question in detail-> www.salescomefirst.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5267283].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author milesahead
    I work with copywriters myself, and on rare occassions we do get the ones who can't seem to deliver when the time comes. However, we try to stress the importance of what we need beforehand, and make sure that the copywriter understands that future work depends on their ability to meet our needs.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5267342].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    Don't bother educating them.

    Fire them, get someone else, and never look back.

    It's one thing for a writer to say they don't want to take on a project. There comes a point when the calibre of clients you work with changes and old sources of projects aren't always a fit.

    But to take work, then flake on it? Those people aren't having "problems" (with the very rare exception, like the death of immediate family or a natural disaster)... they're just selfish, mercenary assholes.

    My feelings are if you take a gig, do it, and hit the deadline... regardless of what else comes along after you "lock it in".

    If you get someone who thinks otherwise, don't hire them again. You're just causing yourself trouble.

    -Daniel
    Signature

    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5275033].message }}

Trending Topics