What’s on the iPod: Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
Super weekend. I know it’s Tuesday, but when you have a nice time off that lasts into part of the week, that’s a good thing. We met with a friend on Saturday for some bonding time and support during a rough period in her life. She’s family on many levels, so it’s great to be able to help and lend an ear when she needs it.
Spent that afternoon digging through a junkyard for car parts. Had a long list of things to scare up, so we went armed with tools and plenty of focus. Yes, I loved it. Remember, my not-so-secret dream job was to be a mechanic. I managed to find a grab handle for the daughter’s VW – only it was for the right side. She needs it for the left side. No, they’re not interchangeable. Back to the dump. He found tires for his son’s car, and some mounting supports to replace rusted ones. We came home, cleaned up, then headed to the Bloomingdale’s sale. Yes, I realize the irony of my own existence – from the dregs of auto purgatory to designer clothing shopping in the same day. It’s weird, but it keeps me balanced.
We spent Sunday in town. First at the Irish restaurant for the bi-weekly Celtic music, then as we headed home we stumbled upon a concert in the local park in town. Turns out it was a Mummer’s string band, complete with Mummer in full costume. Going from Wild Irish Rose to Beer Barrel Polka isn’t easy, but it felt right at the time.
Work wise, things are a little in flux. I have one project that was due in four days ago with a deadline of Thursday. No way I can get the work done by the final deadline if it’s not here by that agreed-upon deadline. I know they know this, but there are always things that get in the way of the best intentions. However, I’m also not sure I’ll be around or available in two weeks when the powers-that-be are finally able to wrap things up and send this over. I want to be, but it depends on whether some of my queries hit their targets.
Frankly, I work on the assumption that no work in hand equals no work. Unless I’m handed a project, I can’t know if they’ve changed their minds or are delayed. I assume nothing and move forward with my schedule. Waiting doesn’t pay – unless you’re on retainer.
It’s one of the toughest things we deal with, isn’t it? Often work potential comes our way with a “We’ll be in touch shortly” or an “Are you available this date?” I give them two weeks out or, if they’re very specific on the dates, a definite answer (usually yes). What I won’t do is give a yes for a specific period that extends indefinitely. I can’t. Projects come in at all times and I have to give priority as they come in. If a client has scheduled it, I’ve made room for it. If it doesn’t show, I move to the next priority. If the missing project shows up midway, I work it in, but only after I finish the priorities ahead of it. It’s only fair to all clients.
So today I’m working on a new project instead of waiting for the missing one. Also, I’m arranging new projects to fill in that two-week gap I left for that wayward project. Loyalty is one thing – eating and paying the bills is another.
That’s my no-wait policy. How do you handle projects that are delayed?
6 responses to “The No-wait Policy”
I don't wait, either. If someone says "are you available on this date?" and I am, I say that I am now, but until there's a signed contract, there's always the chance someone else will give me a solid booking first, and that I don't hold dates open without a signed contract and a deposit. I will do my best to accommodate them, but I can't afford to hold open time for "maybe someday".
I pencil folks in, but tell them they'll need to send me the signed contract and the 50% deposit before they're inked in on my schedule. In most cases, that seems to be enough to prevent delays. I also have a discussion about specific dates, and make a casual remark like, "If you don't get it to me until later, of course, that will delay delivery." On rare occasions, I have juggled things as a favor for a long-standing client, but it doesn't happen often; most of my clients are pretty reasonable and respectful of my time.
I agree with Devon and Eileen. In a proposal or Statement of Work (SOW), I put in my "deadlines" that the deadline assumes such and such happens by [specific date – or – within one week, whatever]
I have a standing deadline of the last Wednesday of every month for a ghostwritten article. I put in the SOW that it assumed an agreement on subject no later than 2 weeks before due date. This past month my client was unavailable so we did not meet that requirement. I told her I would be unable to meet the last Wednesday due date as a result.
She was very understanding about it. I know that doesn't always happen, despite the contract, but all we can do is try to protect ourselves.
Agreed with all of the above. I will make time, but I won't make it available unconditionally or endlessly. Nor should any client expect that.
Cathy, I agree. You're lucky to have a client who thinks and acts rationally. I suspect that once again, the client mentioned will hint at my finishing things over the weekend. I can't. My weekends are also booked – this one with a friend's wedding and an overnight guest. The assumption that contract workers are free at ALL hours is a bit old-fashioned.
In my experience, when someone says that a project will be delayed "a couple of days", it means a couple of weeks or scrap the project altogether. I agree that if it works out then fine I'll work you in, but for the most part I can't do it.
Right now it's the first of the month work for me, so I'm usually afraid that I'll see myself coming when I'm going the other direction. If they try to pull it on me now, then there would definitely be a problem.
If they want to reserve your time and services, tell them you'd be happy as long as they pay a retainer.