I’ve talked a lot about the importance communication so far, but let’s delve into some of the specifics.

Be Dumbo

Any salesperson worth their salt will tell you that the key to success is to listen more than you talk. Often freelancers feel they need to prove themselves and so they ram their entire CV down the throat of a would be client. Listen a lot, and try to understand the core reasons they need you and your service and how they tick.

It Takes Two To Tango

The best kind of relationship, and certainly the one you should always make the effort for is one of mutual respect, where you can be open and honest with each other whilst remaining professional. Sometimes depending on the line of work you are in, the relationship can be quite transactional. There may not need to be all that communication, but I would still encourage you to make the effort. The best client is always a returning client.

Take Notes

People in business are nuts. I don’t mean that in a fun way…like some of them should probably seek psychiatric help, oh and guess what? You’re almost certainly one of them! I promise you that in order to be successful in business you need to be a little bit crazy. Everyone has their tics, their oddities, their way of working. I would advise you to keep detailed notes on your clients for future reference. Some may go away and come back years later and it can be really useful to look them up and remember “The best way to get through to him was text message.”

Chatty Chatty Bang Bang

I’ve spent full days just on the phone. Like full 8 hour days just on the phone. The reason is simple…9/10 its easier to pick up the phone then shift through an endless email. Mis-communication is extremely costly to any project, if you need any clarity don’t be afraid to pick up the phone, even if you think it’s a stupid question. This leads me to a good point

The Pen > Sword

Be sure however you communicate that you back it up in writing. This can really save your ass later on. Even if it’s just bullet points. “Hey Mike thanks for the call, I will make the sky blue in your video” This gives you something tangible 3 weeks later when Mike has decided the sky should in fact be purple.