Should she employ a fake assistant?

“Negotiating my fees with customers makes me really uncomfortable. I can’t count the number of times I believe I’ve charged too little or that the discussion has become awkward and later hurting the working relationship. If the business grows, I’ll hire a business manager to handle the negotiation and contracts, so I can focus on doing great consulting and building relationships with the customers.” Laura’s friend orders another coffee, before suggesting, “why don’t you just create a fake virtual agent with an e-mail. You can then write those e-mails being direct and clear, while you are focusing on the project and deliverables. You should call her Mariann after me.”

Laura’s always been impressed with her friend’s street-smartness, and likes the idea. “I think it could be a brilliant solution. It would not cost anything, and I will be able to distance myself from the negotiations. The only problem I see is that it’s not honest. I don’t like to pretend that I’m someone I’m not.” “I understand, but either you hire and pay someone, or you establish a virtual badass that can handle all your unpleasantries.”