Tag: new opportunities

Ready! Set! … Nothing.

                                                 Stopped in my tracks.   You may recall my joy at an imminent torrent of work during the holidays. Despite my feverish preparations, it didn’t turn out that way. I’m still ahead on points, but it was anticlimactic. That’s business. Or is it?   Clearing the Decks The second half of 2010 saw a huge upswing in my business. Opportunities abounded and, having (just) survived the GFC, I said yes to everything. This included two big jobs that would see me flat to the boards for the entire festive season. Kind readers suggested I take a break, but I was determined to work hard and recoup my losses. So I furiously finished all minor projects, got my admin up to date, went to bed early, rose early, and waited.   Waiting A few bits of work dribbled in, which I did in double quick time. But no elephants appeared to be bagged. I kept my vigil, footling around with what Seth Godin calls ‘busywork’. Though not fully employed, I was still at my desk for hours, and therefore not resting. This was frustrating and tiring.   Poser Suddenly, out of the blue, I was asked to quote a massive project for a huge government client I’d been trying to land for years. I was on their freelance register, but they’d never used me. Given the size and urgency of this project (deadline: Jan 1) I imagine they came to me because everyone else was on holiday. I now had an agonising choice: By submitting a proposal for this government project, I’d eliminate my capacity to do the two big jobs I was expecting (thus miffing important clients I wanted to nurture). By not quoting, I’d probably eliminate any chance of the government department contacting me again.   The One That Got Away I checked with my two clients and got clear signals that their projects remained imminent. I strive to keep my word, so I passed the government project to an associate, who quoted a five figure sum. A few days later, both my clients postponed their projects until the new year. While I believe they had valid reasons to do so, I was terribly disappointed. And so I rattled round Empire House at quarter speed for my remaining days ‘off’. I don’t feel refreshed, but I need to be for the work to come. If it comes.   And So ... I felt I should report this development to ensure balance in my narrative. Such are the vagaries of being one’s own ‘boss’. I don’t see how I could’ve played this differently; it’s just one of those things. Perhaps the lesson is to holiday when everyone else does. By not offering myself at unnatural hours, I’m less likely to suffer unusual injuries. But isn’t it vital to have a unique selling point? And shouldn’t one make hay when the sun shines? What do you think? Have you suffered false profits? Or do you have a sure-fire method to ensure big deals arrive on time and are handled securely? I warmly welcome your thoughts.   Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire