The 4 Cornerstones of Good Freelance-Client Communications

by Rico on September 12th, 2007

Poor communication between a freelancer and his client limits productivity at best, and leads to the failure of the project and mutual animosity at worst. The simple fact is that a freelancer has a harder time fulfilling his objectives when he can’t communicate with his employer properly. Just ask Marshal Grouchy. His lack of communication with his “client” (Napoleon) is one of the reasons why the French lost the Battle of Waterloo. Will you let the lack of good communication with your clients limit your success as a contract worker?

Clarity

Have you ever played Chinese Whispers? You already know how small inaccuracies in a message magnify as they’re passed from one person to another. That’s why it’s important that you’re getting across loud and clear, with minimal chance for ambiguity. It minimizes confusion.

Writing is a great way to do this, since it lets you carefully craft the right words for the right impact. At the same time, you also maintain a record of your communication which you can review for later reference.

Honesty

No matter how grave the problem, shortcoming, or mistake, the client has a right to know what’s happening with his project. After all, he paid for it. Saving face wastes time, because it makes finding a solution to the obstacle harder.

Many clients also understand that any undertaking will encounter it’s share of problems, even if their initial reaction to them is frustration or anger. They can also help you out by coming up with their own ways around a problem, even if it’s your own doing.

Transparency.

Here’s where keeping the client updated comes in. Providing regular updates on a project’s progress give clients peace of mind, as well as give them opportunities to provide feedback that can be incorporated quickly.

At the very least, maintaining transparency will show the client that you’re hard at work on his project, leaving the impression that investment in your services was worth it.

Accountability.

Accountability involves making sure all parties involved are holding up their end of the deal. The client is responsible for providing the client with the information he needs to get things done, while it’s up to the freelancer to execute the project.

The ways we communicate are faster and more reliable than ever before. Wouldn’t it be such a waste if we can’t make full use of them? These four cornerstones is a great way to do so.

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