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Short term financial versus long term relationship dilemma for gig workers
As a gig worker, you are often faced with the dillema: do I want to get the most (financially) out of this assignment, or am I willing to invest (accept lower pay) in the relationship because I see strong long term opportunities with this (new) client.
What considerations would make you go for the short term financial, and which for the long term relationship?
2 answers
Good question, Bart, it's an ongoing challenge. As usual, the details of the particular situation matter. In any new relationship, there is usually going to be a certain amount of testing going on (on both sides) to determine whether or not the engagement is going to be a one-off, or if there are legs to it. Typically, I'll put in more work and time than I include in my bid in order to demonstrate capability to a new client.
Since I've been in the business for 15 years and have much more total professional experience, I now let my prior work speak for me. In other words, I am unwilling to work on spec or at a deep discount in order to win new business. If the client wants to play the "if you show me what you can do...." game with me, I'll consider it an attempt to exploit me and will beg off.
David Sandler once said 'Right now, you are earning exactly what you think you are worth and not a penny more'.
The truth is doesn't matter if it is a short term or long term gig.
Your customers should be paying exactly what they think it is worth to have you come in and solve their problems.
The challenge for 'gig' workers is to improve their questioning techniques to help their prospects to understand the pain they're in, how much it is costing them (Resources,Time and Money) and how much they are willing (and able) to invest in you to get them out of trouble.