Leigh brought up an interesting point Friday regarding client accommodation. We all have the client who calls and asks “Are you free to help me with a project?” only to assume that two weeks later, you’re still free. I’ve had it happen as late as a month ago. Three weeks later when I really didn’t have time, they came knocking.
Simple solution – when they call or email asking if you’re free, give them your immediate availability and let them know very clearly that any time beyond that timeframe is not included in your answer. “Sure. I have Wednesday of this week and most of Thursday and Friday. Next week is uncertain, so let me know what days you need me now and I’ll schedule your work for that time. We don’t want your project to be delayed unnecessarily!” Then ask when to expect the information, call, interview, etc.
You’re going to have to stress at least one more time that your time is not infinite. Clients do want to be top of our list of priorities, but that’s impractical. We have other clients like any other business (theirs perhaps?). It’s okay to let them know that you can’t always jump (and you shouldn’t, frankly) when they call or write. You can fit them in, you can schedule a time that’s all theirs, but you can’t be expected to be waiting with an open schedule for weeks or even days. You’re running a business.
I think the word “freelance” gives some the impression that we’re scrambling for work and we’re going to be eager to drop everything (including weekends and lives) in order to please them for a few bucks. I came across this once with the dude who asked if I was free for his project. I was – that week. I wasn’t a month and a half later when he called back. He got upset when I told him I was out of the office the next week. Having dealt with too many underlings he could dictate to, he made the fatal mistake of questioning why I was out and where I was going. And he used a tone that indicated his displeasure. He ended the relationship shortly after that conversation, which saved me the trouble. I don’t work for people who treat me like (but don’t pay me like) an employee. You may get away with bitching at your staff for taking a vacation when it inconveniences you, but you don’t own my business. And you’re not going to dictate my business practices. (By the way, I didn’t answer his questions – they were none of his business.)
While you may not be facing a “need it yesterday” request at the moment, it’s always a smart idea to have a plan in place for dealing with those who want it now and even a plan for those who get upset that you’re not jumping when they bark.
Ever faced a situation where you’ve had to sit and wait, put aside work, only to find out they’re going to show up when you least expect it? If so, how’d you deal with it? Do you charge for the time you put aside? Should you?
I charge if there’s a signed contract in place with specified dates that were booked and then nothing happened. I’m not someone who sits and waits around, in life or in work. I try to be as clear as possible about needing definite dates and a contract in place, and I’m also clear that I book on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Until there’s a contract in place, it’s not real and you can be bumped at any time.
If you want to move up the queue, you have to pay more.
I also don’t go into details about non-availability. “I’m booked.” And if they pry, I say flat out, “That’s not your business.”
Fortunately, corporate types are in my minority of clients, and I hardline early with anyone from a corporation, so I run into this problem less than a lot of other people.
I do however believe that, if overbooking is YOUR mistake, you don’t start waffling and moaning about having to work additional hours or weekends or whatever. You made the commitment, YOU mis-figured your time, suck it up and get it done.
Amen to that, Devon. If I overbook, I get it done on my time. Or I call in the troops for help. What I won’t do is forego my time off in order to meet someone’s arbitrary deadline, or to compensate for their lack of planning. Not unless there’s additional cash involved…
Absolutely. And it needs to be major cash, not an extra five bucks tossed in!
LOL Isn’t that the truth!
There’s nothing left to say. Devon said it all in a nutshell.
This is right on the money (pun intended)! Unfortunately, it happens to me more than I’d like, but a good contract in place — with dates — always helps. So does a firm yet positive attitude.
Yay, I’m famous! 🙂
Good points from everyone here. I’m really drawing the line for the end of this year and into 2009 with deposits, deadlines, and being prepared to work with me. Don’t book time with me if you are not ready to move forward.