Did you know …? … One of the best places to find a better way to run your business is by looking at how you work with your clients. Why? Because in my experience, many professional service providers – while brilliant at what they do — overgive to their clients. And that hurts you AND … Read More
Are you acknowledging the toll this year has taken on you? Especially when it comes to running your business? That’s something I try to remind my consulting, creative, and independent service professional clients when they beat themselves up for being distracted. Having trouble focusing. And definitely NOT feeling enthusiastic about the months ahead. No question, … Read More
The events of 2020 have pushed many to take a stand. Whether it’s racial injustice, climate change, immigration, liberty vs. lockdown, election integrity, just to name a few – more and more people have a “cause” they have become passionate about. And want to speak out about. But does it make good sense to use … Read More
2020 has made lots of my consulting clients feel like Rocky Balboa in the 15th round with Apollo Creed. Beaten and battered by the 1-2 punch of COVID and its wake of social, political, and economic disruption… … to the point where they’re no longer panicked. Just numb and exhausted. BUT STILL STANDING. They still … Read More
As a professional service provider, there are few things more frustrating than trying – and wanting – to serve your clients … … and then get NO response from the client when you need information to do your job. So what can you do when a client “ghosts” you? In this short video, I outline … Read More
Regardless of which candidate you think did a better job, which one’s policies you think make more sense, or which one you intend to vote for … … (because frankly, that’s YOUR business, and not the point here) … they had one really important lesson to teach #solobiz and #smallbiz owners: They were clear about … Read More
In the last few videos, I’ve been talking about how to handle difficult clients. Tacking on an “aggravation surcharge” when they demand more than you agreed. Or require a miraculous turnaround time. Those are uncomfortable conversations. But the #1 way to avoid them is … … to NOT take on PITA clients in the first … Read More
Since I started talking about difficult, or “PITA” clients, I’ve gotten lots of questions about how to do it … and how to have those conversations with clients. Briefly, there are three steps that solo and small firm owners should know to use the “PITA Tax” or “aggravation surcharge” successfully. Think of it like pulling … Read More
A PITA Tax is an aggravation surcharge. It’s an extra charge you add to your fees if a client demands an unreasonable turnaround time, keeps changing their mind, or adds more to your plate than you originally agreed. Sounds good, right? But how does it work? How can you “get away with it”? Here are … Read More
Do you find your patience wearing thin with certain clients? You try to be understanding—particularly in the time of COVID. You try to be kind. You want to be of service. But difficult clients …? They deserve to get slapped with a PITA Tax. What’s a PITA Tax … and when it is appropriate for … Read More
For most solo and smallfirm owners earning under $1M, CASH IS KEY. How can you make sure it gets into YOUR bank account as soon as possible? This comes up a lot with my coaching clients in creative services– like graphic designers. People who get really involved in the work (which involves their mental creativity) … Read More
Having cash in hand becomes so much more important when times are challenging. And while I’ve shared a few tips on getting paid in full, solo and small firm owners will also be eager to get paid on time … and not six months from now. In this short video, I discuss three tactics I’ve … Read More
