How to handle awkward money conversations with clients

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A few months ago, I found myself in what I felt was an awkward situation. A potential consultancy client approached me with a request to hire me for some work. However, during subsequent meetings, and before we signed an agreement, a couple of things became apparent.

One, they had no intention of signing the agreement we were discussing and two, they kept pushing me for ‘advice’ on a free basis, which under other circumstances I would charge for.