My first client

Yesterday I met up with a potential client at a cafe. We briefly went through his business plan, and I introduced our services and fees. He did source around before meeting me, and he felt that our professional fees are slightly higher than what he has seen.

When I returned home in the evening, I was strategising on a spreadsheet, and spoke with my mum over the phone. We decided not to go on a price war, and hence did not try to match the competitor's. I sent out the fee proposal by 9pm so that there was still time left for my prayers and American Idol.

This morning, I received a "Yes, my wife and I are happy to accept your proposal." A little surprised, and I called my mum in the office on the next steps to proceed.

Oh well, I woke up with a stomach cramp too. Arggh ah ah ah, I think I am aging. I never used to get stomach cramp. I have been playing tennis and doing yoga - I thought I would be healthy enough to escape that cramp. Luckily I had the flexibility to work from home. With emails and phone exchanges, the contract shall be signed tomorrow evening.

Funny me - I am still trying to figure myself out. So do I prefer to stay at home or work? When I stayed at home for a short period of time I enjoyed it. If Dad did not insist I help him at the company, I would want to stay at home and enjoy a little - basically be stress-free. But today, when I was operating at home, things were slow, the weather was warm - I wished I was back in the action-packed office.

Was I thrilled with the first client? Yes! but the euphoria died pretty quickly. Some satisfaction yes, but money isn't quite everything to me now. (Oh yes, I am really aging!) I went to the prayer room in the evening to chant. I guess that is where I feel happier, although it is not exactly comfortable to seat cross-legged for half and hour or more.

Here's an extract of a story about a turtle I just read.

Have you ever seen a turtle thrown on its back? For a while it threshes around wildly, reaching for something outside to take hold of to put it on its feet. Just as we humans always look for help outside ourselves first. But presently he draws all his forces within his shell, rests a bit to regain his strength, and then throws his whole force to one side -- legs, head, tail, and all -- and over he goes! So, it is with us.