DEAR HARRIETTE: I was working on a project with a long-term client when my main contact left to go to another company. I continued and completed the project, but when I turned in my invoice, there was a disagreement over what I was hired to do. Now my check is being held up because not everything was written down. I know that’s my fault. But I had worked with these people for years, and there had never been an issue. How can I get it resolved without damaging my relationship with the new leadership? -- Rocky Transition
DEAR ROCKY TRANSITION: If your former contact maintained a positive relationship with this company, perhaps they can help you out. Contact your person and explain the situation. Ask if they would be willing to step in and share the details of the handshake negotiation that they made with you on behalf of the company. That may help to clarify things.
You may want to consider making a compromise. If you value this client and want to continue to work with the company, you may need to accept the terms that they have offered and pledge to yourself to get a contract in the future.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)