OK... normally, I'm a bit of a mouse, and the last thing I would do is brag. But here, I guess I can if I want.

Guess what? whisp ROCKS!

I went into a business meeting today with a client I have worked with for almost ten years now. The workload from them has steadily grown, but my retainer fee hasn't. Since their budget year starts in September, today was the day to speak up. I die a thousand deaths at the thought of negotiating money... and that's been deadly for me, as I'm self-employed. Well, today, something clicked.

I have no firm figure yet, but my retainer fee, as of September will be between two and three times what it is right now. I set it up so that paid for a set number of hours, and any hours over that will be billable... that was huge for me! But it didn't stop there.

I have a title with the organization now. Manager, Communications and Publications. Gosh, after all this time, I get a bit of backbone, and now I'm recognized for who I've been for a long time.

Oh, and while I was at it, I asked for a new MSOffice Pro package, since they are the only client I need the pro features for... and it was no problem. They would take care of that right away... and then they asked if I needed any equipment. I explained that I had gone out and bought a multifunction machine last month, so I would have fax and scanner for them, and the next thing I NEEDED (for all this layout work they've suddenly given me, which has never been my "baileywick" before) was a (I still can't believe I had the guts to ask for this)

22" LCD Monitor!!!!!!!

and that was "No problem. We can get that for you within the week."

You could have knocked me over with a feather, but I smiled, thanked them very much, and thanked them again for the invitation to the Board of Directors' strategic planning retreat, in September. That should be interesting.

Well thanks for letting me blow my own horn for a bit... I just couldn't resist. It's been an incredible day, and I'm so proud of myself.

whisp