The Competitive Edge

Becoming a successful freelancer isn’t only about scoring a few projects and delivering them on time. Growing a small business can be romantic in concept, but it can be all-consuming in practice. In order to preserve your sanity and make this early growing stage as painless as possible, things exist that you can do to let your clients do part of the work for you.

TOP TIPS

To succeed as a freelancer in the online world, each client project, interaction, milestone, and even dispute should be seen as a chance to exude professionalism and reliability. This is how you will stand above the rest, all the while sitting in the comfort of your own home, abiding by your own schedule and dress code.

A happy client is not only one of your best advocates, but also one of your most productive business growing tools. The goodwill that comes from them can lead your dreams into territory you never imagined. But you must nurture these positive relationships, and in return, they will come back to you in wonderful ways again and again.

Stay In Touch

If the most common cause of misunderstandings is faulty expectations, then it serves to reason that the solution is to excel at communication. There is no overestimating this one aspect of dealing with clients, online or otherwise.

As I have explained, critical to proposal writing success is clearly expressing that you understand what the client wants and can deliver on it. (Refer to Chapter 6.) But good communication doesn’t begin and end there.

TOP TIPS

Some successful contractors make sure to communicate with their clients every single day. Depending on the project, this is a great way to let them know you’ve got their best interests in mind and are working hard for them.

As the project progresses, give your client updates, don’t just wait for the status reports to be due. Ask questions if you have them, and let them know you’re out there working. If you go silent on a client, she may wonder if you’re actually doing anything and lose confidence.

Always let the client know if you expect any delay or significant change in the project plan. Clients are human; they understand that life happens to us all. If you get sick, have a family crisis, or simply underestimated the extent of the job, speak up. Let them know your situation and provide a revised schedule or set of milestones.

On the flipside, when your client contacts you, reply quickly. Think about how you feel when you ask a question of someone and they get back to you immediately. You feel valued and respected. This is exactly how you want your client to feel, too.

Take the High Road

As much as it hurts, as much as we want to tell ’em what we really think, it’s better business to never respond in a harsh or combative way to a client. It’s common sense. Always be polite, always let them know you heard them and will find a solution to whatever upset they may be having. Battling with a client is a losing proposition.

One of the advantages of working online is that you have time to take a walk, vacuum the ceiling, or hit whiffle balls off the deck until you cool down and think of the best and most logical reply.

Get Ongoing Feedback

Feedback at the end is great, but it’s not going to ensure you’re doing the best job possible along the way. It depends a bit on the project; some shorter ones may need no feedback at all. But it’s a wise move indeed to stop and ask how you’re doing.

CYBER SNAGS

Some freelancers make the mistake of disappearing from view once they get awarded the project. In their mind, they’re working hard and getting the job done. But the client doesn’t know this. Again, think like a client. Let them know what you’re doing, ask for feedback, and stay in regular contact.

Some projects, like designing a logo or website, will require feedback. It’s how the final design is chosen. But others may be more straightforward. Whatever your project, try to give your client a taste of what you’re doing and ask them if they like it. Two advantages come from this: you learn whether you’re heading down the right road, and you have another opportunity to communicate with the client. It’s a win-win.

The Extra Mile

Within limits, it’s a good idea when possible to do a little bit more than you’re asked to do. This sets the precedent of goodwill, which can then be returned in myriad ways.

As well, if it turns out that the project needs a little extra work done, something that wouldn’t take a lot of time, consider including this at no cost. It doesn’t lower your value, but instead shows that you’re human and a good person to work with. Those are both qualities that will get you return business and referrals. Obviously, do this in moderation.