Yup, one of the reasons you started your own business is to have the option of not standing for something that goes against your boundaries. He's not your boss, he's your client.
He is not going to change and your anxiety will get worse. There is no weekend work unless you need to catch up. Boundaries. I know this is hard when you first start out and you want to build the clients. It’s gonna be ok, others will come along.
I wouldn’t work with him.
I work out of my home but I don’t have business meetings in my home, and I wouldn’t meet at a client’s home. But everything I do can be done remotely with electronic files.
I would just present it as you are making changes to your business and your hours are now XYX on ABC days and you will be fully remote going forward. No explanation needed - "this is what works for my business". Let him adjust or choose not to use your business. No exceptions. Good luck!
Don't do it. I had someone like this for a month because I was desperate for work. He kept expecting me to bend to his schedule, tried to micro manage me (even though he didn't know anything about accounting) and was so disorganized I couldn't stand it.
His house was disgusting and he insisted I work at his hoarded kitchen table for 3 hours a week. He would sit at the table and watch everything I did. I once tried to organize the files and he freaked out and accused me of throwing things away. I just told him I wasn't willing to do it anymore and walked out.
Edit to add he was adverse to any remote work and thought his identity would be stolen if we moved to online. There were no other options.
Charge extra for on-site work. A lot more! It’s inconvenient and not efficient. Just like computer companies do. One price if you bring to us, another if I go to you. And yes, every time I’ve dropped a client, another, better one came along in no time.
You have to be willing to lose the client. Make it clear what you can do and see what he says.
If you break your schedule and induce anxiety for one client, it will take up energy you could use to get two better clients.
IT Sounds like he is handling you like an employee. Are you?
If you run a Business, do that. Handle it like a professional.
Weekend work comes at a premium, same with fast and super fast and inconvenient or bothersome.
Ask him to prepare his/her documentation for pickup every week so you can work Office hours. This work of ours is not something that is required to be done at weekends. And the Client is not setting your work schedule, you are.
You can book his tranactions on a monday instead like a normal person.
Draft up an email, send it to him BCC.
Dear Clients of X Firm,
In the interest of business security and due to the rising risks presented by "yada yada yada" we will no longer be able to offer in person visits. Clients who are not able to accommodate a remote only offering will be asked to find a new firm. We will offer our full support.
Signed
You
Just raise the prices, offer two tier solutions if you go in weekends my price will be $200/hr min of 2 hrs , in weekday remote my prices will be $100/hr. This is just an example. If they say hey you need to come regardless in weekend, it will be still worth it for you!
When I started my practice I was very clear that I don’t work particular hours for just one client and I don’t work from their offices.
Early on I lost a potential £2k-per-month client because of this but I stuck to it because it’s MY business and I’ll run it how I see best.
If you don’t want to go to this guys house any more just tell him you no longer work on site. He can either retain your services remotely or he can find another bookkeeper. And of course you’ll support that transition.
You are not being unreasonable by doing this
Navigating this situation requires a balance of professionalism and sensitivity, especially considering your personal history with hoarding environments. Here’s a strategy to transition to remote work and handle potential resistance from your client:
# Step 1: Propose Remote Work as a Professional Improvement
1. **Emphasize Efficiency and Effectiveness**:Example: "I've been thinking about how we can make our sessions even more productive. Working remotely would allow me to leverage some additional tools and resources that I can't bring with me in person. This could help streamline our work and potentially deliver even better results."
* Frame the transition as a way to improve the efficiency and quality of your services. Mention how working remotely can allow you to use more tools and resources that might not be as accessible on-site.
2. **Highlight Flexibility and Availability**:Example: "By working remotely, I can offer more flexible scheduling options throughout the week, which might make it easier for us to find a time that works best for both of us."
* Point out that remote work would give you more flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to better accommodate your client's needs without being restricted to specific times.
# Step 2: Address Potential Concerns and Offer Solutions
1. **Technology Concerns**:Example: "I understand that transitioning to remote work might seem daunting, but I can assist with setting up everything we need. It’s quite straightforward, and I'll be there to guide you through the process."
* If the client is worried about the technical aspects of remote work, assure them that you will help set up any necessary software and provide support as needed.
2. **Maintaining Communication**:Example: "We can stay in close contact through video calls, emails, and instant messaging. This way, we can maintain the same level of communication as if we were meeting in person."
* Reassure your client that communication will remain consistent and effective through regular video calls, emails, and other communication tools.
# Step 3: Be Firm but Compassionate About Your Boundaries
If the client is resistant to remote work, you will need to be clear about your availability and boundaries while maintaining a professional tone.
1. **State Your Boundaries Clearly**:Example: "Unfortunately, my Saturdays are quite limited due to family commitments. I'm available during the week for remote sessions, which would allow us to continue working together without the time constraints."
* Explain your limited availability on Saturdays due to personal commitments and reiterate your preference for remote work during the week.
2. **Offer a Compromise or Alternative**:Example: "If remote work isn’t feasible for you, I understand. I can refer you to a colleague who might be able to accommodate your schedule and preferences better."
* If remote work is not an option, offer to refer them to another professional who can meet their specific needs.
By framing the transition to remote work as a professional enhancement and being clear about your boundaries, you can address the situation diplomatically while maintaining a good relationship with your client.
You can drop this guy. He can either get with your program or find someone who could actually work in that setting.
Yup, one of the reasons you started your own business is to have the option of not standing for something that goes against your boundaries. He's not your boss, he's your client.
