Article Ten Signs You Need to Refuse that Project - Virtual Assistant Forums

Kerans VA · #1 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009

Another great article in this morning's email from Freelance Folder. I thought in light of some of the recent discussions here at VAF that it was particularly relevant.

Enjoy!

Ten Signs You Need to Refuse that Project | Freelance Folder

Bernice · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009

Kate,

Many thanks, worth the five minute read.

Cheers!!

Action Jackson VA · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009

This was a really great article Kate. Thank you very much for sharing it!

Sincerely,
Andrea~

cbranch · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009

Great article I really enjoyed it. I needed these tips to know what to be aware of as a newbie.

Maven · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009

Thanks for sharing. It's helps to avoid the pitfalls that can occur with bad bad projects.

SandraProVA · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009

Great points in this article, thanks Keran.

I think we sometimes get fearful of not having enough work that we unintentionally lower our standards. We ignore these red flags. I've learned through experience, though, a bad client is worse than no client!

Here's an interesting article from Freelance Switch that I'm trying to figure out how to "tactfully" send to prospective clients!

JKVirtualOffice · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009

Very timely...thanks for posting this Kate. The one thing I've learned is that if a client doesn't seem like a good fit from the beginning, then you should probably turn down the project and allow them the freedom to find someone that might be a better fit. In the end, that is ultimately what is best for both of you.

Timewise Virtual Solutions · #8 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009

Thanks Kate for sharing this article. The information was very helpful. It points out the many red flags we should look for when deciding to work with a client. Thanks again.

Barb812 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

Thaks for this article - everybody need permission to say no!

StephanieP · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

Great article! Thanks for sharing!

I enjoyed the comments as well and it sounds like you should really take time when designing your "general" client contract to make sure you've covered all the bases (8 pages though?

lol).

One thing I may do is sit down and brainstorm a "red flag" list that I review before I meet with PCs. I know me and I tend my critical thinking can freeze up sometimes if I'm nervous. My mind will tend to go blank sometimes (kind of like test anxiety, I guess). Also, maybe it's a good practice to include some "digestion" time after a meeting with a PC so that both of you can gather your thoughts and decide whether or not to work together, rather than making a snap decision out of eagerness for the work.