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The 'Freelancer's Creed' - Words To Live By
And Share With Your Voice Over Clients

By Paul Strikwerda

Voice Actor

To my past, present and future clients:

I AM A FREELANCER and my added value will always be higher than my rate.

I am here to make your life easier; to solve a particular problem; work on a project and save you money by getting the job done more efficiently and more skillfully.

When you hire me, you can rely on my expertise, my experience and my enthusiasm.

Unlike so many people who go to work and go through the motions just to collect a paycheck, I became a freelancer to do what I’m good at; to do what I love … and I love what I do.

I need no time tracker, no hand-holding micro-managing supervisor or never-ending on-the-job training. When your 9 to 5 crew leaves the building, I’m still going strong and move things along because I focus on the job and not on a punch clock or office politics.

I’m as flexible as it gets. I don’t waste time on water cooler conversations, endless meetings or team huddles. You are my priority and I’m only a phone call or email away.

I AM A FREELANCER and my added value will always be higher than my rate.

I need no company car, a designated parking space, business cards or a security badge.

You don’t have to get me a cubicle, office furniture, a phone, a fax, or a computer. I took care of that.

My equipment is state of the art, and I keep up with the latest developments in my field. You’re not paying for expensive hard- or software, conferences, Continuing Ed, silly incentives or motivational seminars. That comes out of my pocket.

All I ask for is a detailed description of your project, a reasonable time frame and fair compensation, and I’m good to go.

I AM A FREELANCER and my added value will always be higher than my rate.

I need no 401K, no end-of-the-year bonus or stock options. I won’t ask you for paid holidays, sick days, or vacation time. You don’t have to worry about Workers’ Comp or unemployment insurance. You’re not paying for my health care benefits or my retirement plan either. I pick up that tab.

Why? Because …

I AM A FREELANCER and my added value will always be higher than my rate.
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ABOUT PAUL
Paul Strikwerda is a 25-year veteran of the voice over industry whose Nethervoice service features German and Dutch voice overs, translation and evaluation services. Born in Holland, he has worked for Dutch national and international radio, the BBC and American Public Radio. Although 90% of his work is in English, Strikwerda also records in Dutch, German and French. Clients include Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, and the Discovery Channel. He also publishes an informative and entertaining blog, Double Dutch.

Web: www.nethervoice.com
Double Dutch Blog: www.nethervoice.com/nethervoice


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Comments (9)
Ron Whittemore
10/2/2013 at 10:25 AM
Beautifully said...thanks!
Debbie Feldman
10/1/2013 at 7:46 PM
Paul,

Your words resonated in my heart and soul. I love my job but certainly don't feel appreciated as much as I should by my clients.

Debbie Feldman
Susannah
10/1/2013 at 2:29 PM
Beautifully expressed Paul, as always...
Marie Kopan
10/1/2013 at 2:25 PM
Paul,
WOW
Thanks,
May I use this with credit to you?
Marie
Paul Strikwerda
10/1/2013 at 11:07 AM
Thanks for the kind comments, guys. If you'd like to see me read a more animated version of the Creed, please click on the following link:

http://youtu.be/n5eOQ5pHrg4
Mike McGonegal
10/1/2013 at 9:58 AM
Yep - that's going up on the wall right now... Very well said Paul - as always!
Jim Hudson
10/1/2013 at 9:29 AM
WOW!!!!

This is awesome Paul!!!!

Terry Daniel
10/1/2013 at 9:24 AM
Brilliant, Paul!
Jill Goldman
10/1/2013 at 9:17 AM
fantastic! i love it! thanks!
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