Client Manual For Busy Freelancers

Clients have two major attributes. They are either easy to work with, or they can be down right annoying. I believe we would be pushed hard to find a single freelancer who hasn’t in some ways grappled with the thought of dropping a client because he gave them a hard time.

While the process seems relative straightforward, it isn’t always so in reality. As freelancers we have to weigh up our options before we react, especially if we deal with a difficult client. Instead of overreacting to him, it really pays to think about the potential outcome first.

Weighing up the options

I know how annoying it gets when a client becomes way too demanding. Some clients seem to assume by employing a freelancer they can claim us as their own and demand more and more of us every week. Here is the thing though, most of the hard to handle clients simply don’t understand. Some don’t even realize that a freelancer is working for other clients too.

This is where we come in.

We need to look at what we can do to solve the obvious communication issue. As you probably guess, the first line of defense is always communication. It would be unfair to sack the client just because we don’t agree with his demand.

Since it is our business, we set our rules. However, the rules have to be fair either way and a middle ground should be established, especially if we are in disregard with each other.

A simple, straightforward email explaining the situation and our feelings toward the problem is often enough to solve the problem. As it turns out, the client was just trying to push his boundaries and see how he can go. If you let them push, naturally they will keep doing it even harder next time round.

The chemistry thing

A client/freelancer relationship should be a perfect balance of give and take. We give them our service, we take their money. They give us their money, they take our work.

Although this sounds like a blunt statement, ultimately it comes down to exactly this. Luckily, I haven’t had many difficult clients since I’ve been in the business.

Quite the opposite actually. In the last year I only ever had to sack one client because there was simply no other way around. It is only natural that sometimes we simply don’t get on with another person.

In this case the vital part of the relationship is missing - the chemistry. If there is no understanding between client and freelancer, work will feel like a drag and you might as well not bother.

Choosing the road with no resistance

Freelancers who are afraid to speak up for their needs because they fear to lose a client lose out on a lot more. Ultimately, this is your business and if other people step on your toes it is you that suffers.

There is nothing wrong with setting the boundaries if you feel used or abused by a client. Demands on your time should be in direct proportions of your income, otherwise you will end up working for peanuts.

The problem (especially new freelancers) face is dealing with insecurities. They are afraid to let go in fear of standing out in the cold without any client at all. By using a negative mind set like this you will actually cut yourselves short.

Be assertive but fair

On the other hand, it doesn’t pay to scream blue murder when a long term client asks for a little more every now and then. Obviously, the more part depends on how it is proposed and what it involves but sometimes we can make a very happy client even happier by going through the extra special mile.

Start out on the right foot by establishing clear boundaries before you even take the job. Understand what is expected of you.

Communication is key for any business owner. For freelancers it is a life saver.

Pros and cons of a relationship

Relationships between clients and freelancers aren’t always the ideal solution. While we engage in a professional relationship, many clients have the potential to become friends.

I think with existing clients this isn’t a good idea. Many think that becoming too friendly will actually harm the work and I tend to agree with this.

It’s not that we intentionally sabotage a client if he is suddenly a great friend. But in some ways we lose a certain respect which is essential to keep each party within a working boundary.

Our interpersonal reaction with a friend is entirely different than with a client.

Be the respect you want to gain

I think the easiest way to approach any client/freelancer relationship is to show the respect you hope to gain in return. This starts with email communication and goes all the way through to starting, executing and delivering the job.

Courtesy is a lost art these days. Be one of the few who remembers to be courteous. Your clients will be thankful for it.