I need some assistance in going back to a client with a good proposal.
Previously I've been pretty available to them on an 85 hour retainer, but doing more hours (usually about 120) has never been an issue. They're quite flexible but there's never been a structure and boundaries are pushed weekly, if not daily! (Getting messages at midnight etc).
There's been changes to the business and requirements changing now the business is in a really good place. Neither option offered was anything that worked well for me, so I basically said I'd help train someone else up to fit the 'ideal role'. (This included travel unpaid that was a 2 hour minimum commute for me, £2 less an hour, weekends). The 'new' person, is basically doing what I was already doing (no weekends, no travel into London), so after a conversation I mentioned this.
After realising it was a bit of miscommunication, they've today asked me to be available 9-5 daily, hourly checks on social media / emails, phones diverted to me, whatsapp on an iPad they would provide. However, this is at REDUCED hours. I'm not sure what to go back with and wondered if any of you can help! To be available on an hourly basis, restricts my availability to have additional clients or even get 'stuck in' with other projects. I'd like to go back with a realistic offer/proposal but I'm really not sure where to start with it.
I’m looking for some advice. I’ve been freelancing as a VA for 2 years now. I don’t have contracts with a few of my clients (silly I know and need to rectify!)..
I took on a new client recently, and we’ve been testing the water with regards to retainer hours the last month - I’ve done (or tracked my time) for 60. I’ve done a LOT more than this though. It’s starting to get really complicated - the expectation for me to work and respond to emails from the husband of the business owner is getting a little much - messages or phone calls at 11pm at night, weekends etc. As a Freelancer, I’m sure I’m not the only one, we’ll work when it permits and there’s a lot of flexibility - start early/finish late and honestly sometimes I really don’t mind. I don’t feel like I’ve set a precedent per-say as I don’t ‘choose’ to work for this client, the messages just get a bit much so I do it (I also find the way he messages on socials or emails a little unprofessional looking).
I need to somehow open up a conversation with regards to expectations / hours etc but I’m really not sure how to go about it. I’m very much a giver not a taker and I have a strong back bone for anything that doesn’t affect me personally! (Very frustrating!)
Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you deal with it?
Id also love some advice with regards to writing a contract also or even finding one - I feel like I’ve exhausted Google!
