Options and Recommendations


"That won't work" is the worst thing you can say to the client when they suggest an approach or solution to something.

No one likes being told no, especially clients, and especially by their contractors.

Instead of saying "that won't work," you should

1) Acknowledge their approach as one way to do that,

2) Suggest two or three alternate approaches along with your reasoning, and

3) Recommend one of them and say why

This feels less "hostile" and gives the client control.

This goes against a lot of people's nature, especially technical people, who tend to be logically argumentative.

But when you're a 1099, you are mostly in the service business, the relationship matters a lot, often more than technical correctness.


If you're interested in learning how to get your first solo 1099 federal sub-contract, check out my book:

Going 1099: How to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time

I'm Dale, the author of Going 1099

Going 1099 is a book that teaches you how to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time. I wrote it because quite a few people have asked me how they can become a 1099. I figured it was best to write a single book that I can send them and that I can share with others who are interested. This newsletter goes out Monday - Friday and covers topics that will help you succeed in starting and maintaining successful 1099 career.

Read more from I'm Dale, the author of Going 1099

Hi all, I've enjoyed writing this newsletter for over a year now, but I've decided to take a hiatus for the time being. There is an extensive archive if you'd like to go back and read the previous ones. As always, if you have 1099 questions, feel free to ping me via e-mail at dale@1099fedhub.com. Good luck to you all! -Dale If you're interested in learning how to get your first solo 1099 federal sub-contract, check out my book: Going 1099: How to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain...

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