Comments on: You Totally Missed the Mark

By: Jane Livingstone

Jane Livingstone — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:34:08 +0000

Oh no – this is an alarming new frontier. Not only do you have to survive as a freelancer, you have to blog wittily and informatively about it too. This may be a copywriting challenge too far for me but I enjoyed your piece and recognise the experience. I have been a freelance copywriter for 14 years and have always felt it was the best and worst of all worlds – best, because you have no boss or colleagues and are totally reliant on being able to write yourself out of trouble, worst, because you have no boss or colleagues and are totally reliant on being able to write yourself out of trouble. All the best for the future – if you ever need anything ‘anglicised’, give me a shout. Cheers, Jane

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:01:29 +0000

I have been running my own UI design, development business since 1985. Sometimes meeting your client halfway is knowing when to refer them to someone else and when to not take them on in the first place. Being clear about what you do and do not do and how you can quickly remedy a poor decision on ether one’s part will go a long way to making the “freedom” of business independence easier and even enjoyable. This is a little simplistic but you are your best public relation’s campaign and if you take on the wrong client or retain them past the utility you can offer them, no one is well served.

By: Kevin Holesh

Kevin Holesh — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:52:21 +0000

It looks like someone’s created that secret drinking society:

http://clientsfromhell.tumblr.com/

I think that is the wrong way to handle it because it is about communication, like you said. I’d like to add that it’s partly about education too.

It may sound stupid when you hear a client say “can you make the website black and white so it prints out well” but as the freelancer and expert in the design (or copywriting) arena, you should explain to your client why you should or shouldn’t do something a certain way. If it’s a first time client who still doesn’t quite get this new-fangled internet thing, educate them. They’ll forever come to you for work because you’ve demonstrated you’re an expert.

As for the case above, you should explain that you can use a different style for the printed version of your site rather than always making it black and white. Try that next time instead of posting it to Clients from Hell. Remember, those little devils pay your bills

By: Walt Kania

Walt Kania — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:15:26 +0000

I hear you. Been there. Actually LIVE there.

90% of your success will come from figuring out what the client wants. The superstars are supremely good at that. The trick is to pick good clients. 50% should be heavy, frequent users of what you do. 40%, interesting projects for interesting clients who need you only occasionally. And 10%, clients you can tell to go away, just to preserve your sanity.

Apropos:
http://waltkania.typepad.com/freelancery/2009/11/a-tantrum-that-worked-sort-of.html

You’re good, though. You’ll do fine.

By: Things I Found Interesting Around December 18th | Chris Coyier

Things I Found Interesting Around December 18th | Chris Coyier — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:12:17 +0000

[...] You Totally Missed the MarkWell written article about freelancing [...]

By: Rick

Rick — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:37:10 +0000

Well said. I’d go a step further and say that your demeanor and attitude directly influence your business. In a client-facing role, you’ll have the opportunity to mediate squabbles and arguments between staff members inside your clients’ companies, intensely defend your recommendations, handle clients who love to put their mark on your work, take harsh criticism and, yes, even accept high praise.

Clients notice how you respond to these situations. I’ve found that a very positive, upbeat and even-keel attitude goes a long way in making clients happy.

By: JR Tashjian

JR Tashjian — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:01:06 +0000

Great post!

I have recently jumped into the freelancing pool, though I still work at an agency. Learning about clients and how to handle them is something I’ve been focusing on recently.

Confidence is very important. If you’re not confident, you will fail and your client will notice it. Being confident makes it all easier.

I like how you said it’s us, not the clients. It’s very easy for anyone to fall into the “it’s the clients fault” gossip. I know it is for me and it’s still a problem. I’ve realized at that point, it’s a lack of respect for the client. If you don’t have respect for the client, they won’t have respect for you.

By: Matt Ward

Matt Ward — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:59:48 +0000

Nice article. I will take this to heart as I start to expand my own freelancing projects.

By: Tiffani

Tiffani — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:08:08 +0000

Thanks, everyone for your thoughts.

Drew: That post by Andy Rutledge is awesome. I hadn’t seen it yet, and it’s a great expanded version of I’ve been feeling.

Matt: If I have contributed to a ‘centered’ feeling, then I feel I’ve done my job. Thanks for letting me know.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:55:35 +0000

I’m about as far from a freelancer as one can get, but I so enjoy your posts, Tiff. I find that your sentiments are applicable in so many facets of life and that anyone can relate to them.

Thanks for centering me for today and hopefully hereafter.