[consulting] Established clients seeking technical training.

[Bill Fitzgerald]

Hello, Chris,

Some thoughts, inline, below:

Chris Miller wrote:
> Hello all,
> 
> I have a friend employed by an established and profitable client of 3 
> years, that is asking for independent training and instruction on Drupal 
> development.  This friend has a few basic technical skills, and dabbles 
> in side projects.  We're using Drupal for several projects at said 
> friend's job.  I've heard the analogy that "A plumber wouldn't teach you 
> how to fix the pipes", and I'm looking for a nice way to say that to my 
> friend.  

If you don't want to do the work, just say it. If you don't think that 
your friend can do the work, just say that. It's difficult to say what 
people don't want to hear, but if it's the truth, you're doing them a favor.

> Has anyone else had to deal with this situation?  How did it 
> turn out?

We have trained clients on using their sites on several occasions. The 
challenge has been assessing the level of in-house expertise, and 
building admin UI's that supported this. All in all, it's worked out 
very well. Then, when they want something more complex, or want to bring 
their site to the next level, they get us involved, and our work is 
easier because they are up to speed on how their site works.

> 
> Honestly I have no interest in training anyone to independently do the 
> work that puts food on my table.  I've thought about just charging 3x my 
> normal rate and milking it.  Is that wrong?

IMO, and I don't mean to sound harsh, but yes, that is wrong. As 
consultants, we need to add value -- sometimes that value involves 
saving the client time, but it's never okay to milk a job. If you don't 
want the work, turn it down, and be transparent about your motivations.

Cheers,

Bill

> 
> -- 
>  Chris Miller
>  Trailhead Interactive
>  http://www.trailheadinteractive.com
>  406-750-0107
> 
> 
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