Big Gnome

While having lunch with Alison Lee, owner and lead consultant of Hullabaloo Events, she recalled a Big Gnome blog post from November 2007 that she said stuck in her mind (in a good way). It was cool that she’d remember a mere posting, which had been inspired by an article I’d read and thankfully not by true events.

So here it is again, dear reader.

“Once upon a time, there was a firm that wooed a potential, beautiful client. The firm presented said fair client with gifts, like concepts, logos and taglines, that could be theirs with two simple words, “I do.” Well, the client wanted more than the firm could give. Discounted rates. More spec work. And no clear idea as to where the relationship stood.

This is a nightmare. The quickest way to wake up from it is to click your heels, drop the deal, and cut your losses. Don’t do free consulting, even when you want to show a client how much you know and how much you can help. They’ll take it and run.

Taking time to qualify potential clients in terms of agreements on costs, expectations, and commitment to the relationship, may mean you say no to more work than not. It’ll save you from having to kiss frogs.

We’ve all been there. If you haven’t, shoot us a post, so we can all learn from your infinite wisdom.”