Someone who subbed me out (to basically design and install his systems) had this problem. He saw jobs as works of artistic talent. It took me a while to convince him that 1) "art" is expensive and that 2) he needs to give his clients what they want and not what he wants. Most of them just didn't have the budget to go for the "art" systems and just wanted functionality. They didn't want $1000 HDMI cables and $2000 power systems. They wanted a $6000 system, which they would be happy with.

It comes down to listening to your clients and understanding what they want. Once you understand that, and their budget, you can decide if you have the room to demonstrate your artistic talent or something more basic that makes them happy clients.



Damon

I once saw a bill for supplying and installing 1 stereo receiver and 4 outdoor speakers for $12,000. I still can't figure out if they understood their client's budget and needs or had some kind of CI magical power that I have yet to understand.

All in the business plan.

Be fair and just with your customers & clients. Try to educate them so they make the right decision. Offer them enough to grow into but not enough to waste. Do not promise anything. Be on time. Return emails and phone calls within 24 hours. Work hard to make them happy. Work harder when business is slow. Be patient when the client is not. Don't let them talk you into selling them a product or idea that does not make sense. Maintain your integrity not matter what the budget is. Understand what they want and what they need - these might be completely different.

Remember that everyone doing this is doing so to make a living, support a family, and building for a future. Some of us love what we do, some of us do not. If you are enthusiastic about what you do it can be contagious..

This and that is all.

Speaking of art... I was working on the CARETAKER's facility once for a local Software CEO's home ( I cant say who but you probably know who he is)... Some fancy pants delivery people showed up with a custom sofa, coffee table, two end tables and a floor lamp all made from fancy woods by some local artist dude... They left the invoicing on the coffee table ---$260,000.00! We all just about had a senior depends moment!