The 3 Different Types of Freelance Clients
When it comes to making money no-one ever wants to turn down the opportunity. Especially when you are a freelancer and you don't know when you will get another!
You may get asked questions like "Have you ever dealt with a difficult client?" do these people not understand that all clients are difficult? Maybe they have watched too much network tv or heard too many unrealistic stories via TED talks, whatever the case may be they are obviously unaware of the 3 types of clients freelancers get.
1. The "I don't know-er"
"What exactly are you looking for?"
"I'm not really sure that is why I came to you".... I bet this sounds all too familiar.
These type of clients are the most difficult yet the most rewarding. Why? well they have no direction or sense of what they like or what is appropriate for their goals. So you will draft some ideas in hopes that they love one of the options. It is more than likely they will not considering you had nothing to go off, so you will then go into additional concepts which is all considered billable hours.
The "I don't know-er" is usually part of an older generation. They won't hassle you or send you 15 e-mails a day asking for project updates which leaves plenty of room for you to come up with creative content that you are happy with and not feel as though you are missing elements that you would of liked to add.
2. The "Hmmm, that could work I think"
This type of client helps you grow as a professional because compromise becomes priority.
This is the Ideal client because you can merge ideas to ultimately come up with something you both love. It is important to use visual aids of inspiration (ex. mood boards on Pinterest) when dealing with this type of individual because it will help you come to a middle ground early on.
In the process of creating, you will learn a lot about how to deal with people and your personality and approach to clients will evolve as well. In order to keep the client involved, I suggest giving them tasks like asking them to research so you can both have a better understanding of their needs. Do not give too many things to do because they will definitely bring up their contributions when it comes time to pay! So help them feel involved, but don't give them actual work to do.
3. The "Know It All"
I am a firm believer that people should hire creatives with the expectation or trusting their education, experience and skillset to deliver them a product they are happy with. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks that way and in your career, you will come across people who will try to use you as a tool rather than a resource.
These are people who constantly want to bring up their success and their past working relationships to try to intimidate you. Don't give in to the bullshit; they need you equally or in some cases more than you need them. Take your stance, but make sure you know your shit because this will be the person to call you our immediately if you don't.
They will negotiate you down, so try to talk them up high early on. Dealing with this personality type you have to master the art of picking your battles.
During your initial encounters, try to figure out the type of client you are dealing with, so you can build trust, be patient, and build your working relationships.
My blogs are opinion based and are in no way a design bible!
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