Cutting the Cord
A Continuation of Our Standards Discussion
This week I had to do something I’d much rather not do – I had to quit a client. I’ve quit a few clients before, but this was different. I rather liked these folks, and I enjoyed the work. So what made me do it? Lack of a contract.
See, I’ve been burned in the past. I’ve been burned by very nice people who have promised things, but haven’t put it in writing. Due to these experiences, I have been diligent about covering my backside. So when the payment terms of this latest “test” project came in, there appeared to be a large amount of vagueness surrounding just how the compensation would be calculated. I asked for a contract, and added if the client wanted to negotiate with me, I was open, but that I had to halt work until we reached an accord.
The response saddened me. Instead of sticking to the point, which was the contract I was asking for, the client instead chose to take offense to my objections. Instead of hearing me out, he expressed his dismay. Instead of offering alternatives, he demeaned my work and lumped it in there with mass-market rags(it was indirect, but I knew what he was attempting). Instead of being professional, he let his ego get bruised at the first objection. He said no one has ever had a problem with the terms before. So who is working under such fuzzy conditions? I wished him well again, and told him point blank – this isn’t personal. It’s just business.
And that’s how you must look at it. It’s business. The minute you let emotions get mixed into your negotiations, it’s over. You’re no longer acting like or being treated like a professional. When it happens, on either side of the equation, it’s time to cut bait.
“The minute you let emotions get mixed into your negotiations, it’s over.” Amen to that! I’ve found this to be true of both business affairs and affairs of the heart. ;o) Sometimes I wish I weren’t so emotional, but then again, what fun would my professional life be if I weren’t?
What I find most interesting is that you originally felt a smidgen of loyalty to this client… but that he didn’t reciprocate even a little when push came to shove.
That’s very, very sad on a number of levels, and it’s an experience that resonates with me (and other freelancers, I’m sure.)
For what it’s worth, I’m very impressed that you stuck to your guns.
: )
Angelique
You are definitely a tougher cookie than me. I can *seem* detached during business communications, but I become emotional the moment I hang up the phone.
Amen Lori. As a newbie, I tried to do business just by plain trust, but after getting screwed on a deal I realized that a contract was a must if you’re going to be a pro.
I just realized that sorta rhymes.
You’re a poet, Mike. Too many years of Seuss, eh? :))
Piggybank, I agree. I can get REALLY emotional once I step away. That’s okay. It’s during the process you gotta keep your cool.
Angelique, I felt sad that this couldn’t continue because I did enjoy the work and the editor, despite her tunnel vision. I’m sure once I step far enough away, I’ll admit to the flawed nature of the whole mess.
Kathy, if ANYONE knows how to draw the line emotionally, it’s you. That’s why I enjoy your blog so much – you rant there. :))
You’re absolutely right. And we should not be treated unprofessionally simply because we love what we do. Unfortunately — whether it’s writing or acting or music or any of it — “business” people think because we love what we do instead of hating it, we’re not professional.
Wrong.