The most common mistake of a freelancer is that they think they can do what they want, when they want, and how they want. This is true as long as they keep a constant supply of revenue coming in. Unless you are independently wealthy, a constant stream of payment arriving from work that has been completed is a necessary thing.
What You Should Not Do As A Freelancer
When it comes to dealing with clients, there will generally two types. The ones that are easy to work for and pay on time and those that are demanding and pay late. These two things generally go hand in hand with a few exceptions. How to deal with the first one is easy, you keep them happy and, hopefully, as long term clients. The second type is a more complicated scenario. Just because a client is difficult does not mean you can afford to drop them. From personal experience, the most demanding and troublesome clients pay the best. If you can afford to drop a troublesome client and you no longer wish to do work for them, then by all means drop them.
Whatelse You Should Not Do As A Freelancer
Just make sure you can afford the pay cut. It would be advisable to find a replacement client before dropping an existing client. You will be grateful when the bills get paid on time. If you do decide to drop them, make it as professional as possible. A freelancer should tell the client you are overloaded and cannot fill any more contracts. By no means should you send a nasty message or express your feelings of disgust towards them. That could cost you future business or even all of your business if your other clients find out about it.
“The customer is always right” is an old saying that has to be adhered to. Your customer or client has voluntarily decided to hire you. They want the job done their way and that is the reason they are paying you. If you do not do it as they wish, they will find someone else who will. Unless you are asked to proceed with a job as you think would be best, give the customer what they have instructed you to provide. If you tell a client that they are wrong, most of the time they will find someone else to give their money to. The best policy is to give the client what they want, when they want. This generally not only keeps them happy but come back as repeat clients.
Promptly responding to emails and other correspondence is a must. Just because it is a weekend does not mean you have the weekend off. There will be occasions when this is not possible, but when it is, this must be done to show a level of professionalism. Remember you have a completion date to make. Most clients seeking a contract worker send out multiple inquires. The message sent to you is more than likely just one of many. The first to respond has the greatest chance of landing the contract. Always be professional and courteous. Remember the person on the other end is just thinking about hiring you. It is your job to convince them.
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