Comments on: Train People to Treat you Professionally

By: How to Price a Wall Mural – Developing a Price Sheet and Proposal | Murals - Maria Brophy

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:24:51 +0000

[...] a deposit is also a psychological thing with your client – you want to train them to view you as a professional who expects prompt payment, and they are fully committed when they pay half up [...]

By: Sharon McKeague

Sharon McKeague — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:29:10 +0000

Maria,
Great information! Yes, it applies to us all, I’ve had a similar experience with editing work. I look forward to reading more of your inspirational blog!
Sharon
Okay, you’ve got me motivated – we’ll get together in January!

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:15:26 +0000

Regina, thanks for the comment. Sounds like you have it figured out.

One tactic I know that people have used in your situation is to have a “pretend partner” – someone that you have to call to get an okay from!!!! (Someone who doesn’t really exist, but you can blame it on them….)

But, it’s even better that you are sticking to your guns, in a sweet manner. It gains you respect and people will come to expect that you stick to your policies.

By: Regina

Regina — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:58:40 +0000

Very uplifting…as a shop owner and a woman; I will have ppl all the time minimizing my policies…their idea is….you own the shop…you “can” do this for me…or they will simply demand a discount and go delinquent on their layaways, always a bargaining situation, when the prices are right there! I started sticking to my policies, instead of twisting and bending for “their” needs, I really did think that would make ppl angry and they would take their business elsewhere; honestly, they are still shopping here and the bargaining (thankfully) has ended

You are right…consistence, clear minded and strong is the way to success!!!

Talk to you later!
Regina

By: Cecily

Cecily — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:57:29 +0000

Another gem, Maria. Like the real estate girl described here, I love how your blogs are helping my business of tutoring. You just might be the next entrepreneurial guru! Maintaining a value on your time/ service keeps not just your client but yourself committed and accountable.

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:02:30 +0000

Danny, thanks for the comment. I think that it’s okay to give friends and family some sort of little discount, but in order to make it as a full time artist, you have to charge for your time. Otherwise, you’ll end up waiting tables or doing accounting or something else that you weren’t meant to do! (Or just starving)

By: Danny Cruz

Danny Cruz — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:59:02 +0000

Wow Maria, very good post. Just about everyone has to deal with this at some point. I’ve struggled with this sort of thing as well. For too long I was cutting deals to friends that were too good. In the end, I was negatively affecting my career. But hey. You live and you learn. I’m glad I sorted this problem out a couple of years ago. Still have to watch out or it every once in a while. Danny