14
votes
Is it unprofessional to approach a business, unsolicited, based upon technical problems you see on their website?
Imagine you're walking down the street... some stranger walks up to you....
"Hi. I'm Johnny. I am a professional stylist. I would like to point out that your haircut is not the correct cut for ...
- 17.5k
11
votes
Accepted
Is it unprofessional to approach a business, unsolicited, based upon technical problems you see on their website?
I think there are some factors to consider.
The general "aggressiveness" of your marketing strategy: As Scott pointed out in his answer, you might offend or insult people with your offer. This is ...
- 288
11
votes
Accepted
How to politely stop doing free work for people
You may feel rude but at the end of the day it's your business. If they come back the second time you should give less information than you provided on their first visit, but tell them you can give ...
- 467
10
votes
Accepted
Should I tell my client that software already exists to fill their need?
I would advise the client, and ask if they wish to proceed...if not then I would bill for the time owed. You will show that you have integrity, the client will be pleased and may send you referrals or ...
- 116
7
votes
Do all clients requests, some off them or none at all?
Heres the thing....
You need to have a conversation with the client. Not emails, not texts, not instant messages, but a conversation as in speaking via telephone, Skype, or in person. The is no way ...
- 17.5k
7
votes
Accepted
Is it ok to publish job openings on my LinkedIn profile to try to earn hiring commissions?
In short, the answer is 'no', it's certainly not inappropriate to advertise potential vacancies on your linkedin page, but you need to understand that at that point you're basically moonlighting as a ...
- 893
6
votes
Is it unprofessional to approach a business, unsolicited, based upon technical problems you see on their website?
I would say to go ahead, offering fixes for problems, even if they don't realize they have problems. I wrote about this as well with another answer, about SPIN selling.
You created the Situation - ...
- 6,943
5
votes
Accepted
Billable hours when doing passive task
Yes, it´s probably billable time but ...
Morally and depending on jurisdiction and contract, you have the obligation towards your client to make the best use of his paid time - going to the ...
- 1,033
5
votes
Billable hours when doing passive task
I can't do any other tasks for my work
Then yes it is billable time.
Perhaps at a reduced rate due to it being "waiting time" as opposed to "active time". But that's your call. I'd have a hard time ...
- 17.5k
5
votes
Accepted
Should I bill for setting up my work computer that they sent me?
There are three issues here in terms of billing and expense:
The setup time for the laptop itself:
If you're billing by the hour and they've sent you equipment that needed to be set up to allow you ...
- 893
4
votes
Different world opinions with my client, quit or stay?
Are you working on-site or remotely? Seems like on-site work.
If you are working together with this guy, I can understand who you feel. Working environment for me is a thing which will push me work ...
- 14.5k
3
votes
Should I tell my client that software already exists to fill their need?
Imagine the following situation, you say client that the software they need exists. They start using it and not pay for your time. The reality is the following, you would have troubles with them if ...
3
votes
Who owns the excel template I made? (not legally, ethically)
You are no longer at Company A, correct? You have nothing to worry about legally and they know it which is why they used the word "ethically". They sound like petty bullies to me and if an excel ...
- 484
3
votes
Different world opinions with my client, quit or stay?
Business is business. If you don't do his work, others will. Make the most of it, and if it makes you feel unhappy, try to wrap it as soon as possible. Better yet, try to find another gig in the ...
- 31
3
votes
Accepted
Ensuring software modules I build aren't used for illegal purposes?
...how can you ensure that they do not use it for any illegal
purposes? Especially when their work is used in multiple countries?
You cannot. But if someone asks me to write a module that secretly ...
- 1,760
3
votes
Accepted
What are some techniques to get past Human Resources to talk to the person that needs help
As you've correctly determined, you're speaking to the wrong people with the wrong priorities.
HR's problem is that they've been given a job that needs filling. Their task (as they see it) is to find ...
- 893
3
votes
Accepted
Can I ask my full-time freelancer to help me with personal work?
If your intention is to treat your financial services freelancer as a Personal Assistant then there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as you understand that they'll almost certainly quit ...
- 893
3
votes
Is it ethical/effective to apply to full-time positions when looking for a freelance work?
Ethical? Yes.
Effective? Probably not. When a company has made the decision to hire a full time employee and told a manager to find one, that manager rarely will accept a contractor. The person who ...
- 1,972
2
votes
Ensuring software modules I build aren't used for illegal purposes?
I look at it like this: If I give $1 to a panhandler then it is not my responsibility what he/she does with it.
Of course I don't give any money to just anybody with their hand out. I at least ...
- 131
2
votes
Is it unprofessional to approach a business, unsolicited, based upon technical problems you see on their website?
Be honest and completely communicative. This is in no way unprofessional.
One keynote here is that you're not some random cold caller. You are a user of their website and their service. Or at least ...
- 123
2
votes
Different world opinions with my client, quit or stay?
I promised myself years ago to never use my powers for evil :)
For me, first and foremost is my well being, that includes mental well being as well. I dislike supporting products/services I ...
- 17.5k
2
votes
Should I tell my client that software already exists to fill their need?
You tell them about the software already built and you won't get paid for anything no even your research. If that's ok with you then go ahead, you will save a lot of trouble and time.
If not then ...
- 398
2
votes
Accepted
Client is asking me to add an item to an invoice that I haven't charged for or work for, it is right for me to add it?
It is shady.
Invoices are your business records. They reflect your income. You should never add anything to any invoice which your business is not directly responsible for.
The client is asking ...
- 17.5k
2
votes
Can I ask my full-time freelancer to help me with personal work?
As a freelancer who provides "Financial Planning" services, that is, stock, precious metal or cryptocurrency trading consultancy and direction to my clients, I definitely won't be happy ...
- 121
1
vote
Accepted
Prospective client asking to see briefs from other clients
You are right in thinking this.
Sharing information from one employer to another is a violation of GDPR.
Unless you have explicit permission to show the briefs to another company, you would be ...
- 260
1
vote
Prospective client asking to see briefs from other clients
It sounds to me that the client is merely unfamiliar with how to express their desires in a form you can ingest and use. They don't understand how to write a brief that you will find useful.
To this ...
- 17.5k
1
vote
Prospective client asking to see briefs from other clients
I would say this is more a battle with your own conscience than anything else. As a programmer, I can easily share some samples of my work, but it’s much different for a copywriter. However legally, ...
- 260
1
vote
Accepted
(Employer) UK Freelancer quit without notice after 2 days. Recruiter is invoicing us for those days. Where do we stand?
The legal ramifications depend on the contract - assuming there is one. However, I would concentrate on the relationship you have or wish to establish with the agency.
Since you state you are a new ...
- 3,967
1
vote
Should I tell my client that software already exists to fill their need?
Absolutely! I would sell the " Personalized web application design experience " by informing the client of the other apps already in production by competitors and also advising said client ...
1
vote
Should I tell my client that software already exists to fill their need?
I think you have an obligation to tell them. If they choose to move ahead with your project you'll be able to get valuable information regarding what they like/dislike in the existing options that can ...
- 11
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