blog

<p><em>One of the main benefits of freelancing and entrepreneurship is the possibility of choosing your clients and projects. But as the old saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. What can you do to ensure having a great business relationship with your clients? We find you a few tips to help you with this.</em></p> <p></p> <h3>Choose your clients carefully</h3> <p>Here is our first tip: if you want to have a great business relationship with your clients, choose them carefully. The reason is simple; by taking the time to meet your potential clients to understand their needs and discuss the projects, it will be easier to see if the person or the business is serious and share your values. You might notice you are not the perfect person for this project when meeting them. You can also feel that this potential client is problematic and will only cause you trouble and stress throughout the project.</p> <p>Moreover, by asking for an exploratory meeting, you will be able to have an idea of the potential business relationship with this person. If the client is late or treats you more like an employee than a collaborator, say next or ask for a huge down payment before you start working.</p> <p></p> <h3>Note down everything in a contract of services</h3> <p>Another way to avoid problems and misunderstandings is to note down all components of your business relationship in a <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/the-importance-of-having-a-good-contract-of-services" target="_blank">contract of services</a>. A good contract of service is essential for all freelancers and self-employed people because it is the basis of your relationship with your client. Often, simple emails are not enough to cover all the agreement details.</p> <p>Include all details about the project and the service delivery in your contract. Add everything that is included and excluded, as well as all delays and timeframes. For example, tell if a down payment is necessary and when the payment is due. Remember to discuss themes like intellectual property and the termination of the contract. If everything is clear from the start, there are great chances you will avoid disappointments and frustrations on both sides.</p> <p></p> <h3>Set and respect your boundaries</h3> <p>Why did you decide to become a freelancer or self-employed? There are great chances that it is because you wanted better life quality. If we look at its definition, a relationship relates to two people; therefore, it goes both ways. After you take the time to <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/freelance-life-how-to-set-boundaries-" target="_blank">set your boundaries</a>, your clients should respect them. It is part of what it takes to have a great business relationship.</p> <p>Of course, your client cannot guess what your boundaries are. It is then essential that you tell them to avoid once more misunderstandings and frustrations. It can be one of the themes of your contract of services too. For example, you can state that you do not work on weekends or that you do not answer your emails after 4 pm. You could also say that phone calls are for emergencies only and will be charged. Do not be afraid of being clear at the beginning of the business relationship.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3>Your clients are not your friends</h3> <p>A mistake made by several new entrepreneurs is to see their clients as their friends. It is possible that you have a great time with your clients, and we are happy for you; however, remember that there is a line you should not cross to have a business relationship that remains healthy and professional. In sum, know how to separate your personal life from your professional one.</p> <p>The opposite is also true. Your friends may become your clients. We have seen too often stories of broken friendships because the friend did not pay or take your business relationship seriously. How many times did we see people in the entourage asking for discounts, freebies, or special status? Friend or not, take the time to make a service contract like any business relationship to avoid potential problems.</p> <p></p> <h3>Your clients are not your boss</h3> <p>Before becoming freelancers or self-employed, many were employees. Consequently, they see their clients as their bosses when they become independent. Here is a tip regarding this: take this out of your mind as soon as possible! You are an entrepreneur, just like your client. It is not an employee-and-employer relationship here but an equal one. Remember that you are not looking for a boss but a collaboration.</p> <p>In the same vein, ensure your clients do not treat you like an employee because you are not their employee. You have the right to say no and refuse tasks if you do not want to do them. For example, a client cannot obligate you to only work for them or work from their office. It could even be seen as an <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/are-you-a-selfemployed-worker-or-employee-in-disguise" target="_blank">employee in disguise</a> situation. Be careful.</p> <p></p> <p>In conclusion, choosing the right clients, using a complete contract of services, and defining your boundaries will increase your chances of having good business relationships. Remember that your clients are not your friends or your boss. These are people who need your services and expertise. If you feel that the relationship is toxic, remember that you always have the right to <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-fire-bad-clients-when-you-are-a-freelancer" target="_blank">fire bad clients</a>. Good luck with that!</p>