E-mail script to start a contract re-negotiation
If you're on a 1099 project, want to stay on it, but also want to either increase your rate or change the terms of your work, here's an e-mail script you can use to get the ball rolling.
This assumes you are e-mailing the program manager and you've done a good job.
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Hi [Program Manager],
I appreciate you offering the opportunity to work with [client] on [name of program].
It has been great to be able to help move the needle by [insert an accomplishment on two].
However, I'm considering joining a few other potential projects that also look interesting.
I'd love to continue supporting [client] but would need to make some adjustments to my contract, specifically [insert thing you want to change].
What would be the best way to make that happen?
Thank you for your help and I hope we can make this work!
-[You]
If you filled it in, here's what it could look like.
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Hi Kevin,
I appreciate you offering the opportunity to work with Beth on HR dashboard automation work.
It has been great to be able to help move the needle by figuring out the business workflows and then automating the data cleaning processes. I think we've saved a few employees several hours per week already and have reduced turnaround time on reporting from a week to a day.
However, I'm considering joining a few other potential projects that also look interesting.
I'd love to continue supporting Beth but would need to make some adjustments to my contract, specifically my rate and the number of hours on my contract.
What would be the best way to make that happen?
Thank you for your help and I hope we can make this work!
-Dale
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Basically this works because it:
- Establishes why you are valuable
- Shows you are enthusiastic
- Hints you're leaving without committing to leaving
- Gets the program manager to come up with solutions, or at least next steps
This will get the conversation going and you can work out a new deal from there.
Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.