… asked for a 50% deposit from a new client.

They were under a deadline and weren’t sure how fast they could cut a check.

I said, “No problem, I’ll be here when you’re ready.” An hour later, they called with a credit card number.

Two important things:

1. Always get a deposit and a signed agreement from a new client. Don’t worry – the people who are for real are never insulted when you ask for that.

2. Don’t let somebody else’s urgency become your problem.