Practical Prep: Scripts for 1099 Scenarios

I'm not quick on my feet.

Sometimes I'll be in an interesting conversation and then come up with some brilliant idea or perfect response ... three days later!

Unfortunately, in 1099 land, you don't always have three days to mull things over.

To solve this, I recommend preparing scripts for various situations you'll encounter, both written and verbal.

You will effectively be thinking of your response ahead of time. This is possible because most situations you'll encounter aren't totally unique.

For example, you can prepare a script to respond to a program manager (PM) rejecting your billable rate proposal.

If you were on the phone with the PM and you didn't prepare a script, you might get angry and yell out, "Fine! I didn't want to work on your stupid project anyway!"

Not productive.

But let's say you prepare a script for a situation in which a PM says no to your rate request. What if instead of getting angry, you calmly deliver the lines you rehearsed:

"I understand you have certain billable rate targets for this position. Would you be opposed to sharing what rates make sense for this program?"

Cool, calm, and reasonable: that's what scripts do for you.

Here are list of situations where it makes sense to prepare scripts:

• Talking to your boss about going 1099
• Introducing yourself and your professional background to a new client or PM
• Negotiating terms of your sub-contract
• Asking for referrals or introductions
• Asking for advice
• Responding to client criticism
• Responding to a client's dumb ideas
• Dealing with security bureaucrats
• Dealing with any sort of frustrating bureaucrat

I'm sure I'm ignoring a bunch more but you get the gist. These are situations that you know you'll encounter, you just don't know when or with which specific people.

A little preparation goes a long way to easing anxiety and stress, and will also get you better outcomes.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.