RE: What to do when you get in over your head
First of all, the obvious answer is to not accept contracts without knowing the scope and expertise involved. But as has been said, unexpected things happen that cause one to get in "over their head".
I do not subscribe to the "tell the client and let the chips fall" theory. Even the author admits that this can have some confidence repercussions for future jobs. And in a community as competitive and incestuous as ours, it could lead to few or no future jobs as the word gets out.
I believe that one should just grab the bootstraps and fulfill the contract, no matter what it takes. If that means hiring your own consultant(s) who have the expertise needed at your cost, then so be it. This is true, even if you have to take a loss on the job. A reputation for getting the job done in all cases is golden and will pay for any minor setbacks in the long run.
