Should I tell a client that I can't do the job?
I'm just starting out as a freelance copywriter. I have one client who feeds me a lot of small jobs. Recently they've asked me to do something out of my area. They want me to create activities for an event--this isn't writing, but I used to be in marketing so I guess they think this is appropriate. I want to focus my new career on writing, not marketing. I'm afraid of losing my only client, but I'm not an event specialist. The job will involve some writing. What should I do?
Small Business - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Writing copy really is marketing. If they're going to pay you for it, why not? It'll be a new skill for you and you'll be more marketable yourself. If they don't like the activities you think of, they'll know this is not your strong suit and won't ask again.
2 :
Be honest if you want to have a good reputation in your area - - - If you don't - it could affect you down the road.
3 :
Honestly tell them that you don't think you're the best person for this task and point them to some people you think would do a good job for them (and won't compete with you on your writing). Make sure they know that you'll take the job if they still want you to do it. Present it as if you are willing to give up the work for their best interests.
4 :
I agree that since you are new that the experience would help you in the future, but also I would make your client aware of your weakness in the area and that you would do the best job you could.
5 :
These fields aren't the same at all. Could it be that they were asking you to find a consultant to do the event planning? You should be honest about your capabilities. Planning the marketing aspects of an event requires specific knowledge that only one who has experience in that field would know. In my mind, I would have more respect for you if you declined a job, or found alternate resource people, than went ahead and did a poor job. Your reputation is at stake when you accept a job, whether it's in your field of expertise or not. The worst one could say about you declining the job is that you're honest.
6 :
The client has confidence in you, that is the reason why he asked for the job in question and you should not be afraid of loosing the client because being honest. Probably you know more that he does about the task. I'd propose the client to help him out to solve it's problem, even if this means that you find an appropriate marketing agency or freelancer for him.
7 :
Find some one who can do it for your client and charge him a percentage. "I have a client who needs an event planner. My area is writing. Would you be interested in working out a deal
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