You start working with a client. And almost immediately, you realize it’s a mistake.
The client starts asking for things that are way out of scope. Or they’re setting timelines that are wildly unreasonable.
Ugh! Ever been there?
So what went wrong? How did things go downhill so fast?
Most likely, you didn’t set expectations and boundaries at the get-go. And that set the relationship up for failure.
In today’s podcast episode, I detail three important ways to set expectations and boundaries with your new clients.
If you don’t already have these pieces in place, you increase the risk of projects going bad from day one.
The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe in iTunes to get this show delivered straight to the Podcasts app on your smartphone, tablet or iPod.
There are three important ways to set expectations and boundaries with your new clients from day one:
- On your website. Explain how you work. Describe your process and approach.
- In your agreement. Explain what’s covered and what’s not. Lay out next steps and how the project will roll out.
- During an onboarding call. Spend a few minutes explaining how you’ll work together, your responsibilities, and the client’s responsibilities. Outline how you’ll communicate, your working hours, and other information that will help set and maintain boundaries.
Most clients are reasonable people. But they’re also human. And humans are imperfect.
So don’t leave it up to the client to set the tone.
If you want to have a long, happy and profitable relationship, you need to take the lead.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Grab a free copy of my book.
It’s called Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. The title says it all. 😉 — Click Here
2. Join my implementation program and be a case study.
I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’re earning $5k+/month (or the part-time equivalent) from your freelance business … and you’d like to grow your income quickly with better clients … just email me at [email protected] and put “Case Study” in the subject line.
3. Work with me privately.
If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Just email me at [email protected] and put “Breakthrough” in the subject line, and I’ll get back to you with more details.
