Question: Since you have multiple clients, how do I know you will give me the time and attention that I need?
Answer: Just let me know what tasks you need help with and your deadline, and I will be able to tell you if I’ll be able to complete the tasks on time or if you should find someone else. I never over-commit myself.
Question: Are you easy to reach at odd hours?
Answer: Generally, yes, I’m very easy to reach. I work from my home office so I’m usually not more than a few feet from my computer during “business hours”, and even after hours I check my cell phone regularly so you’ll rarely wait more than an hour for a response from me. The only exceptions are when I’m sleeping, or when I’m out of the country, which happens a few times per year, but you will be well aware of those dates and we will make satisfactory arrangements.
Question: What are your “normal” rates and how are they determines?
Answer: I usually give new clients one hour of FREE consulting simply because it usually takes that long to get acquainted and understand an overview of the client’s current status and needs. After that, my rate for short-term jobs (expected to take 15 hours or less) is $175 per hour. Jobs that are expected to take longer, or have additional perks, can receive a discounted rate potentially as low as $125 per hour. Some jobs can be quoted on a “per job” basis.
Question: Do you only work remotely, or will you come to my office?
Answer: I generally work remotely, but yes, I will come to your office as often as necessary. I live in the South Bay (Torrance) in Los Angeles, but I can easily drive anywhere in LA or Orange County most business days. Note that additional costs will be incurred if I need to drive more than 30 minutes to meet with you in person.
Question: My business is my baby… how do I know I can trust you with sensitive information and access?
Answer: I’m an extremely ethical person and I will do everything possible to make you completely comfortable working with me, including signing an NDA and supplying references from past and current clients etc. If you would like I can meet with you in person and perform the most sensitive work at your facility under your supervision. I always keep very detailed logs of my work hours, accurate to within 15 minutes. I err on the side of caution and round DOWN to the nearest 15 minutes if I’m not 100% sure how long I worked on a specific project.
Question: What forms of payment do you accept and how do you bill?
Answer: I send an invoice once per month, or whenever the total reaches $2,000. Most clients pay via Paypal, Check or Direct Deposit, but I can also accept Credit Card charges and have even been paid in Bitcoins a few times! I’m generally not interested in barter situations, but I’m open to considering them. I occasionally receive payment in the form of equity and future profit sharing under certain circumstances.
Question: If you’re so good at business, why don’t you just run your own?
Answer: I have owned several small business, but as any small business owner knows, it doesn’t take long before “the business owns you” and dominates all of your time. For me personally, I prefer to keep my schedule flexible to allow myself time for travel and family!