Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

I’d be a Terrible Investment Banker

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Open 24 7 red grunge stamp isolated on whiteOn Sunday my husband and I walked up to get coffee. It was a nice cold clear morning, and a good walk. While at the coffee shop I got a text from a colleague confirming I had received the 2 emails sent on Saturday. I responded “yup, I don’t work weekends, will get to them tomorrow!”

My husband then said “you’d make a terrible investment banker.” Besides all the OBVIOUS reasons – he’s right. Although investment bankers make a TON of money, they’re never home to enjoy their toys because they work 24/7. My husband mentioned how a colleague emailed an investment banker at midnight (Pacific) and got a response 5 minutes later (so, 3:05 AM in New York).

No, I will not be available 24/7 for you.

I don’t care how much you want to pay me. My evenings and weekends are MINE, you can’t have them.

Feel free to work whenever you want to work, that’s just fine. I don’t mind getting email responses at 2 am from someone, I keep my phone on do not disturb while I sleep, do what you need to do. But make sure you know not every one operates the way you do.

My clients all know that I’m not a morning person so we don’t schedule calls before 10 AM, it’s safer for everyone. I communicate with my clients – when I’ll be out of town or busy or unavailable – expectations are set up front. And the clients who want 24/7 access? I’m happy to make a referral to someone who’d do that for you.

Step Away From the Clients

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step backI had a quiet couple of months with the business this year – things were going okay, every client seemed to be in maintenance mode, no big projects or drama. It was okay, but I knew I could take on more work. All of a sudden a month ago everyone came out of the woodwork to ask for help. And so I said yes – a couple of new longer term potential clients, and a couple quick and short projects.

And I kept saying yes but not really paying attention to what was coming – a week out-of-town for work, and a few days vacation in New York, where I’d work (yeah, sure…) and then, oh right – Thanksgiving.

So it’s been a crazy few weeks for me – and balls have been dropped. And a client changed their mind, which they should have. I was half assing with the best of them, which I hate. I tried to tell clients what was going on with my schedule and they have been mostly okay – but I should have paid better attention to my calendar and probably said no to one or two things. The problem was – everything was in my wheel house and wasn’t a big challenge to take on – so it seemed easy to say yes.

Before you pick up that next project that seems like an easy paycheck take a quick beat. Look at your client load, look at your calendar, and figure out if you are going to provide the service and experience that EVERY client deserves, or if you might drop the ball and have clients change their mind.

How to Ask for a Favor

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asking for a favor
Hank waiting patiently for his turn

A while back one of my favorite debate students texted me and asked if I’d be a reference for her. I said of course, just let me know so I make sure to answer calls in that area code (I don’t usually answer #’s I don’t know). She texted me that she had sent references, I got a call the next day, and over the weekend she texted me that she got the job! Hooray!
I love when people complete the circle. I do a lot of referrals and introductions to jobs and then never hear from them again. It’s frustrating.
The other day I got an email from someone I don’t recall meeting, who referred to me by a nickname for my name which I have never used (strike one). This person then commented that they love my blog and newsletter and in the same breathe asked how Hank was doing…So now you’re just lying to me. And of course a resume was attached asking if I could make an introduction to someone at a firm this person is interested in.
I’m sorry, but there are many strikes on this email before they ask for the favor!
I love helping people out and especially young professionals on the job hunt. BUT, please make sure to do your job and make it easy for me.

  • Remind me how we met
  • Use the name the person uses (if everything is signed Michael – then don’t use Mike – unless you’ve met and know for sure it’s Mike)
  • If you compliment something they do (ex: blog/newsletter) make sure you’ve read the most recent ones (both my newsletter and blog this past week mentioned Hank’s passing)