GeeWhizzler - 9:00 am on Jan 15, 2006 (gmt 0)

You have to weigh what her business is worth. Is it going to result in further clientelle? Is it a project that you can leverage off as a showcase item in your portfolio? Are you new to all of this and building that portfolio?

Always let the client shoot themselves in their own foot. What I mean by that is that you want to make them feel like they are calling the shots and will take full responsibility for their decision making. This saves your ass if things go wrong. Make sure you keep good notes and email correspondence over the course of any project for legal reasons.

You want them to be held accountable. Make it perfectly clear that you will charge for any overtime. Get it down in contract. I never negotiate a project without a signed contract.

If this is a new client, they deserve a bid estimate for the project to alleviate any uncomfortableness they may have as you. Have you ever looked at it from her perspective? It's up to you to ask and jot down her requirements. Then, come back with a bid later the next day or be very prepared with a price list.

The art of negotiation is very important in your business success. Playing doctor and asking the patient the right questions too is a large part of the ASSESSMENT PHASE. You no doubt need to learn this.

By the way, never assume the client is dumb. Did you ever consider that she MAY just be playing dumb? My read into this is that you were simply not prepared as a businessman.

My advice is, don't take the job. Take the time to write down a business model. You'll be glad you did.