What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?

by Rich Stevens

Posted: 15 years ago 6 replies

WEB DESIGN

Two friends and I recently started our web design and seo consulting firm. At first, things went very fast and we had client meetings all the time.... we soon realized that we were moving too fast in order to satisfy everybodys needs. It seems like someone always wants something changed.

What do you consultants out there do when a client wants something that you do know have much knowledge about? And how do you keep from feeling overwhelmed?

#feel #overwhelmed

YiKeS 15 years ago

G`day Rich,

Originally Posted by Rich Stevens

What do you consultants out there do when a client wants
something that you do know have much knowledge about?

You outsource to someone that knows ... (know = NOT?)

Originally Posted by Rich Stevens

And how do you keep from feeling overwhelmed?

Umm ... put that beer down for a start :rolleyes: .. lol .. seriously, you
gotta learn not to be overwhelmed. Outsource the extra work and
your feelings of being overwhelmed will lesson ... but you gotta
setup so you have several people or more ready to do any extra
work you can`t handle.

What sort of work don`t you know and need done ... I`m
pretty nifty with `dem web thingo`s ... I`m available also.

YiKeS
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a2zwebs 15 years ago

I agree with the outsourcing. You can always make a bit 'o' money on the outsourced. Especially if you get it at an affordable rate.

Check out scriptlance.com if you haven't yet.
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Minisite Frog 15 years ago

Firstly, you want to assess the areas that are most severe... and if there's a particular task that you find clients keep demanding... ask them for a fee. If it's something that's over your head outsource it.
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n7 Studios 15 years ago

Either outsource, or up your hourly rate.

If your time is limited, because you have lots of work on, and you're really knowledgeable in what you do, your rate should reflect this. One higher cost project is the same as 3 or 4 lower cost ones. I prefer to cost more than some of the competition, because I know it means I'm taking on less work but getting a similar end rate. It means I can focus on my work and provide quality, rather than saying "yes" to every small job and then finding I don't have enough time.

Always factor in account management, risk, amends and other data into your hourly rate when quoting for the job. You don't need to break them down to the client - it just helps you establish a "true" hourly rate, after answering emails, dealing with the client etc.

Outsourcing's a great option too, but it depends on whether you have the time to be the middle man ensuring everything's running smoothly.
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- John Kitchens 15 years ago
  
  Hey Rich,
  
  I go through the same thing in my business. I am a one man show and sometimes I get requests for things I can't do or don't want to do. I have a few other people that I use for projects if it is something that I don't normally do.
  
  I would recommend doing what you are doing and always engage the client. I would never tell them that you "Can't" do it until you know for sure that you can't.
  
  I would also recommend trying to find some good people that have talents different from you and your partner that you can outsource your projects to.
  
  I have had clients that wanted very complex custom flash animations. I can't do that, but I know a guy that does do this so I just outsource it to him. I also have another person that does more complex logos and graphics for me if I think it something that I can't handle.
  The client never knows the difference and that is the way you want it.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  John Kitchens
  
  Thanks
  
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mark@1to101 15 years ago

elance is a good place to look if you do go down the outsourcing road
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