Comments on: Deadlines – Yours and Theirs

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:35:00 +0000

I don’t argue with them either, Devon. I quell any complaints with the rationale. If I get further complaints, I repeat that I’m happy to accommodate at the higher rate. There’s no negotiation on this point. If I’m going to take on the stress and put aside current projects in order to do so, it’s only fair that they compensate for the quicker turnaround.

Glad to see you again, Leigh! I agree – if he wants you to put aside time, he has to be specific on when he needs you.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Devon, I did tell him that from now on, he needs to get me the keywords by a specific time or he runs the risk of someone else getting a project in ahead of his. No more Ms. Nice Girl.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:51:00 +0000

Leigh, may I suggest the next time he asks, you say, "I can do it if you get me the keywords by end of business today; otherwise, I won't be able to do it until next week." ?

And tell him if it's less than a 72 hour turnaround, there's a rush fee involved.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:46:00 +0000

I have kind of the same problem with one client of mine. He asks me if I have time to do a project, I say yes, and then he tells me he will "get me the keywords." I'll schedule time for him that week, and the keywords never come. A week or more goes by, and then when he finally gets me the keywords, he decides he needs the work turned around in a day or two. I have asked him not to ask for my services if he's not ready with the project specs, keywords, etc.

It annoyed me last time he did it because I turned something else down, then took something else on when I realized he wasn't ready, and then had to scramble to finish both projects before they were due.

By: Devon Ellingotn

Devon Ellingotn — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:44:00 +0000

I don't argue with them; I just explain the rush fee. If they want it, they pay the fee; otherwise, they are free to either loosen up the schedule or look elsewhere.

A client's emergency created by their lack of organization costs.