There’s a rush that comes with signing on a new client – and then a whole ‘nother type of feeling that comes with realizing that maybe you shouldn’t have signed that contract after all. Whether you took on the project because cash was tight, or because a friend of a friend of a friend insisted you work with this company, it’s ultimately your call whether or not a client is a good fit.

In this week’s edition of The Smiley Sessions, we’ll take a look at how to handle a client mismatch, and how to make sure you don’t make that mistake again.

Pricing Q&A: Should I charge by the hour? Or by project?

In my negotiation and pricing world, I see this question pop up often, and each time a client or member of my community asks me…my answer is a little different.

Not because I don’t know what I’m doing, but because every business is unique – heck – every ambitious entrepreneur I work with is unique! What works gangbuster for me, may never work in a million years for you, and vice versa.

So let’s explore this question a bit, and I’ll share with you my top recommendations for how to figure out which model will work for you.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyNovember 4, 2015article, pricing, guidelines, strategy, profit

How To Do Pro Bono (the right way)

A big part of going into business for yourself is being able to set your own priorities, and choose who you serve – and how. But once word gets out that you do great work, you can trust that the requests for freebies will start rolling in. It’ll feel great to help everyone out…but don’t forget that you’re running a business now – and that means getting paid.

In today’s edition of The Smiley Sessions, we’ll be looking at why and how to take a strategic approach to your Pro Bono work.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 29, 2015video, negotiation consultant, clients, payment, strategy

Get Smart: Price Cards

Lots of interest from potential clients is wonderful. But answering that 12,523,432-th email asking you to explain your pricing or give an estimate? That's a drag.

Pulling together a Price Card to send to folks who are interested in your work is a great way to both cut down on that email time, and avoid having a sea of confused faces out there as they wade through all of your package and feature charges solo on your site.
Read on for my 6 top tips for creating a Price Card...

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 28, 2015article, negotiation consultant, pricing, communication, guidelines

Building Your Entrepreneur Support System

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 26, 2015negotiation consultant, success, mindset, inspiration, network, support

Essential Knowledge For Your Business

When you decided to launch your business as a designer (or coach, consultant, strategist, trainer…) I bet you didn’t expect to need a mini-law degree to go along with it. Between the disclaimers, the privacy statements and the contracts you’re signing with clients and partners, it’s easy to get a bit confused or overwhelmed by the new jargon.

In today’s edition of The Smiley Sessions, I’ll be sending you back to school, so you can learn your Legal ABCs.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 22, 2015video, legal, contracts, guidelines, negotiation consultant

Why You Have More Power Than You Think

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 19, 2015negotiation consultant, negotiation, contracts, pricing, mindset, prep work, guidelines

No More All Access Passes

One of the golden rules of business is to treat your clients well. To deliver excellent work, on time, and be attentive to their needs. It’s touted as the sure-fire way to win great results, reviews and referrals. But amazing customer service doesn’t mean being at their beck and cal

In today’s edition of The Smiley Sessions, we’ll take a look at why – and how – to put an end to that all access pass.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 15, 2015video, clients, boundaries, guidelines, schedule

Face Your Fear: How to handle refund requests

Fear lurks at every turn for us entrepreneurs. We’re skittish about creating our offer. Queasy when we publish the sales page. More than a little nauseated when we have consults.

But once that sale is made, and the course, coaching or ebook is on its way to the customer – all that fear goes away, right?

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 14, 2015article, negotiation consultant, refunds, guidelines, clients, motivation, money

Why Trusting Yourself Is Vital For An Entrepreneur

Here’s the thing. If you want or need something important in your business, you’ve got to ask for it. Speaking up and taking action isn’t optional…it’s a necessity. Sure, you could wait around and see if someone happens to guess what you’re looking for and deliver it (on a silver platter?). But as they say: ain’t no one got time for that!

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 12, 2015mindset, negotiation consultant, strategy, communication, motivation

Stop Letting Clients Think You're A Magician

When you’re good at your job – and especially when you’re great at it – one of the problems with clients is that you make things look too easy. Those designs are effortless, the coaching second-nature, and it seems as though you’re working magic (instead of working your buns off).

In today’s edition of The Smiley Sessions, we’re looking at how to ensure your clients understand exactly how much time and effort go into the work you deliver to them.

The Question You Forget To Ask.

It's easy to get caught up in the immediate gratification of signing on a new client or seeing that 'sold!' email pop into our emails. And because of that, it's easy to forget that for a lot of our clients, they're going to be so thrilled with your work that they're going to come back for more - and tell their friends.

When sale #4 rolls in from the same client, you'll be glad you didn't muck up that very first pitch or contract, right? Here are my three hot tips to make sure that you're not leaving money on the table - now, or later.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 7, 2015article, negotiation consultant, pricing, contracts, clients, strategy, guidelines

The Key To Getting What You Want

A big roadblock to embracing negotiation in your business is the feeling that it’s all about negotiating ‘against’ someone. The feeling that you need to beat them, or wage war to emerge victorious. Nope. Not how it works. Lower your weapons, shake off that fear, and embrace the mindset that what you’re really doing is negotiating with the other person.

Amplify Your Impact By Giving Clients What They Want

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 1, 2015video, clients, communication, contracts, negotiation consultant

Get Over Yourself: How to handle being asked for a discount

If you get your nose all out of joint and throw a hissy fit when someone asks you for a discount…then today’s article is for you. Actually – it’s for all entrepreneurs and small business owners, but truth be told, I wrote it with you in mind.

There’s no room for self-righteous indignation in smart business…cut it out. There’s a better way. And I’m here to show you…

Small BusinessDevon SmileySeptember 30, 2015article, negotiation consultant, pricing, discount, strategy, communication