Do You Want Fries With That?
There’s a fine line between offering pre-project consultancy advice and actually moving into billable hours. Some clients get this; some don’t. Some clients keep moving the goal posts; some are grateful for your advice and experience and will pay for it.
If you’re wondering how to define this line and where it’s safe to instill a cut-off point, take a look at this video and see how much of yourself and your clients you recognize. If you’re nodding your head too much at the client/customer point of view, it may be time to re-evaluate just how you define your business relationship.
Advice and helping set the stage is fine; but it doesn’t pay the bills. You were approached for a reason; don’t be afraid to stand up for that reason and set your stall out from the start. After all, if you’re being paid for your success, surely your client’s enjoying that success with you, no?
10 Responses to “Do You Want Fries With That?”
Danny, you are so brilliant at eloquently stating something that so many need to hear, but may not know they need to hear it. Your last sentence rings so true, it's all about a mutually beneficial, successful relationship – those are the best client/provider relationships. Groooooovy!
Brilliant video…I've heard those lines of “reason” before! I'm happy to gather information on my dime, but once the quote/estimate/summary of charges is sent on it's merry way, it's time to move to the billable stage.
Priceless! An important reminder not to sell ourselves short (or into slavery)!
Never again shall we short-change our value and experience. Loved it!! Thanks.
I love this video… have not seen it in a while, and it was nice to see again.
And seeing this today and your comments made me re-think a few things.
Love your last line… “After all, if you’re being paid for your success, surely your client’s enjoying that success with you, no?”
Thanks Danny!
Doc
I think that's often something that's forgotten, Darin. We often sell ourselves short because we don't want to put the client off by price. Yet ours is a small percentage of where our joint success can often take a company – we need to be more aware of that.
Thanks Maria, groovily kind of you!
I agree – work in partnerships and move away from the whole vendor/buyer mentality, it's amazing what can be done.
Hadn't seen this, Danny Hysterical and scary at the same time.
I might add a few lines of dialogue for the diner in the restaurant:
“You know, I don't have a lot of money right now. But if you stick with me, help me out now (say, give me, oh, 10-12 free dinners), when I'm doing better, I'll come back and pay you for meals. What do you say?”
Been there? I certainly have.
Where have I heard EVERYTHING in this video before—oh yeah, some of my clients.
Too funny… you've obviously bugged my phone and listened to some of my clients