What??? What exactly are you talking about Mizz Rikki? Don't you see the gas prices? Hear the news? I'm trying to get every dollar I can!Is that right? How much stress are you willing to take with that? Here are some (real life) scenarios that may make you think seriously about that.1. From the initial contact, they really don't know what they want, change their mind 50leven times, and continuously ask you questions that you've answered time and time again. You can be sure that no matter what you do for them, they will ask for a do over.2. They want to barter with you, offering items that are not guaranteed to bring you income. I mean, it sounds good, but if you do the basic math...3. When presented with your rates, they tell you they can only afford x amount. Again, when you do the simple math, it works out to be less than the minimum wage. Not only is that disrespectful of a person's skills, IT'S ILLEGAL to pay someone less than the minimum wage.4. They want to pay you as an independent contractor, but treat you as an employee; call you at all hours of the day and night and weekends and holidays and expect you to drop everything you are doing to talk to them.5. You're told that the job entails certain tasks and/or hours, then once you agree it turns out to be way more - but don't want to adjust the pay rate. See #s 3 and 4.6. Don't want to sign the contract you give them; they give you a document that is not a binding agreement; or they give you a contract that totally protects them and asks way too much of you.Those six points are only the tip of the iceberg, and are indicators from the very beginning that scream RUN. I have personally experienced all of those, and most times the offenders were family or friends, but the occasional stranger has tried to get over like that too. The points are also a measure as to how much stress the client will cause you. Another hint? If you have to ask someone's opinion on the situation at hand, and your gut is trying to get your attention, it's probably not going to be a good working relationship.I like to provide solutions when I point out problems, so here's some things you can do to protect your mental and physical health from stress. Yes, you're in business to generate revenue but great customer service should be a goal as well. How can you provide excellent service to someone who grates your nerves?A. Know what goods and services you will provide, and the terms and conditions under which you will provide them. Do not waiver because you feel pressured to make a quick buck.B. Have your most basic terms of business displayed on your website. This should be the standard for all clients to know.C. Have an ideal customer in mind. I've even seen a website or two that spells out who their ideal client is.D. Save the frustration for after you hang up the phone. When their number shows up on your caller ID, take a deep breath and smile big when you pick up - or send the call to voice mail. Keep your cool when talking to that potential client. Save the vent for a trusted friend or colleague (who you don't do business with).E. Be tactful in turning down the potential client. Let them know what you find unreasonable or why you think that doing business with them won't work. Even if you're losing their money, they'll respect you more for being cordial while standing your ground, and eventually will see that you believe in your skills and have standards. If they can't, do you really want to do business with them anyway?I've seen too many instances where someone wants to hire someone else to do something, abuse them by underpaying/overworking and then leaving that provider for someone else who charges more and has clear cut policies and procedures.Don't sell yourself short. If the initial contact doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.Toodles!MizzRikki/MizzEllaneous.com
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