Lost a $5k retainer client last week over a Slack message I sent at 9 PM

Client said I was 'too available' and it made them nervous about our process. Do you set strict boundaries with communication hours or lean into the 24/7 availability game?

2 comments

2 Comments

faithrodriguez18d ago

Bruh, that's wild. So like, did they actually say what part of being too available made them nervous, or was it just a vague vibe check? I'm curious if they thought youd push them into a bigger scope or something. Cause I feel like some clients get weird when you respond fast because they think you dont have other work, which is backwards logic if you ask me. Was this a newer client or one youd been working with for a while?

seth_nguyen18d ago

Hang on, I think you're reading too much into the 'vibe check' part. They literally told me it was because I was 'too available' and that made them wonder if my process had any real structure or if I was just winging it on their dime. It wasn't about having other clients or pushing scope, it was about them thinking speed equals lack of planning. They wanted to feel like there was a solid system in place, not someone who's just online all the time. So for me, it's not about being strict with hours, it's about showing the work has a timeline and a method. I lean into availability but I lead with a clear process now.