I would have to agree with this approach but it can be hard when you are a “starving” consultant. But as Yo points out many times these small projects in the end cost you far more in terms of tying you up.
I use to and still do have certain criteria that i set for clients / projects to help ensure that it will be a mutually beneficial relationship.
Even now i am more picky, i recently did a class A alias sculpting project to help fix some flaws in a design, but i did this because i knew the client and i thought it would be fun to sit at alias and do some surface sculpting because its not something i do often anymore.
my criteria use to be criteria
- understanding of the value i bring
- passion for the project
- timeline
- current workload vs future workload
- current cash flow
- Always willing to walk away if it is not mutually beneficial short term or long term.
Depending on the project and cash flow weighted item 1-4 differently - and this is a living list. for example at this point in life today 2/3/1 are the most important.