This post is for all my freelancers and creatives out there who may not have built up the confidence to be selective with their clientele yet. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to want to take on every single job, no matter how ridiculous the project may be. In the beginning, I think most of us take on whatever job comes our way just to make enough money to get by. And there’s nothing wrong with that – we all have to pay the bills!
From the very beginning, we should be moving towards a place where we can afford ourselves the luxury to pick and choose each job we take on. As a one-woman show, I fully understand the concern that might arise from turning down a client. “What if nobody else wants to work with me?” you might ask yourself. While that fear may feel oh-so-real, let me tell you right now that is a lousy excuse to take on a mediocre job! Other clients will come and the jobs that stir a fire in your soul and get every creative wheel in your brain turning are the ones worth pouring your energy into. As a small business owner, you should truly love what you do at the end of the day. I’m not saying it won’t be hard work and there won’t be times when you wonder if you did a crazy thing by starting this business. But at the end of the day, you should know deep down that you are pursuing something you are passionate about. Any job that robs you of that joy on a constant basis, no matter how high the pay off, is simply not worth it.
When you end up working with clients who are a bad fit, it is not only bad for your portfolio but it’s also hard on your heart. If you’ve ever taken on a job that makes you feel like you have a brick in the pit of your stomach every morning, you know how that hinders your usual drive. Most of the time, those types of projects produce lackluster work on your part. It’s impossible to fake creativity, and if a project is not inspiring you, chances are the final product will not wow anyone involved. That’s not fair to you, and it’s certainly not fair to your client. Keep in mind that every hour you spend working with a client who is a poor fit is an hour that could have been spent on something that fires you up and feeds your soul. So how do you go about telling a perfect opportunity from a poor fit?
Know Your Core
Remember when we talked about finding your core a few weeks ago? Well, you should strive to measure any potential client next to your core values. For example, I do my best work when I am working with a branding client who shares my passion for an authentic and intentional life. Genuine people are often committed to creating an incredible client experience, and one that not only offers a marketable service but also adds something of value to their clients’ lives. Those values match up perfectly with the core of b is for bonnie! Those shared values mean that this partnership not only is good for my heart, but it is good for my client, too. Creativity and inspiration thrives in an environment of shared beliefs and values.
Know Your Dream Client
I encourage each of my branding clients to identify their dream client. Although it is important to understand their dream client’s age, demographic, etc., I’m more interested in hearing who their dream client is. What are their hopes, dreams, and values? I’m asking you the same question. Take a moment to consider what your dream client holds dear to their heart, and then examine how those values line up with your product offerings and client experience. Once you have a clear idea of who you dream client is, go after that person! Pursue client inquiries that match up with your idea of an ideal job, and kindly decline offers that fall far from that.
Know Your Style
When someone reaches out with a project idea, simply ask to hear more about the project itself, as well as their overall vision. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions and find out more information about a project, its timeline and the person behind it all before moving forward, especially if you are about to enter into a creative process with this person. The more information you have regarding a job opportunity, the better equipped you will be to make an educated decision.
As a designer, I have my own distinct style and aesthetic. My work is modern, minimalistic and feminine. If a client came to me needing help branding their line of super manly camo-themed lawnmowers, I would have to refer them to another designer who meshes better with their overall design vision. While I am capable of creating a logo and any coordinating collateral for that person, my personal style would not be the best fit for either of us. And friends, don’t be afraid to refer someone to another designer or small business owner if you are not going to be the best fit for him or her. It’s easy to let our desire to make a sale get in the way of wanting what is truly best for that potential client, but don’t be afraid to say something if you know a person who may be right for the job. We should not only be helping potential clients but we should be helping each other make it in this competitive day and age!
In the end, it is so important to remember to never sell yourself short, y’all. You deserve to work with people who share your aesthetic, values and overall vision. You also deserve to take on projects that challenge your creativity and not your patience. While it may be scary at first to say “no” to a client who is less than ideal, you’ll truly be setting yourself up for success by appropriately valuing your services and talent. Don’t forget that saying “no” to certain projects or clients opens you up to saying a resounding “yes!” to bigger and better things.
New to this series? Check out previous posts:
Navigating Entrepreneurship Intro
Navigating Entrepreneurship: Start Strong – Part I
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