Reply to: Turning down work events politely

[DieScum]

Fair point Dow.

I think I had just taken this too far and blown it up in my head. Just this project.

I'd had a couple of meals with some of the project managers previously which I can honestly say were some of the most excruciating evenings of my entire life. We are in a nice restaurant, fine food and wine but they are droning on about work stuff. Any attempt to turn the conversation round ("So tell me do you have any kids...hey so you mentioned you where in Prague, never been what is it like... etc) fell dead.

But it ended up being great. Lots of interesting chats and getting to know people a bit better.

[DimPrawn]

Client do's are great.

You end up with a rate rise, contract extension and blow-job from the leggy girl in accounts. All through networking. Most years anyway.

[Dow Jones]

Why not?

I don't see what harm it does (going to a client's Xmas do) unless of course your evenings are all booked up from now until Xmas Eve. I went to one last night, sat very close to one of the senior directors (who turned out to be a very down to earth, normal guy) and told him some of the jokes that I've come across in the CUK jokes forum. At the end of the evening, he thanked me and gave me his card. Food and wine was excellent, so what's the problem with some of you? I think it's lack of people skills, which - like someone said here - may make the difference between being a successful contractor or not.

[tay]

You are truly a world class tosser. Its lightweights like you that cant pull their weight that screw up so many projects. Go home and take your shoes with you

You have no idea how the real world works do you little man.

Unless you are taking the piss... in which case.. well done.

[EternalOptimist]

I just see it as a marketing exercise, with the client kindly footing the bill. SOme contractors are still deluded enough to think that the best workers get renewals or repeat business... its not the hardest working, its the most liked that get the work.

Go forth and network!

You are truly a world class tosser. Its lightweights like you that cant pull their weight that screw up so many projects. Go home and take your shoes with you

[tay]

Well you have the sarcasm down pat.... a vital skill for any contractor

[DieScum]

Contracting is an aspiration for me. You guys are like gods to me.

[tay]

Extensions... I'm not actually a contractor. I am a permie consultant. So basically I do contract projects but as a consultant. So I don't really want an extension on this particular project. Just want to get the job done and ship out.

May the god of contracting have mercy on your soul sinner.

[DieScum]

Extensions... I'm not actually a contractor. I am a permie consultant. So basically I do contract projects but as a consultant. So I don't really want an extension on this particular project. Just want to get the job done and ship out.

[tay]

Ended up going along. Was a decent laugh actually.

Shows I sometimes lose track of how things really are and need to take my head out of my behind sometimes.

Good on you... if you want an extension... it just got a whole lot more likely

[tay]

Sssshhhh ! You still need somebody to actually do the work while you are busy networking. Just because you are retiring you don't have to reveal all the trade secrets.

Oh Crap

Very good point.

[rootsnall]

SOme contractors are still deluded enough to think that the best workers get renewals or repeat business... its not the hardest working, its the most liked that get the work.!

Sssshhhh ! You still need somebody to actually do the work while you are busy networking. Just because you are retiring you don't have to reveal all the trade secrets.

[DieScum]

Ended up going along. Was a decent laugh actually.

Shows I sometimes lose track of how things really are and need to take my head out of my behind sometimes.

[tay]

I just see it as a marketing exercise, with the client kindly footing the bill. SOme contractors are still deluded enough to think that the best workers get renewals or repeat business... its not the hardest working, its the most liked that get the work.

Go forth and network!

[the average man]

I got asked the question a couple of weeks ago... I just said that as a freelancer, Gordon Blair would prefer I didn't get the same perks as perm staff (unless I paid my own way?).... plus its a bit too soon into my contract for that kind of stuff