I have been in the situation where I have had trouble getting a client to pay me for a service I have provided. Have you? If not, then at some point you probably will.

So how do you deal with this? How do you deal with this and preserve the relationship you have developed with your client? How can you protect your self so this does not happen?

The simple answer is, have a contract. I just watched this presentation by Mike Monteiro, Design Director, and co-founder of Mule Design Studio (muledesign.com). I found this video to be a very educational experience. If you are new to contract negotiation watch it! If you have been doing contracts for a long time, watch it!

2011/03 Mike Monteiro | F*ck You. Pay Me. from SanFrancisco/CreativeMornings on Vimeo.