Any advice/strategy for ensuring contracts get extended?

[patrickbaitsman]

Just want to ensure I have a steady flow of income, and one was is to get extensions - so just wanted your advice!

[SteelyDan]

Not sure there is a 'strategy' for this as it rather depends on the requirements of the client, & isn't something you're in control of at all:

• If they need someone for x months, and that's all the work there is/budgeted for, then off you go once the work is completed.
• If they need someone for x months, but there is a business impact which delays the project, then if the budget is there, they might extend you.
• If they need someone for x months but know there's other stuff which the person could do, & they want that person to do it, & the budget's there, & the person is willing to do it, then they might extend to do this additional work.
• If they need someone for x months but the person they just hired is 5hit, then the person will be 'released' early.

[cojak]

1) make sure you land a contract whose budget is big enough to cover your required extension.

That's it.

You could be really good at what you do but if the budget runs out it's Good Night Vienna.

[DaveB]

1) make sure you land a contract whose budget is big enough to cover your required extension.

That's it.

You could be really good at what you do but if the budget runs out it's Good Night Vienna.

WCS +1

I've had contracts end a couple of times simply because the client ran out of money, despite the project not being completed.

There is no real way to be sure you will be extended, or even that your contract will run it's full term. You're better of planning your finances to include forced downtime and make sure you have reserves to cover it.

[northernladuk]

Steady flow of income? Go permie.

[patrickbaitsman]

WCS +1

I've had contracts end a couple of times simply because the client ran out of money, despite the project not being completed.

There is no real way to be sure you will be extended, or even that your contract will run it's full term. You're better of planning your finances to include forced downtime and make sure you have reserves to cover it.

ok obviously aside from things out of our hands, is there nothing we can do to ensure that if the opportunity is there - to capitalize on it?

I'm thinking stuff like; effectively networking/going above and beyond your contract/impressing the client etc just thought you guys may have some kind of game plan to maximize things in the contract?

[TykeMerc]

I'm thinking stuff like; effectively networking/going above and beyond your contract/impressing the client etc just thought you guys may have some kind of game plan to maximize things in the contract?

Those are the obvious things, basically make yourself an attractive proposition to retain, if there's work, policy and budget then the client will extend.

[cojak]

2) Be good at what you do.

3) Make your sponsor look good. If there are 2 tasks that need doing and 1 is for the person that signs your extension, do that one first.

[patrickbaitsman]

2) Be good at what you do.

3) Make your sponsor look good. If there are 2 tasks that need doing and 1 is for the person that signs your extension, do that one first.

Thats a good point Cojak

I remember reading to help your manager succeed and he will bring him with you (more permy advice) but you can still apply to contracting.

[patrickbaitsman]

1) make sure you land a contract whose budget is big enough to cover your required extension.

That's it.

You could be really good at what you do but if the budget runs out it's Good Night Vienna.

Also Cojak,

Do you ask that question in interviews? kind of feels a bit blunt and presumptuous?