Lauren+Reading too much=Random Blogs
A freelancer (as I am, www.meatloafdesign.com) is a lot like a Geisha. Now, I don’t mean that freelancers entertain Japanese businessmen or give away their mizuage to the highest bidder (thank the Lord for that one), BUT we have other similar qualities. And, in light of rereading Memoirs of a Geisha (again) and loving it just as much as before (would the Chairman care for more sake?) I will entertain you with my comparisons. Enjoy.
1. Freelancers, like Geisha, must make friends wherever they go. A geisha is to be polite and courteous wherever she entertains because a favor may be needed by a tea house mistress or… of course, you want to make a good impression on a man. Men=gold for geisha. Anyway, freelancers must make friends wherever they go as well (turns out people=gold for freelancers. If you don’t have any clients you remain broke.)
2. Freelancers must dress for success. Geisha’s have really elaborate outfits: a decorative kimono, obi, perhaps hairpins and ribbon. Freelancers must dress professional for their clients as well. Sure there is no “dress code” for a freelancer (because their jobs are rather nomadic) but it’s always nice to make a good impression. As mentioned in number 1.
3. Freelancers must always honor their clients as kings and queens. A geisha must always bow and show interest to her client. It’s her job, really. A freelancer must do the same. When their client asks for a hideous font to grace their website, the freelancer must use it. (Dang it, I know.)
I probably could continue, but this is just making me want to read the dang book again. Gosh, I need to get a life. OR rent the movie.
Lauren-san
July 15, 2008