Hi Gang,
Another Top Ten List, yeehaw. Having been involved in a hair-raising series of quotes, negotiations, and deal-making lately, I thought a general consulting list would be in order:
Never, ever utter the words "easy" or "simple" in front of a client. Any setback at all after using these words will brand you as an idiot.
Always dress better than they do. If they wear t-shirts, wear sport shirts. If they wear open-necked shirts, wear a tie. They are paying you far more than they pay employees: Look worth it.
Lock the scope of the assignment in writing before beginning the project. Require change orders for any, and I mean ANY, deviation.
Have one less drink than they do. Inevitably, you will be asked to socialize with a client. One who drinks. Let HE or SHE become the tipsy one. Just don't be obvious about it.
Never badmouth other's code in front of the client. Go home and kick your dog if you have to.
Do not lower your standard rate without a very good reason and never for long periods of time. If you devalue yourself easily, others will devalue your worth and you'll have a hard time negotiating at your standard rate in the future.
Make all meetings on time. No matter how good a product you produce, clients hate it when you cancel or are late for face-to-case meetings.
Never use personal excuses as a reason for missing a milestone.
Never use professional reasons having to do with another project or client for missing a milestone.
Never make promises based on beta features or unreleased products.
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John Koziol, ex-MVP, ex-MS, ex-FoxTeam. Just call me "X"
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro" - Hunter Thompson (Gonzo) RIP 2/19/05
