Now you're a paid slut, too. Just kidding. Oh, my head hurts. I need to go to bed. (eom)

-- Modified on 4/21/2009 6:27:04 PM

Well said

Re: Here is what I have learned from running a business.

1.  Anything that does not produce revenue is not useful.

2.  CASH IS KING

3.  Keep the revenues up and expenses down.

4.  And the most important.  Not all clients are worth your time.  Repeat this early and often it will save you a ton of time and BS.

While it can be mighty tempting to have some clients as prospects.  Value should be exchanged for value.  Clearly state your fees and the value that you bring to the table.  If you do this right then the prospect will see themselves as "gaining" more value than they "receive" from you.  From the way that you explained that conversation the woman responded the way she did because she probably felt your time/knowledge/contribution was worth zero.  After all that is what they paid for it.

It sucks to be in this situation.  Just know that incidents like these make you a better business person.  

Every mistake I have made in business has been rewarded at least 2x over.


Stay Strong!!!!!

You better get used to it if you're going to consult.

I did it for 7 or 8 years in LR scenario planning and market strategy, mostly.  The day you had today was my life.  I had it happen with presidents and VP's of top companies too.  They suck your brains dry over a long "let's get acquainted" meeting or lunch, then when you think you've proven your worth, they decide they've gotten enough free consulting out of you and you never hear from them again.  

This is the biggest pitfall in any knowledge-based business,  and consulting in general.  You've got to show them something so they'll realize you're worth hiring, then when you give them a few nuggets, they go away happy because they now have more than they had before you walked in- only you never get paid.  I had so many of my original insights taken and used after exploratory meetings that I eventually went back to work for somebody else.

If you take it personally, you'll be miserable.  No different than providers who get their self-image tied to their rates (this was just discussed on the Erotic Highway, as you know).  Most people don't get to write their own ticket and have to deal with the realities of a highly competitive market, regardless of their field of endeavor.  

But unfortunately, it's a universal truth that everybody wants a freebie- and there are no white knights in consulting who will defend your rates on the internet and then give you a tip in addition to your hourly rate.  There are just a lot of  "takers" trying to get you to work for as little money as possible.

-- Modified on 4/22/2009 1:09:32 AM

As a consultant, even hello has to cost money, or you'll find yourself constantly working for nothing.  It seems harsh at first, but the reality is that once you allow people to cheapen your value, it's a constant battle to justify that your time is worth money.

Yeah, I suppose that is very true for providers as well.