THE ULTIMATE FREELANCER S GUIDE IN BUILDING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

Transcription

1 The Ultimate Freelancer s Guide in Building Client Relationships THE ULTIMATE FREELANCER S GUIDE IN BUILDING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS ALI Creative Learning

2 What made the world s richest the richest? What do they have that others don t have? Simple questions but tricky to answer. Some might answer conventional ones like determination, passion, and dedication. Yes, probably that could be true. But one trait that made these people jump from rags to riches is their ability to talk. Not really just about talking and communicating only, but making those little interactions into connections that later bloom as partnerships and relationships. Humans are social animals. It s part of our nature to talk and communicate, interact and develop relationships towards others. Establishing relationships are part of every human aspect of this world. From countries to countries, communities to communities, families to families and person to person interactions, it encompasses establishing constant communication which builds up into future relationships.

3 The Ultimate Freelancer s Guide in Building Client Relationships Relationships are also important for businesses and careers; especially those in the freelance industry. Since they are marketing their own talents and services, they have to be great in talking and enticing their clients to get their services. But not just that, making human connections and relationships as well makes life easier for freelancers as they can build loyalty to those people they work with. Not to mention it also lessens the tension and pressure of working for someone you already know. If communicating is a waterloo for our freelancers then we have a problem with that.

4 So in order to overcome that weakness and make it as strength, here are some tips on how you can establish a good client-freelancer relationship.

5 The Ultimate Freelancer s Guide in Building Client Relationships UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER S VIEWS One word: Empathy. You cannot just go on and do your work without asking what your clients want. Always remember that while you re the one who understands the process of creating a good compelling video, your clients hired you to meet specific goals and objectives. You must work hand in hand with your client to clear things out on where this project should go. Having several discussions would be great. A rich exchange of ideas will help you realize the pros and cons, what s feasible and what s not of your projects. This does not limit you on work related connections with your client. It would also be nice if you understand how your client thinks and feels. What kind of values they believe to, and what are the things that frustrate them. Simply put, it s about putting yourself on your client s shoes. TALK! TALK! TALK! Communication is always the key in establishing good working relationship with your clients. A lot of partnership and corporate break ups have resulted from poor communication or the lack of it. Try to avoid misunderstandings. If something is bothering you about your project do not mind to ask. Clients like it if you ask questions since it talks about your enthusiasm and willingness to do everything for the project. Involve them in the process, from pre production until post production so that they understand what is happening. Keep communication lines clear and open even during the project. Send constant updates. Communicating with your client doesn t end when the project ends. Keep in touch with your clients, try to understand what happened after you delivered and finished the project. It s not anymore about client-freelancer interaction; it s about being human and building relationships.

6 Communicating with your client doesn t end when the project ends SET BOUNDARIES Relationship also revolves around respect as well. Both you and your clients are just humans. You need time for other tasks, so as your clients. You both need rest. Respect each other s time and spaces. While it is important to keep lines open, both of you should agree on the boundaries you must set. Familiarize yourself with the go s and no s of your client. Don t forget the rule of thumb. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Be on time. NETWORKS FOR NETWORKS Don t mind to help your clients for anything they need. They maynot need the services you offer, but your own personal connections which can be of help for them. Refer some friends and fellow freelancers who can do the job for them. You became of help not only to your fellow freelancers but to your clients as well. It s not anymore about business and earnings, but rather being good to other people and helping them is already rewarding. Who knows? If time comes you need a hand as well, you might get help from unexpected people.

7 The Ultimate Freelancer s Guide in Building Client Relationships They may not need the services you offer, but your own personal connections which can be of help for them. BE HUMAN You don t have to always wear a suit and tie whenever you meet them or be too courteous in front of your client. It s a thing being formal because of course it is business, but it s another thing being human. Remove your business persona and talk to him in a more humane manner. Disregard some jargons for a while and try to talk on a more personal and friendly level. It will make your client feel comfortable working with you. Get to know your clients more. Always remember don t push too hard making friends as it will develop through time. Do not overdo and boasts things about yourself. Be humble. You don t want to leave bad impression to your clients.

8 FROM CLIENT FREELANCER TO BEST OF FRIENDS Being able to interact with people is one of the most heartwarming parts of these jobs. You get to know a lot of people; pick some of their brains, draw inspirations from their success and learn from their stories. From being clients and freelancers to friends is definitely an upgrade of relationship. Remember though that you are making friends not because you want connections or future projects, but rather you want partners you would want work to with as your career grows Remove your business persona and talk to him in a more humane manner Improving relationship with your clients is an easy task. You can just be yourself and you will naturally attract good souls to befriend you. The real challenge starts here though, it s easy to get into a relationship with people but it s an entirely different thing maintaining it. Just be yourself and do well. Written by ReynalMagallon, ALI Creative Learning. Copyright ALI Creative Learning 2017