Practise the hard conversations 💼

Cases:

• The $50 website (Pricing): A new client wants a lot, fast, for very little. You can say no to the package and yes to the person. Name what is realistic, offer a smaller honest option, and put the scope and a deposit in writing before you start.
• Five tiny extras (Scope): The project is going well. Then the "small" requests begin. Scope creep rarely arrives as one big ask. Check requests against the written scope, quote extras separately, and keep the tone friendly while the boundary stays firm.
• The late invoice (Payment): The work is done. The money has not arrived. Chase early, politely and in writing, with the invoice attached and a specific date. Terms, a deposit and late-fee wording on the invoice make this conversation short.
• The free test project (Boundaries): A promising lead asks you to prove yourself with unpaid work. A portfolio, a short call or a small paid trial can prove your skill. Free deliverable-level work usually cannot be reused by you but can be used by them.
• Revision number six (Feedback): The brief keeps changing and the finish line keeps moving. Clear revision limits, a written approval step and a short "what is not working?" question are the antidote to endless feedback loops.
• Raising your rates (Pricing): A long-term client has been paying the same for two years. A rate rise is a business decision, not a favour. Give notice, state the new price plainly, thank them for the relationship and offer a clear transition date.