This post will cover the five things you shouldn’t do (not including the basics like failing to do any work for a client or refusing to pay a freelancer) if you want a healthy, happy long-term and profitable business relationship.
Whether you’re a freelancer or a start-up looking to hire a freelancer, there are a few things you should know before you start something new. You wouldn’t marry the first person that you meet, so why jump blindly into a partnership with a client/freelancer you hardly know? To prevent lots of time wasted, money lost and bridges burned, read what not to do when beginning a new work relationship.
- Jump in eyes closed. It might be a fun way to dive into the pool, but not so fun in business. I once had a potential client ask me, “What kind of education do you have anyway?” after he received my resume, samples and cover letter. His lack of research made me hesitant to work with him. It showed a lack of concern and care that I worried would lead to disaster down the road. This also works the other way around. Hire anyone without checking their samples and you’ll be in for a surprise. And not the good kind.
- Be threatening. Never withhold money or copy, unless you want your relationship to crash and burn. Sometimes the fear of not getting paid or the fear of getting quality writing can cause people to act irrationally. Take a deep breath, have faith and let go. Trust that you’ll get what you want either way and you’ll have a better chance of restoring your relationship and getting what you need in the long-term.
- React in anger. This goes alongside #2. Sometimes fear can make people erupt in anger. No matter what he or she says, it’s really not worth it to lose your cool and say something you’re going to regret. Take 5, walk around the block, meditate, do whatever it takes to let off steam without showing your anger to the other person. When you’re calm and collected, go back and see if you can work things out and salvage the relationship in a peaceful manner.
- Be unclear. Give mixed messages about exactly what you want (e.g. “I want something good.” Or I think I can do this by that time, but I’m not sure.”) will get you down a path of miscommunication that will eventually lead to trouble. Get things in order in your mind first, then speak up and clearly about what you need. Make sure to communicate with one another as soon as misunderstanding starts to grow. Get it quick and you’ll prevent greater confusion and disappointment in the future.
- Have unreachable and unreasonable expectations. Demand too much in a an unreasonable amount of time or expect clients to pay you more money without any legitimate reason to do so and you’re asking for disappointment and anger on both sides. If you’re not sure what to charge your client or what’s realistic to expect from your freelancer, then make sure to do your research beforehand. Network with other writers and business owners and find out what’s acceptable in the field.
If you did any one of the five on the list, all is not lost. You can still repair damages by either quickly and sincerely making amends with your partner. If things are really irreparable, keep things in mind for next time and be sure to do the opposite of items 1-5!
How about you? Any words of wisdom you’d like to share? Things you’ve done to repair a seemingly irreparable work relationship? I’d love to hear them!
