What Lesson Did You Learn The Hard Way? (Secrets for Success)

[besoh93]

That's a great list. 

What I learned the hard way is that some buyers will try to take advantage of sellers, after the order is placed. It is helpful to have a good conversation and talk all details of the job before sending your offer, to understand how serious they are and if it's going to be a pleasant order. And it's okay to reject clients when you're too busy or you don't like their attitude. 

Some of the best clients I've worked with, do not hesitate to answer any question I ask, and are happy to provide with anything that is needed. While some other clients will get annoyed even when you ask basic questions about the job. 

[melanielm]

When finalizing the order plan with the buyer, make sure to emphasize what they will *not* get as well as what they *will* get. Assumptions lead to dissatisfaction and aggravation... and possibly poor ratings!

[teamandromeda]

This morning I made a vlog about the language of business. I often discovered that a (potential) buyer really prefers you´re speaking in the same terms, know what kind of topics, etc. Someone with for example a PhD tech background that wants to sell a product competing with Apple brand, but focussed on back-end to make sure the functionality is perfect, also only knows mainly how to talk about the back-end, which is kind of irrelevant for his buyer. So a marketeer can bridge the gap translating this: what does his buyer wants, and how can I assure the seller I have understood it correctly. But same as with Apple products, you really first have to try it out and experience what it does. Many people have to try it and experience. So question yourself this: Are we on the same terms? Is it relevant? What is the endgoal? Do you really understand what I say? Next to that, always take both negative and positive feedback serious and try to improve. Sometimes positive feedback can come from jealous people. Then in a later stadium people can say: ´She wasn´t grateful for my compliments and she just took it for granted´.  

[prosen_224]

I was afraid to speak on Zoom before as I was not good at English speaking. But I bravely started speaking on Zoom and gradually my English speaking experience increased. I still have it running. So I would like to tell the sellers that those who are not native English speakers, if you start speaking on Zoom with courage, you will be able to do well in speaking later.

[jabirahamed20]

Consistency And Discipline is the main thing to get success that's all, but also make sure that you are on the right track by researching what you are doing, how you will sell, and to whom you are going to sell your services and product.

[gurgenbenashvil]

Be Clear and as transparent as possible on your gigs and contracts.  mention all the possible details before starting the project.

[Guest]

I am both a buyer and a seller. Buyers get a better service. They have access to the chat option, for example, and its really easy for a buyer to get an order cancalled, a review removed, etc. so as a seller you need to be very careful in what you give, when you give it, and when you get paid. Milestones are a great feature. I think most important is: work with clients who appreciate your hard work, and over the years, you learn how to identify them and filter the scammers. 

[mandyzines]

Don't block a buyer--or, in my case a freebie-seeker--right after an order closes. They get mad and may even leave a 100% untruthful review, that you can prove, but it still doesn't get it removed or your gigs out of the dungeon for however many months. 

[mark_sgp]

One of my greatest lessons over the years is not to offer discounts too quickly or liberally, especially for an untested, first-time buyer of my services.

Lesson #2 is to be able to identify potential problem buyers proactively -- know when to say say "no" before committing, if certain red flags are evident, no matter how friendly the buyer behaves or how lucrative the deal sounds.

Lesson #3 is to value my own services fairly. There will always be others who promise to do the same work for a lower price, but do you really want to settle in the "discount rack"? My experiences with competitive bidding in industry reinforce this -- whether public sector or private sector -- how cheap do you want to be? Do you want to develop your reputation around that? Most buyers are willing to pay a premium for real, demonstrated quality and professionalism - if they know you and trust you well enough.