The title was great: How to get better clients
It opens up with a story about someone in a legal battle over $50,000 worth of work with a client. And as this person is telling their story they drop the F bomb - and I'm not talking about the bad word. He said that he thought that this client was his FRIEND and he could not believe that this was happening. He said that disagreements started about the project and then his client tells him that they need to stop the project. His client low-balled him with a number to pay him for all of his work which seemed like more of an insult than anything else. He had nothing in writing however his attorney told him that he had a good case. He said something that really stuck with me: Good contracts make great clients.
I have had this happen to me too - a friend hired me to do a project that turned out to be a giant mess. In a business relationship there is a level of trust that needs to occur. If you are hiring a graphic artist or web developer you are hiring them because they are an expert in their field and you aren't. Which is okay. I'm not a legal expert, or an accounting expert - hence why I have attorney's and accountants. In business you have to all work together for the common good. Every subconsultant that I work with has to sign an NDA - no matter how long we have worked together or our level of tust. That's the same thing that my dad said. I told him, frustrated one day that I just needed to stop working for friends. He said "No, you need to make sure there is a clear understanding from the beginning." He is so right.
So here are the tips for designers to avoid something like this happening - but in my opinion if you are reading this you are shkaing your head because you have probably had a certain circumstance occur. These tips can work for both the hired person and the person that hired them. Clear lines and boundaries!
1. Always have a contract - CYA and put it in writing!
2. Outline expectations for both parties. Remember outlines? Revive them from the dead and start using them!
3. Agree to structure and timing of project - one of the most difficult things I had to learn was needing more time due to unforseen issues. It was a giant site that had nothing that wasn't custom programmed - put it in the contract that things can happen when it's all custom. Focus on milestones, and keep strong communication when issues arise.
4. Outline structure of confidentiality
5. Client approval - what your roles and responsibilities are
6. Terms of payment - money will get you every time. It's the easiest thing to argue about. Make sure that it is clearly outlined how and when you are going to get paid.
7. Communicate! Even on the phone. Emails can be misunderstod more often than not. You may think someone is upset but talking on the phone it's not the case. We are a society that assumes the worst and we have to work on re-training ourselves to not jump to conclusions and pick up the phone!
Now, like I said. I'm not an attorney nor well versed in the law. But every time something goes awry or a client gets difficult I take time to decompress the situation and figure out what I could have done differently or said differently. Regardless, it's going to happen. And as I have learned over the last few weeks - I can't please everyone no matter how hard I try and making sure everyone involved understands the expectations.
I actually had to keep telling myself over and over again last night that I am only human. I really am. Not sure if I forget that or other people forget that. But I am human, I do make mistakes and things aren't always perfect nor will they ever be. I think what sets me apart is my passion, compassion, dedication and honesty. Sometimes it bites me in the you know what - but I would rather be compassionate for my work and clients than a robot who never absorbs anything I create.
It's a give and a take - it's all about relationships and as most of you know - I'm no good at those. But I am good at business and strategy and giving people what they want - and if I could be a giant purple super hero I would consider it. But alas, I am not. I am just me trying to build my graphic design empire one project at a time.
have a wonderful weekend! My will be set creating some new goals, throwing out some old ones and re-organzing my ancient white board that keeps me on my task list.
To success,
Angelina
Arizona Graphic Design
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