Cultivating New Client Relationships

Clients come from many different avenues, word of mouth, your website contact form, local advertising, or through another organization you are associated with. This last communication type is how I began working with a new local client this year.

I am creating blog articles on a regular basis for the business. A fun fact is I actually went for a job interview at the establishment decades ago! Maybe it is fate – who knows?

Once I replied to the initial email, I arranged to meet with the client and we discussed not only what the job would entail, but the history of the company and its ethos. This is vital information when creating blog content. I can mirror the company’s style and capture their audience’s attention.

Subsequently, I have met with the owner again and several of his staff. The more I interact with everyone the more I can gauge my content, as well as become a part of the team. To this end I have offered my expertise on a couple of points to increase the blog traffic and suggested some revisions. Obviously, it is important not to be pushy or demanding with a client, after all it is their business, not yours.

Working with clients on a freelance basis should be mutually beneficial. Remember you have an agreement and it is important to meet the parameters (and supersede) expectations. This will guarantee a continuing relationship and further work.

Here are a few points to take into consideration and practice.

1. Figure out what your clients value

2. Never sell services they don’t need

3. Be an authentic and reliable person

4. Create transparency in your billing

5. Host opportunities for face-to-face interactions

7. Show them that you care and are trustworthy

8. Set Regular Check-Ins

9. Be Consistent

10. Build Trust

11. Show Gratitude and Appreciation

12. Be professional

My Regular Magazine Gig

I contribute to a writers magazine on a monthly basis covering all areas of the writing life. It is a way to encourage and inform writers of the many avenues of this particular skill.

You can scroll through my articles here. If you have any questions I am always open to answer, just comment below.

This was a fun chat about a recent article.

https://anchor.fm/opal-magazine/episodes/COFFEE-and-CONVERSATION-with-Mandy-Eve-Barnett-on-INVEST-IN-YOUR-WRITING-e1k3fdl

New Year – A Decluttering Opportunity

Our working environments have an effect on how we work, whether we realize it or not. As the projects during the year are complete, gathered and researched etc. a clutter begins to accumulate. It is never intentional, it just happens.

There are always file folders, emails, notes, correspondence, and more, for each project. As we all have our favorite method of organizing, these are some examples:

Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

1. Put all paperwork into a pocket folder for each project.
2. Create an electronic folder for every project.
3. Categorize projects by type or client.
4. Maintain an invoice file, whether physical or electronic, for tax purposes.

Whichever method you choose, this gives you a feeling of accomplishment and space! For example, I have a cupboard where I store a multitude of items. My novels, promotion materials, legal documentation, summer shoes, wrapping paper etc. It becomes messy over time as I add or use items. I chose to reorganize it and, as you can see, it makes a huge difference. Not only can I find things at a glance, but esthetically it is pleasing, as well as satisfying. (Before and after photos)

My next task will be my working desk, where freelance projects are given priority, as well as creation of presentations and workshops.

Do you declutter for the New Year? What methods do you use?

Special Price Freeze Offer from Tailored and Themed to Suit – Freelance Writing Resource

We are pleased to offer a special hold back on pricing on all freelance projects received in December for the month of January 2022. OFFER ENDED

As always pricing is based on the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) rates but tailored to each client and project.

Send your queries to the contact email and we will respond shortly.

Scheduling Multiple Freelance Projects

As the old saying goes ‘it’s all or nothing’ and that’s what happens with freelance work queries on occasion. My commissions for work have been spasmodic throughout COVID, but in the last couple of weeks, queries have been popping up, much to my surprise and delightful (of course!)

The larger ghost-writing project, I quoted on earlier in the year, is still penciled in for the end of the year. It is for a client I have worked with before and we know each other’s process. This makes communicating easier and the project parameters easily defined. Added to that, I now have two potential ghost-writing projects in hand and also article/blog post work to discuss.

As I am a planner, when it comes to client’s projects, once I have the go-ahead for these projects, I will make up a schedule in order to keep to any deadlines I am set.

To enable me to plan this schedule, I will assess the amount of work required for each project. Factors to take into consideration are

1. The complexity of the project.
2. Length or word count.
3. Client input and reporting.
4. Frequency of posting (if appropriate).
5. Deadline (leave time for additions/revisions etc.)

It is not always easier to work on the shortest/easiest job first. Be realistic about which project requires most of your attention and plan accordingly.

1. Set a schedule – planning work hours for each project.
2. Keep track of your time per project.
3. Create a task list for each project.
4. Prioritize based on importance/deadline.
5. Review your tasks regularly to ensure you are on schedule.
6. Maintain communication with your clients informing them of progress.
7. Work on one project at a time.
8. Ask for an extension if required – do not leave your client in the dark – ever!
9. Don’t take on any other projects until you have ample time to complete them.
10. Remember to have some down time – refresh your mind and body.