You Deserve the Clients You Get

We may think dealing with frustrating clients is just part of being creative. But frustration should be the exception rather than the rule. There are certainly times when you want to scream “You’re Fired!” at everyone you disagree with. But the truth is, you deserve the clients you get.

Bad clients aren’t the result of some cosmic force working against you. They’re more likely the result of your own actions. To do your best work and work with the best people, you need to be diligent in your relationship with your clients. Here’s how:

Have the guts to say “no”

If it doesn’t seem like a good project for you, walk away before money is involved. Is that the type of project you want to be known for? Like attracts like, so if you’re filling your portfolio with work you aren’t interested in, all you’re doing is setting yourself up for more of the same.

Clearly communicate your values to the world

The easiest way to do this is to blog regularly on the same website that your portfolio is on. Write honestly about the work you do. This immediately shows potential clients if their goals and values match up with yours and saves time discovering later that you and your client are out of sync.

Educate your clients

If a client disagrees with something you know to be right, don’t get bent out of shape. Instead, go into research mode. Show them using examples why what they want doesn’t work for your project. If they can turn around and clearly illustrate why their suggestion will work, you can concede and learn something in the process.

Interrogate potential clients

What are their tastes in design? Does that match the work you’re interested in doing? There’s no point taking on a client that loves flashy bells and whistles, if you like doing subtle minimal designs. Screening clients lets you pick the ones that are better to work with and provide you with the type of work you’re actually keen on doing more of.

Be clear on the project’s goals

That way if there are disagreements, it’s not a matter of what they want versus what you want, which is highly subjective. It’s more a matter of what accomplishes the goals of the project in the best way. Put these goals in writing and refer back to the document when necessary.

Conclusion

It’s hard to say no to clients (and their money), especially when you first start out. But like any other creative endeavour, focus on quality early and your career will get exponentially easier. After all, good clients lead you to good work, which leads you to being more happy and fulfilled. 

SOURCE: 99U