The other day, I had to break things off with a client. While it was a disappointment it was not a difficult decision.
She broke three big rules:
1. She demanded work on extremely short notice with even shorter deadlines (without additional compensation for the “rush job.”)
2. Work that she claimed was rush went unread by her (or the client) for weeks. This created a second panic – any changes were now “super, duper rush!”
3. The client used a cloud-based assignment tracking package. But when she assigned work outside this program, she decided not to pay for it. “You have to share blame for my not using my system,” was her argument. So nine hours of billable work went down the commode.
Camel. Back. Straw.
So, what do’s and don’ts can save, or ruin, the relationship between freelancer and client (agency, corporate or individual entrepreneur)?
Marketers and agencies use freelance talent today to write, design, program… well, just about every facet of the marketing world seems occupied by a freelancer.
To people on the corporate side of the window, the freelancers’ life seems like a dream: set your own hours, pick the best clients, or take a day off whenever you want.
So, let’s take a look at “6 Things that can Ruin the Freelance Relationship.”
1. Inconsistent Pay
Budgets are tight these days and many companies have shallow pockets. We’ve all faced the client who waits until the very last moment to pay an invoice.
But when is enough enough? If a client frequently gives excuses for late payments or doesn’t return communication regarding unpaid invoices, it’s probably time to move on.
Professionals don’t work for free. There needs to be that basic level of respect.
2. Lowering Your Pay
Has a client asked you to take less pay for the same work you’ve been performing for months? A lot of freelancers are tempted to suck it up and take less pay. Before agreeing to smaller compensation, ask if you can renegotiate the work involved to make up the loss in income. Freelancers have bills to pay. Clients and freelancers need to stick to agreed schedules and fees.
3. Expecting More Hours Than What They Pay
Freelancers typically don’t have the luxury of billing for other services like meeting attendance, commuting, administrative, and research hours, but building those items into a bid or our hourly rate is an available option. If you have a client who wants to conference call every day for an hour and will not allow you to bill for that time, you may need to say goodbye. And if you have a freelancer who simply wants to “chat on the phone” just to run up the billable hours, hang up!
4. Lack of Communication
Because we may not have the benefit of face-to-face meetings, freelancers depend on clear and consistent communication from clients. When a client fails to share what they need, it’s nearly impossible to deliver a good product.
This is another two-way street: clients must provide clear instructions and requirements; freelancers must make sure they clearly understand client expectations.
5. Lack of Respect
Respect requires mutual appreciation and consideration. If you have a client who is not respecting you and your time, it could be time to look for another gig. Clients who lose your work, communicate rudely or not at all, or miss set conference calls aren’t clients you should work for long term.
Freelancers who miss or delay meetings or deadlines without valid reason simply show disrespect for the client.
Don’t overlook the fact that you have to earn a client’s respect by meeting deadlines, being consistent, and providing a quality product or services. But, if you are fulfilling all of your obligations and the client still doesn’t show you the respect you deserve, it’s time for a divorce.
6. Don’t Make Snap Decisions
The main thing to remember when managing this relationship is to accept and reject clients – and clients accept and reject freelance talent – based on your best interest.
As tempting as it may be to drop a freelancer or a client who is making your life miserable, cover your bases and make sure you’re not going to lose money or opportunity or results.
Think of the consequences before you break things off. Dumping a freelancer might feel good, but if means a drop in results, you might have to figure out another way to make things work!
Peter T. Britton
Idea Generator. Wordsmith. Resultant.
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