I agree with your view. One of the major networking tools I use to stay in contact with existing clients and make new contacts is my enewsletter (http://www.e-alle.com/ALLEnews.html). It keeps me front of mind and opens up a conversation. I've been doing it for a few years and it continues to be successful!

A refreshing reminder...great article!

Wonderful and positive! As Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." There are a million quotes about regret and missed opportunity. We all need to be reminded to let go of the edge of the pool. Thanks for reminding us so eloquently.

Absolutely spot-on! It is hard to find the right group since it is essential a brain trust. Once you meet the challenge and find your group of trusted peers who will give you tough love, encouragement and a fresh perspective, you can take the next steps to growth. There is nothing like having a personal board of directors.

I agree in principle with your point and I generally can gauge a project's value better with a flat project rate, however, I strongly endorse what Jeff Fisher said. In an org with way too many approval levels, hourly rate on smaller projects (which inevitably turn up—and why turn them away) can either inspire those on a tight budget to move things along, or compensate you for the agony of too much non-constructive input.

You convey your worth and value in more ways than pricing alone. Project pricing is usually best, but sometimes, hourly is appropriate compensation.