cherry pick your clients!
In a day job, there may be times when you don’t always get along with every single supervisor, coworker or client that comes into the office.
One of the benefits of being a freelancer is that you get to pick & choose your clients. (Sure, sometimes money is tight and you don’t have the luxury to be incredibly picky).
You will be speaking to this person on a regular basis, so make sure you consult first with a face-to-face over coffee. Are they on the other side of the country? Enjoy a continental cup o’ joe over skype. The point is, get a feel for the client personally before moving on to any sort of proposal.
No paycheck will be worth it if you are stuck dealing with somebody you can’t stand.
Do they seem passionate about their business or product?
Do they have realistic goals in mind?
Are they communicative / accessible or do you go days / weeks without contact?
Are they somebody you would be proud to have on your resume / portfolio someday? Meaning…do they inspire you?
It’s easy to work for somebody who feels passionate and confident in themselves or their product. As a freelancer, you shouldn’t be settling for anything less than these types of clients – your hours are too valuable to waste getting frustrated on sub-par prospects. The worst thing you can do is take on a client that ends up making you regret the project or worse, burn any bridges!
In the spirit of the season, I thought I’d give a quick case study run-down on some of my most inspiring clients this year and what they are up to these days:
Recent case studies of inspiring clients:
- Everybody learns public speaking in schools, but what about how to listen?
Congrats to Chris Fama, Cayuga Community College professor for his thesis for his second master’s degree “listening” being published!The book, called “A Listening Curriculum for the Lower-Division College Student,” helps professors create a course solely on listening – a skill Fama believes is not taught enough in schools. The book is now selling on Amazon.com. Published by the German company Lambert Academic Publishing, the book sells for $55. Chris has an inspiring work ethic, keen research skills and unique insights that truly will help shape the future of communication.
- We are in an age of a reading renaissance, where Young Adult (YA) novels like Harry Potter, Twilight and Hunger Games spark infectious interest in books at an early age. A perhaps unexpected – but welcomed effect – of this generation is young aspiring writers. Allyson Richards started writing her first novel Enlightened when she was 15 years old. Currently 17, she is developing her supernatural fiction novels into a 4-part series that is sure to capture the hearts of readers, from early tweens to Twilight moms.Her year was full of national, regional & local TV, radio and internet features; book festivals; secured speaking opportunities for libraries, schools, clubs and book stores. Allyson Richards most recently emceed her local library’s teen reading week. She manages to juggle these engagements with the poise & professionalism of a true industry veteran. Look out for, publishing world! =)Some people go their whole lives without go after their dreams headfirst. Allyson’s accomplishments would be admirable for anyone; but for someone to achieve her dreams before high school? Her passion is contagious and she is a joy to work with.
- One of the most fabulous ladies of Orlando, Heather Unger of Heather the Realtor launched her new website and gained even more momentum establishing herself as THE realtor for first time buyers and families alike. What I loved about Heather is she is not afraid to be quirky, different and “own” it. She has an unparalleled sense of style (you can tell from her new site and the homes she sells) and such a wide array of life experiences. She was on the Bachelor, House Hunters and sold more than $50 million worth of real estate in Orlando?
What about you? Where do you find your favorite clients?
