Poll: When was the last time you referred work to a colleague? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "When was the last time you referred work to a colleague?".
View the poll results »
| | | | | In the last month | Jun 25, 2019 |
Although I must say that, just by sheer coincidence, lately I have been referred to by clients and colleagues much more often than the other way around…
| | | | Berenice Font 
Mexico
Local time: 01:22
Member (2010)
English to Spanish
+ ...
I have referred colleagues to many clients. I think it's professional to do it when we are so busy we can't attend our clients needs. It's always been welcome and it has always been positive for everyone.
However, I did refer a colleague to one of the agencies I work for not long ago. I let him know by email what my rate was with that agency so he would request the same rate, but he quoted much below my rate. The result was I haven't heard from the agency any more, and he has.
... See more I have referred colleagues to many clients. I think it's professional to do it when we are so busy we can't attend our clients needs. It's always been welcome and it has always been positive for everyone.
However, I did refer a colleague to one of the agencies I work for not long ago. I let him know by email what my rate was with that agency so he would request the same rate, but he quoted much below my rate. The result was I haven't heard from the agency any more, and he has.
I think as colleagues it's important to be thoughtful. I was professional and when I was unable to assist my client, I referred a trusted colleague who would be able to help them while I was unavailable. However, he wasn't mindful and ended up taking my client for me.
This is just a reminder we need to help each other, not compete in an unloyal manner. There is work for all of us, we should just think and work in a more solidary and professional manner. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | With "colleagues" like that... | Jun 25, 2019 |
Berenice Font wrote:
However, I did refer a colleague to one of the agencies I work for not long ago. I let him know by email what my rate was with that agency so he would request the same rate, but he quoted much below my rate. The result was I haven't heard from the agency any more, and he has.
How disrespectful of your "colleague"! Sorry to hear about your experience. I suspect you are better off without an agency who will let you go at the drop of a hat in favour of paying someone else a lower rate, although if you had a good relationship with them, I suppose that may not be much comfort. I'm also surprised that an agency would need a referral - it's something I've done for private clients, but never for agencies. Maybe they need to work on their recruiting process?
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Berenice Font
Mexico
Local time: 01:22
Member (2010)
English to Spanish
+ ...
Dear Fiona,
Thank you so much for your input!
I did have the same thoughts about the agency, I think they are gradually becoming one of those agencies that go only per price and forget quality and professionalism. I did have a good relationship with them (or at least I thought so), I even visited them in their offices not long ago. I might drop them a line "casually" just wondering if everything is ok just to see if they have any reaction...
I can't tell y... See more Dear Fiona,
Thank you so much for your input!
I did have the same thoughts about the agency, I think they are gradually becoming one of those agencies that go only per price and forget quality and professionalism. I did have a good relationship with them (or at least I thought so), I even visited them in their offices not long ago. I might drop them a line "casually" just wondering if everything is ok just to see if they have any reaction...
I can't tell you how much it has helped me to read your opinion on this!
Thank you so much!
Berenice ▲ Collapse
| | | | Kay Denney
France
Local time: 08:22
French to English
Berenice Font wrote:
However, I did refer a colleague to one of the agencies I work for not long ago. I let him know by email what my rate was with that agency so he would request the same rate, but he quoted much below my rate. The result was I haven't heard from the agency any more, and he has.
Well that's the last time you refer him to anyone! In his shoes I'd have been chuffed at a chance to bill more than my usual rate!
Just recently a friend was asking me if I could pass work on to her. I said sure. While she was at my place, I got a request from an agency, asking if I'd be willing to drop my rate for a new client of theirs. The new client was a lingerie manufacturer, and their products are in the high end of the price range. I'm not dropping my rate because I have plenty of work at this rate, but even if that weren't the case I wouldn't drop it for such a client. My friend just said "I'll do it for them", and I just icily said that no she wouldn't, I wasn't going to have her undercutting me. So she won't be getting any work from me, just in case she did that behind my back.
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