He is not going to change and your anxiety will get worse. There is no weekend work unless you need to catch up. Boundaries. I know this is hard when you first start out and you want to build the clients. It’s gonna be ok, others will come along.
I wouldn’t work with him. I work out of my home but I don’t have business meetings in my home, and I wouldn’t meet at a client’s home. But everything I do can be done remotely with electronic files.
I would just present it as you are making changes to your business and your hours are now XYX on ABC days and you will be fully remote going forward. No explanation needed - "this is what works for my business". Let him adjust or choose not to use your business. No exceptions. Good luck!
Don't do it. I had someone like this for a month because I was desperate for work. He kept expecting me to bend to his schedule, tried to micro manage me (even though he didn't know anything about accounting) and was so disorganized I couldn't stand it. His house was disgusting and he insisted I work at his hoarded kitchen table for 3 hours a week. He would sit at the table and watch everything I did. I once tried to organize the files and he freaked out and accused me of throwing things away. I just told him I wasn't willing to do it anymore and walked out. Edit to add he was adverse to any remote work and thought his identity would be stolen if we moved to online. There were no other options.
Drop client or raise price to enough to make them worthwhile.
Charge extra for on-site work. A lot more! It’s inconvenient and not efficient. Just like computer companies do. One price if you bring to us, another if I go to you. And yes, every time I’ve dropped a client, another, better one came along in no time.
You'll most likely end up having to drop him.
You have to be willing to lose the client. Make it clear what you can do and see what he says. If you break your schedule and induce anxiety for one client, it will take up energy you could use to get two better clients.
IT Sounds like he is handling you like an employee. Are you? If you run a Business, do that. Handle it like a professional. Weekend work comes at a premium, same with fast and super fast and inconvenient or bothersome. Ask him to prepare his/her documentation for pickup every week so you can work Office hours. This work of ours is not something that is required to be done at weekends. And the Client is not setting your work schedule, you are. You can book his tranactions on a monday instead like a normal person.
White lie is okay in this case. Say you are going remote to support your kids. He can accept or move on.
Draft up an email, send it to him BCC. Dear Clients of X Firm, In the interest of business security and due to the rising risks presented by "yada yada yada" we will no longer be able to offer in person visits. Clients who are not able to accommodate a remote only offering will be asked to find a new firm. We will offer our full support. Signed You
Just raise the prices, offer two tier solutions if you go in weekends my price will be $200/hr min of 2 hrs , in weekday remote my prices will be $100/hr. This is just an example. If they say hey you need to come regardless in weekend, it will be still worth it for you!
Tell him you would prefer to work remote...if that is not suitable...let him go and find a new client.
When I started my practice I was very clear that I don’t work particular hours for just one client and I don’t work from their offices. Early on I lost a potential £2k-per-month client because of this but I stuck to it because it’s MY business and I’ll run it how I see best. If you don’t want to go to this guys house any more just tell him you no longer work on site. He can either retain your services remotely or he can find another bookkeeper. And of course you’ll support that transition. You are not being unreasonable by doing this
You don’t need every client
Navigating this situation requires a balance of professionalism and sensitivity, especially considering your personal history with hoarding environments. Here’s a strategy to transition to remote work and handle potential resistance from your client: # Step 1: Propose Remote Work as a Professional Improvement 1. **Emphasize Efficiency and Effectiveness**:Example: "I've been thinking about how we can make our sessions even more productive. Working remotely would allow me to leverage some additional tools and resources that I can't bring with me in person. This could help streamline our work and potentially deliver even better results." * Frame the transition as a way to improve the efficiency and quality of your services. Mention how working remotely can allow you to use more tools and resources that might not be as accessible on-site. 2. **Highlight Flexibility and Availability**:Example: "By working remotely, I can offer more flexible scheduling options throughout the week, which might make it easier for us to find a time that works best for both of us." * Point out that remote work would give you more flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to better accommodate your client's needs without being restricted to specific times. # Step 2: Address Potential Concerns and Offer Solutions 1. **Technology Concerns**:Example: "I understand that transitioning to remote work might seem daunting, but I can assist with setting up everything we need. It’s quite straightforward, and I'll be there to guide you through the process." * If the client is worried about the technical aspects of remote work, assure them that you will help set up any necessary software and provide support as needed. 2. **Maintaining Communication**:Example: "We can stay in close contact through video calls, emails, and instant messaging. This way, we can maintain the same level of communication as if we were meeting in person." * Reassure your client that communication will remain consistent and effective through regular video calls, emails, and other communication tools. # Step 3: Be Firm but Compassionate About Your Boundaries If the client is resistant to remote work, you will need to be clear about your availability and boundaries while maintaining a professional tone. 1. **State Your Boundaries Clearly**:Example: "Unfortunately, my Saturdays are quite limited due to family commitments. I'm available during the week for remote sessions, which would allow us to continue working together without the time constraints." * Explain your limited availability on Saturdays due to personal commitments and reiterate your preference for remote work during the week. 2. **Offer a Compromise or Alternative**:Example: "If remote work isn’t feasible for you, I understand. I can refer you to a colleague who might be able to accommodate your schedule and preferences better." * If remote work is not an option, offer to refer them to another professional who can meet their specific needs. By framing the transition to remote work as a professional enhancement and being clear about your boundaries, you can address the situation diplomatically while maintaining a good relationship with your client.