Why Decisive Clients Save Your Time
Nothing is more frustrating and a great time-waster than working for a client lacking a clear vision of the end product. So try to work for people who know what they want.
My actual freelance career actually began as a student; to practice my design skills, I’d take any project under the sun. Yes, the financial rewards were meager, but the extra money allowed more than just student meals.
But many of the clients weren’t sure what they wanted from me. Normally, a client would list down his requirements; I’d submit a first draft and he’d make some changes. After carrying out the changes, everything’s done.
Yet these people just gave me free reign over the project, which I thought was a good thing. So, enjoying my creative liberty, I’d spend the whole night on a layout, only to have my client ask for a complete overhaul the next morning. All my efforts were simply a waste of time.
The lesson I learned is that you should only try to work for decisive clients—those who have a clear idea of what they want you to do, and how they’ll use what you make. It makes sense: with something to follow, the freelancer will have an easier time fulfilling the client’s goals, the client will receive the finished project earlier, and both parties will be saved from a lot of aggravation.
But being definite doesn’t depend on clients alone. A freelancer should ask for the project requirements during the first meeting, because any client worth his time will already have them ready.
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POSTED IN: Great Advice
8 opinions for Why Decisive Clients Save Your Time
Joseph Nilo
Nov 28, 2006 at 11:56 am
I’ve found the best way to deal with indecisive / inefficient clients is to “force” them into my process, e.g.– Educate them up front on how I work and how long things take. Keep them involved in my process at each step along the way. Use a system for delivering proofs / versions and for collecting their comments (I use ActiveCollab, many people use BaseCamp or the like).
In spite of being a “creative professional” — I’ve found that the more organized I’ve become, the more efficiently I can deal with all sorts of clients.
Rico
Nov 30, 2006 at 10:06 am
Great points Joseph. I agree that keeping your client involved with the whole process is a great way of helping them make up their minds.
I’ve also realized, as a fellow “creative professional,” that true creativity comes when you place limits on yourself, such as working for a decisive client.
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