As a freelancer, management is the name of the game. Whether you are managing a budget, time, or managing the clients that you have to be on top of the processes. Managing clients might be the trickiest of all management tasks though.
In fact, organization and client management are among the top 10 pain points that freelancers experience. With that being said, there are some tips that can help you have success with the process.
Let’s take a look at managing your freelance clients like a pro!
Create Clear Project Terms
From start to finish, you should have a clear plan laid out for your projects. If you have ever made the mistake of not discussing the terms at the start of your project, only to find that you bit off more than you could chew halfway through, you know why this is important!
Start by asking your client if they have a scope of work or standard operation procedure already laid out that they would like you to follow. If not, no problem! Take some time to listen to their goals, expectations, desired deliverables, etc. and help them curate a document that outlines the discussed terms.
Consider using the FreeUp Scope of Work template to help them identify some of the terms. Be sure to get everything in writing before you begin the project that way you have something to reference as the project progresses.
Find a Communication Channel That Works For Your Client
As freelancers, we must be familiar with a variety of tools and communication channels. However, our clients may not have that same level of expertise. Whether it is Slack, Zoom, Google Meet or any of the other dozens of communication tools available, you will want to make sure that your client is comfortable with using the platform.
Keep in mind that every client is different and what works for one client may not work for another, so be sure to remain flexible. If your client is asking for your suggestions on which communication tool to use, you might consider the FreeUp Messenger System.
The Messenger System allows you and your client to send and receive messages and attachments right from the FreeUp Dashboard. Additionally, all chats are stored and can be easily accessed and referenced in the event of a dispute.
Be sure that no matter what tool you use, your client feels comfortable. Also, make sure that all members of your team and the client’s team have appropriate access to the channels so no chat is missed.
It is important to note that storing your communication is incredibly important and useful for freelancers as a point of reference as you move forward with your clients. Having the conversations in writing so you can easily reference them will help you avoid mistakes and miscommunication.
Be Transparent From Start to Finish
Honesty and transparency are the cornerstones of freelancer pros! Client’s often choose freelancer over corporate options because they feel they have a more one on one connection with independent contractors: They feel seen and heard.
With that being said, sometimes, client’s will put unrealistic expectations on their freelancers and the freelancer will oblige because they do not want to disappoint the client…This is a dangerous decision!
Not only are you potentially setting yourself up for failure, you are also risking your client’s business success. Be upfront right from the start if a project is out of your wheelhouse or if you simply don’t have the time to manage the project. Furthermore, be transparent about what your client’s expectations should be for the duration of the project.
Be clear about how long the project will take to complete and how much it is expected to cost. If you wait until you are halfway through the project to start talking about these things, your client might feel like you have been withholding information to draw out the project or that you are incompetent.
Don’t Just Meet Expectations, Exceed Them
This is one of the biggest ways you can manage your clients, but not in the way you think…Of course you want to do a great job, but if you do an exceptional job…That gets the client’s talking.
A whopping 82% of small businesses cite referrals as their primary source of new customers. You should be looking at each client as having the potential to get you more business. Do your best to exceed all expectations because doing so will ensure that your clients recommend you to their friends and colleagues!
Follow These Tips Today!
Managing your freelance clients like a pro is simple with these tips, so don’t shoulder it all on your own! Don’t be afraid to utilize the FreeUp Partner Program for support with your freelance clients today!