I’ve certainly blabbed a ton on this blog about the importance of cutting the dead wood out you business…
In other words, ditching the clients that suck up all your time, suck to work for, and pay sucky rates (sheesh, it’s a real SUCK FEST over here?!)
But while I’ve prattled on and on about the sort of clients you absolutely gotta give the heave-ho, I’ve failed to zero in on the other side of the coin: What factors add up to make a good client?
Very astute question, and 0ne I’ve clearly overlooked. Sorry, friends!
Fortunately, my friend Ed Gandia (well, not my actual friend, but a digital mentor, and a guy I sincerely WISH was my friend), famed copywriter and freelancer coach, offered some insight on this issue in a recent email.
Drawing from his two decades of experience working as a freelancer, Ed breaks the five key factors that make a good client:
Compensation
Charging reasonable fees for quality services seems…well…reasonable, right? Sure thing!
Of course, the definition of “reasonable fees” depends on your level of experience and overall expertise.
A “good client” fully recognizes the value of the services you provide and willingly compensate you accordingly.
Project Type
No doubt, there are any number of projects you could handle effectively, delivering expert-level quality. But there’s also no doubt you’d prefer to work on certain projects.
And clients that consistently hire you to work on your preferred project-type are your preferred clients, too ;—)
Reasonable Expectations
Good clients are not the type that reaches out at 11pm with the project that: “absolutely MUST be finished by 5am tomorrow morning!”
Sure, they might need a “rush job” here and there. But this is by faaaaaaaaaaaaaar the exception, as they genuinely respect your time.
Mutual Respect
When a client hires a vendor, they have a reasonable expectation the vendor will respect them…
Respect their time, respect their needs in delivering quality work-product in a timely manner, and be respectful in all communications.
Meanwhile, a vendor has the right to the EXACT same expectation.
And a “good client” observes this sort of mutual respect
Satisfaction + Enjoyment
All things being equal, what makes a truly “ideal client?”
A client that ticks all the boxes above, consistently hires you to work on projects that give you genuine satisfaction, and are sincerely likable people you’d enjoy being friends with.
And truth be told, when you unearth these sort of clients, you and these glorious clients are more than likely to become friends ;—)
What Are Your Criteria For a “Good Client?”
Swing by my Google+ page and give me the rundown on your ideal client wish list. I’d love to hear all about the types of clients that make your heart go pitter-patter!
