Just as you run out of ideas and even the dog's in a sulk, a promising email arrives

You have hit a brick wall: 10 meetings attended in two weeks and nothing to show for it. Plenty of 鈥淚 am sure we may be able to use your services at some time in the future鈥� 鈥� you are obviously doing the right thing and your services are bound to be in demand; but no immediate commission.

The atmosphere on the home front defies description. Your better half avoids eye contact and doesn't mention your best endeavours, the children when at home remain in their rooms and the dog has gone back to spending long periods in his basket, apart from the odd trip out to give you a snuggle of sympathy.

The atmosphere on the home front defies description. Then the email arrives. What a difference a day makes, as the old song goes

What can you do now? A chase-up phone call to those you have seen recently seems a bit too much Yossa Hughes than up-and-coming professional firm. Contacting those to whom you haven't yet spoken seems unlikely to be productive, as they were in any event long shots.

Then the email arrives. What a difference a day makes, as the old song goes. One of the commercial directors of a contracting organisation you visited indicates that he may require your services in relation to the preparation of a final account. The employer needs the final price to be sorted out and agreed in time for its year end, which is three months away. Would you please give him a ring?

Should you tell the better half? Perhaps not: if the job doesn't come off, the disappointment may be too much to bear

Your first feeling is one of relief. Doubts then set in, as the email states only that your services 鈥渕ay鈥� be required, and there is many a slip between cup and lip. Should you tell the better half? Perhaps not: if the job doesn't come off, the level of disappointment may be too much to bear.

The meeting goes well. Your objective was to come away with the files; job done. Agreeing a fee was painless, as you went in at a pretty low hourly rate to ensure you didn't foul up. Most of the key information is readily available and so you can start right away. Three months' work ahead and a journey home on cloud nine. There is a going to be a hot time in the old town tonight.

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