This was an awesome read Michael! You’re right, our words have power! I never thought about the word “free” being in freelancers but it does make sense. I feel like freelancer is played out to be honest. It’s basically another word for a single, hourly rate, employee that makes pennies on the dollar from their house instead of a facility. Saying I’m a business owner increases my leverage substantially and it builds confidence showing that you aren’t going to move off that specific price. Plus, it allows you to make better and more unique offers. That’s something I realized quickly as a ghostwriter. Thank you so much for sharing this! Your newsletter is awesome by the way! Just subscribed! ❤️💪
Years ago, I was on a run with a friend when something he said stopped me in my tracks.
He said, "I never tell people I am self-employed (meaning freelancer in the UK). I always say I am a Consultant. The difference in respect and payment can be as much as 10 times."
I literally stopped running!
He turned around and asked, "Why did you stop?"
I walked slowly toward him, thinking about how much money I had left on the table just because I had been titling myself incorrectly!
This is so useful. I'm very big on language and believe in the power of words.
One of my corporate sessions is actually on inclusive language and using principles such as neutrality and accuracy to speak in a way that people feel included.
I'm not a fan of the word freelancer either. It has a very transactional connotation: you pay, get what you want and go.
I would much rather use words that have a transformational connotation: coach, partner, stakeholder, etc.
This was an awesome read Michael! You’re right, our words have power! I never thought about the word “free” being in freelancers but it does make sense. I feel like freelancer is played out to be honest. It’s basically another word for a single, hourly rate, employee that makes pennies on the dollar from their house instead of a facility. Saying I’m a business owner increases my leverage substantially and it builds confidence showing that you aren’t going to move off that specific price. Plus, it allows you to make better and more unique offers. That’s something I realized quickly as a ghostwriter. Thank you so much for sharing this! Your newsletter is awesome by the way! Just subscribed! ❤️💪
This was good. Very well written with perfect flow. Just the right amount of personal experience and argumentation. Well done
Years ago, I was on a run with a friend when something he said stopped me in my tracks.
He said, "I never tell people I am self-employed (meaning freelancer in the UK). I always say I am a Consultant. The difference in respect and payment can be as much as 10 times."
I literally stopped running!
He turned around and asked, "Why did you stop?"
I walked slowly toward him, thinking about how much money I had left on the table just because I had been titling myself incorrectly!
Thanks for the post.
This is so useful. I'm very big on language and believe in the power of words.
One of my corporate sessions is actually on inclusive language and using principles such as neutrality and accuracy to speak in a way that people feel included.
I'm not a fan of the word freelancer either. It has a very transactional connotation: you pay, get what you want and go.
I would much rather use words that have a transformational connotation: coach, partner, stakeholder, etc.
Thought-provoking post, as always!
100%! I don’t freelance, I’m a premium ghostwriter. Language changes everything, including your mindset. You’re a business owner, not an employee.
You have a way of talking to me directly as if we're sitting together having an espresso.
I'm really glad I discovered your substack. You never waste my time.
Oooh I loved this bc I felt a little fire in my belly as I read through.🔥
Great information, Michael. I have restacked and cross-posted this valuable article!