Compromise, Negotiate, or Be Unreasonable

Earlier today, I got a message from a small business owner I’d spoken with about a week or so ago. He’d informed me of his problem and I offered a viable solution. The business owner is a referral from a friend of mine and I am always accommodating to referrals.

During our conversation we discussed my rate. This particular project is hourly and I’d offered him a rate 25% lower than my posted rate. He seemed thrilled at the time and I was more interested in the project and revenue stream than my hourly rate. These freelance gigs come and go, so I’m not interested in holding fast to a rate when I hadn’t worked in over a month.

His message today said, in effect, we’d like to move forward, but at a lower rate. I’m not sure if I should compromise, negotiate, or be unreasonable. I don’t believe I’m being unreasonable. I discounted my rate already, which, in hindsight, may have been a mistake. I’ve done all the negotiating I’m willing to do, at this point. Had I listened to one of my mentors a couple of years ago and tripled my rate, I wouldn’t even be working or searching for these types of positions. “If we don’t learn from the past, we’ll keep repeating it.” Sooner or later, I’ll learn the lesson.

Today, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, I am grateful that:

I’ve at least got an option for a contract. It’s been roughly a month since my last one and albeit smaller than what I typically command, it’ll at least cover my expenses.

Mark continues to send me opportunities. Most of the work I’ve done on this particular platform has been a direct result or a referral from him. He’s single handedly kept me afloat over the last year by sending referrals.

I’m willing to continue to apply for positions. Proposals require a bunch of time. First the searching for, then reading of, and finally submissions of actual positions. It’s a bit tedious, but at this stage, my reputation isn’t strong enough to have people coming to me. I have to seek them out.

How do you determine if it’s time to compromise?

What about negotiating?

What standards to you set to be unreasonable?

How firmly do you adhere to those standards?

Abe,

Be Greater