you get paid. Pick up the phone and call your client. Keep things friendly and light. Say you're having an 'admin day and just calling round to collect payments'. It's sometimes better to chat as you'll be able to determine whether the client has just been busy and has forgotten to pay or whether they're having their own cash flow struggles. By talking to your client, you could even suggest a 'payment plan', i.e. getting them to pay whatever they can afford over several months. Don't be apologetic You've done the work, done a good job and you've still not been paid for it. So why are you saying 'sorry to bother you but..' to clients who haven't paid? Be firm but fair and remember that the client should be saying sorry to you for not paying on time. Never ever be apologetic for chasing payment. Get organised Sometimes it's hard to keep on top of paperwork when you're running a business. More often than not, you'll forget when your own invoices are due for payment, so get organised! Stay on top of your invoicing and make sure you know when payments are due. If you're organised and 'on the ball', your clients are more likely to pay you on time. Hire in some help It isn't easy chasing payments from clients. None of us like to tackle difficult conversations or emails, especially when it comes to money. So hire someone else to do it for you! By having someone