After the initial meeting, I took some time to brainstorm ideas and think about how to approach the project. I wanted to carve out the right scope of work or agree to an ongoing contract.
I hesitated for a few days before sending an email that explained what I could do and offered a weekly rate. I did not hear back for a few days.
I called the client a few times over the next few weeks as they were out traveling and hard to pin down. I finally heard that my rates were too high and they are looking for something smaller.
Next time I will try to have this conversation sooner, before pitching something. I'd rather get closer on the first offer than be wildly off and have to go from there.
The next step is to reach out again on Thursday and discuss a smaller scope.