The Ruby Freelancers Show 003 – Firing Clients

Panel Charles Max Wood (twitter github Teach Me To Code Rails Summer Camp) Eric Davis (twitter github blog) Evan Light (twitter github blog) Jeff Schoolcraft (twitter github blog) Discussion George Bush misquote Cashboard Non-payment/Late payments Lack of Communication Working for a client is like a dating relationship Subcontracting Blame Local vs. Remote Corporate Culture Find clients who are willing to learn Communicate before you fire the client Watch out for people who push back on non-negotiables in your client The client must sign a contract It makes a difference if the client appreciates your work If things become emotional, just nod and say "Thank you for the feedback." Watch out for long silent spells Zero Bullshit Policy We want clients to be more like business partners rather than masters (with us as servants) The Shrink Principle Have a website 3 day reminder from the billing system F*** you, pay me. Make sure you get a deposit Be helpful and professional Punctuality for meetings Overused relationship metaphors Fire them as soon as possible if it can't be saved Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port Picks The Secret of Consulting by Gerald Weinburg (Evan) The SaaS class at UC Berkeley (Jeff) The SaaS book for the UC Berkeley class (Jeff) Stanford on iTunes U for iOS (Jeff) FutureRuby talk by Dr Nic (Eric) F**k it (Eric) Hubspot (Chuck) The Third Tribe (Chuck)