Str8shift started with more going on than is probably advisable and no prior experience managing clients. The firm made the standard first-year mistakes plus a couple that were surprising. Writing them down once is cheaper than repeating them.
We said yes to the wrong clients
The clients who argue about price before you've discussed scope are the same ones who argue about everything else. We took a few of those projects before figuring that out. A difficult client at a low rate costs more in time and frustration than the invoice covers.
We tried to look bigger than we were
Early copy said things like 'our team' and 'our process' as if a large staff were involved. Once the copy started describing the work honestly, conversations with clients got more direct. People hiring a small firm want to know exactly who does the work and how, not read a mission statement.
We treated being busy as a metric
A full schedule felt like proof of something. It isn't. Saying no to projects that weren't a fit opened up time to do the right ones well, and the right ones are the reason anyone refers a firm to a friend.
The short version for anyone starting out
Price the work correctly from the start. Be specific about who you are and who you're for. Take fewer clients and do better work for them. These aren't complicated ideas. They were harder to follow than they sound while the firm was getting off the ground, which is the only reason they're worth writing down.
Ready to build?
Written scope. Fixed quote. No obligation.
Tell us what you need built or tested and we'll give you a real number, not a range. We respond within 24 hours.