Short term financial versus long term relationship dilemma for gig workers

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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?

Gig Economy
Relationship Building
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Strategic Partnerships
Bart Groenewoud
65 months ago

2 answers

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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.

Michael Fruhling
65 months ago
Hi Michael Fruhling - thanks for your response. Agree on the unwillingness you mention. My preference is to go for a small isolated piece of work, and offer that as an introduction piece. I make it clear that this is the exception, that I appreciate it's the start of a relationship. Then at least you're in talks with them, which is always good. - Bart 65 months ago
I agree with Michael that by offering a "sepcial" incentive to choose you for a project runs counter to the need versus value asscoated with the project. I perform an assessment and create a thunmbnail set of recommendations for free and then show how my value impacts the solution. The client chooses the ones with the highest impact almost always. - Sandy 65 months ago
It is called a "gig" for a reason = temporary - Dr. David E. 63 months ago
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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.

David Davies - Sandler Sales Management Trainer
65 months ago
ThanksDavid Davies - Sandler Sales Management Trainer. Good point on asking questioning techniques to pinpoint value. It would make it clearer why in a given case you might want to incentivise a first gig for a new client.(versus the agreed value plus clear expectation setting on your actual cost) to lubricate the new partnership. - Bart 65 months ago
I would modify Sandler's comment to read "you are paid what you are worth at the time, based on experience and knowledge, and the opportunity need for your expertise, otherwise you are selling yourself short". - - Sandy 65 months ago
A distinction w/o a difference - Dr. David E. 63 months ago

Have some input?