99

How to Get Paid Without a Fuss:
Tip 1: Project agreements should clearly state dates and

amounts. “Investment for the work described in proposal
will be $10,000. Initial payment of $4,000 is due upon ac-
ceptance of agreement, with monthly installments of $1,500
due on July 1, August 1, September 1, and October 1.”

Tip 2: During the same conversation, when the deal is

approved clarify procedures for getting paid.

u

“John, who do I need to speak with for in-
structions on invoicing? I want to make sure I
know what you need from me so we can stay
on track with billing.”

u

“After my initial payment, my monthlies are
due on the first. Do they need to be in ac-
counting by a certain day for that to happen?”

u

“If there’s ever an issue with payments should
I come directly to you or would you rather I
spoke with someone else?”

Tip 3: Send your invoices

as instructed and expect to get
paid on time. If not, use the
remedy prescribed by your
customer. “John, I haven’t re-
ceived my July 1 payment as
expected. I’m pretty sure we
followed procedures. Will
you check on it and let me
know what needs to happen
to get us paid?”

Confident money talk is important, so practice as much

as necessary.

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Quick Ideas 76 to 77

Assignment

Draft a sample

statement for your
proposals/agreements
about how you expect
to be paid. Be confident
in your money talk.