A common issue amongst new freelancers is client management skills. Many are used to the structure of a “normal” day job and struggle to find their flow when first starting.
Learning how and when you are the most productive and creating a work calendar that reflects that is crucial at the start. Your second priority should be figuring out how to talk to clients and integrate them into your flow.
Night owls and dopamine treats
Many creators with large platforms swear by the 5 am club, sternly starting their day before the sun.
What makes freelancing so close to freedom is you can determine for yourself the hours you work.
Parents, I’m sure you’re familiar with the stillness of nighttime. The kids are asleep, and it’s the perfect time to tackle your bulkier tasks (assuming the kiddos aren’t also night owls).
The same goes for us with chronic illness—working at night can be more accommodating for our energy levels. There are fewer distractions at night and less of a chance for interruptions.
I need a treat, please
Did you know that most people wait too long to reward themselves, and that’s why it's so easy to lose steam? Eating a piece of chocolate after completing a task is a surprisingly effective way to boost your dopamine. You can train your brain to enjoy completing tasks with a little treat.
Yes, this is permission to keep candy on your desk.
Take a break
Scientists claim that we humans are the most productive for about 3-4 hours a day. But let’s be serious—not everyone can sit and grind for that long, especially not in one sitting.
Carving out mandatory break times for hot girl walks (a quick walk around the block), short TV breaks, and meals can do wonders for your focus. There are no “small” adjustments.
Create a calendar that works for you
Several platforms offer free calendar templates for WFH baddies and freelancers. Creating and managing a calendar for your business makes it easier to integrate new clients and their workloads.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned freelancing is never shelf self-promotion for client work. Don’t focus so much on serving clients that you neglect what brought them to you in the first place: your brand.
Now, I set aside time weekly to focus on growing my business. Learning to manage your time will fast-track scaling as work becomes easier through iteration.
Client scripts and boundary-setting
Leveraging scripts and work proposals sets the tone for communication moving forward and sets clear expectations for the client.
Struggling to find the right words? Try this script below:
Hi [Client's Name], I’m so excited to start working with you on [specific project]. Attached is a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, deliverables, and payment structure. Please review it and let me know of any questions or concerns. Once we’re aligned, we can move forward by [confirming you’ve read the proposal and consent in a follow-up email/making the initial payment]. I look forward to collaborating and helping you achieve [specific outcome or goal]!
Scope creep is real and is easy to fall victim to, especially in the beginning. If you feel a client is pushing you beyond your agreed terms, try saying this:
Hi [Client’s Name], I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made on [specific project]! I want to check in regarding some recent requests that fall outside the scope of our original agreement. To keep us on track, we’ll need to address these additional tasks, and how they impact our current scope and estimate. I’m eager to ensure we stay aligned and maintain momentum. I’m available [at these times] to discuss on a call. Let me know what works for you!
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Setting boundaries with clients can be scary, but not as scary as dealing with a nightmare client.
Iterate, adjust, repeat
Regardless of your skillset, there’s a learning curve when starting as a freelancer. Don’t get discouraged if finding your groove takes longer than expected.
Your clients don’t know you’re new, and if you proceed with confidence while still offering yourself grace, you will succeed.
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