Hi Everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma. I responded to a craigslist ad and obtained my first client. At the beginning they asked me to do a flyer and a bit of research to determine if I was suitable to what they were looking for. They apparently were satisfied with my work and have since kept me busy doing alot of research. I have met with the client twice to discuss things but no discussion of payment has come up. The ad posted on craigslist was an hourly rate for 20 hours a week. It has been two months and I have put in at the very least 15 hours. Can someone please tell me how to approach her at this point and how I should ask for payment? I am confident in the work that I do but not so confident when it comes to asking for payment from her. We literally have no discussions regarding payment...when, how much etc. I know this is all wrong! A little self confidence on my part could have avoided this whole situation. If anyone can offer me a few words of advice it would be greatly appreciated. This is nuts!

Oh dear, you need to get that contract to her ASAP... you are a business! Not an employee, keep that in the front of your mind... shame on her for not mentioning it but shes going to take what she can get for free.. Do you have all your systems in place? 1) your hourly rate 2) your terms of service and payment 3) retainer contract, etc. You need to make that phone call or email FIRST THING this morning and dont do anything work wise for her until you have all this cleared up. Talking about money is TOUGH but it gets easier, I really dislike talking about money but have learned ways to bring it up that are more comfortable for me.

She expects you to bring up payment, she probably expected on the first day... she expected to pay someone to do this work for her so dont think you are taking her by surprise... try to say it before you call her if you need to.

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

What is it that's stopping you from sending a contract and then invoicing your client? When you say that you need confidence, I'm wondering where in your thought processes did you decide that you don't deserve to be paid for your work? I understand that there has been no discussion about rates or how many hours the client wanted, etc. so now you have fifteen hours in and you know your client has no frame of reference for the invoice that you need to send. Fair enough!

I agree that what you *need* is an agreement - and you need it set up and signed before you complete even an hour of work for any client. Where I disagree with Shelley is the implication that the client should have mentioned a contract, etc. - you're a business owner/service provider - you are the only one responsible for putting your systems in place and binding clients to them. But that part is really neither here nor there...

Prep and send her a contract today with information about your rates, policies, etc. Don't offer reasons as to why it's late, just send it and ask her to sign it. Let her know that her invoice will be coming at x date. In order to preserve the appearance of regular business operations, I'd suggest setting that date at one month since the time you started working with her. As in: regular invoicing happens once a month.

And then I'd create a system around all of this so that you have your contracts and invoicing ready to go for future clients.

I really don't mean to sound harsh at all, if I do... but if you're going to find long term business success you have to start thinking like a business owner

Please do post back and let us know how it all works out! Best case, your client will sign and smile and pay her invoice when the time comes

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I agree with Tess. If you haven't contacted her yet this morning do so now! Getting the contract to her is the only job you should concentrate on right now!

I've learned from experience in the past the contract first, work second.

You are an owner of a business - that should be a big boost to your confidence. You are not working for anyone else. You are working for you. I believe in humility, but sometimes pats on the back are needed.

So, here's a pat on the back from me to you....you've taken a big step starting your business. Now you need to take the next steps and make sure you have everything in place and systems set up!

We're all here if you need us! We've all been where you are.



Carol
CJ's Virtual Business solutions

Originally Posted by Tess

I agree that what you *need* is an agreement - and you need it set up and signed before you complete even an hour of work for any client. Where I disagree with Shelley is the implication that the client should have mentioned a contract, etc. - you're a business owner/service provider - you are the only one responsible for putting your systems in place and binding clients to them. But that part is really neither here nor there...

Your totally right.... I am thinking like an employee.... I must stop that

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

Thank you so much for your replies. I called my client first thing yesterday and discussed payment with her. It was clear she had been waiting for me to bring it up. That was a lesson learned. The more I thought about having to call and discuss money the more nervous I became, not condusive to a successful business I know. I will definately be discussing payment before any work with any new clients. Again, thank you for your support.

Hi Jilly,

It's great to hear you were able to get over that hurdle, and it is a lesson learned for all of us who are new - thanks for sharing that with us.

Sharon

Jilly,

I'm glad it all worked out okay.

It was one of the many lessons you'll learn as you proceed with the business. Life goes along and than another lesson comes along. If you take it in stride it can be "fun"!

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions

Jilly, I am so glad also that you were able to get that taken care of. Its a tough thing for some people to ask for money or even talk about money, while other people find it no problem at all. It does get easier.......

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

Jill, It is great to hear that you have talked about money. Most people would rather talk about anything else!!! It helps to have a script written which you can use over the phone for such discussions, especially when you need to be precise and specific about your rates and terms.

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant