When I first left my old position, I was approached by a couple of companies wanting me to do a few things for them, assist with a couple of key tasks, help on targeted initiatives, etc.

I was hoping to take some time off but dealing specifically with an old industry colleague at a struggling association I felt the opportunity was there to assist with one effort, and that the time necessary to accomplish these goals would be no more than 15 – 20 hours a week.

We negotiated an appropriate consulting rate, based on my experience and skills, and the limitations of the organization. Everything started out well. They and their members were very pleased.

There was an on-boarding and familiarization process, as you need to get to know all the key players, the organization cycle, the rhythm, and everything else that gets a functioning group moving. It was more involved initially, as was to be expected, but that should not have set the bar for continued engagement, as I made plain in every conversation.

It appears that the members that I was dealing with mostly were not informed that I was in fact a part-time consultant, so my relationship quickly devolved to dealing with questions and issues far beyond what I was supposedly tasked with. It was plainly an annoyance to some members that I was not available to discuss their concerns at 8:00 on a Thursday evening for example, or to discuss the planning around a social event on the schedule.

As well, practically, the meeting schedule alone I was handed to deal with took up the full allotment of billable hours, so I had no idea how to address other concerns or demands. Prioritization became a point of contention.

It quickly became apparent that if this organization wanted my services and expertise, they should either pay a fair rate for it, or otherwise convey to their membership the parameters of our relationship. As much as I wanted to, I would not assist with other issues as I would end up working for $20.00 an hour.

And, I was not a sales person for educational events, training sessions, or similar programs.

They did nothing to clarify this with members, so I started to pull back on doing little outside of what my initial agreement was. To the frustration of everyone involved.

Lesson: Consultants, be firm in what you are doing and your rate of compensation. Do not go necessarily above and beyond, unless you and your client have a fair agreement of what you are trying to achieve, and documentation of how it is being accomplished. Always be very clear about your scope of work, and what you have been retained to do. Do not just allow extras to be added on.

Stick to your scope.