"Give me a tight deadline, then don’t return my calls or emails"

What Clients Should Know

Sometimes there’s just nothing you can do about it. (I feel your pain.) But you can do a few things to reduce the impact. Keep in mind that we run a business. You’re not our only client and if you don’t communicate with us, not only do you affect your own project, but you could throw off our entire production schedule and affect other clients’ projects, as well. So, if you’re so busy you don’t know what day it is (or what city you’re in), what do you do?

• Call or email us, even if it’s just to let us know that you’re slammed. We really do understand. Sometimes, we might even be able to help you by adjusting your deadline or our business hours.

• If you know something is happening that will affect our deadline (whether it's your fault or not), just let us know. Things change and you're not always in control of it. In this case, honesty is the best policy. It happens to our business, too. We won't judge you, but we will appreciate that you didn't leave us hanging because you didn't want to admit you didn't have it as "together" as you wanted. That happens at least 50 percent of the time. Trust me… you're not alone. 

• Are you one of those people who just procrastinates no matter what? Let me tell you a secret. Some freelancers are, too. Even if your freelancer is a task-lister like me, we understand that we may be the weird ones. Just be honest. I can be flexible with a deadline if I know it’s coming (freelance = flexibility) . If you don’t mind if it’s two days late, I won't either.

• If we’re having trouble reaching you, don’t later try to hold us to the original deadline. Things come up (for every client), but we’re mere freelancers, not superheroes. 

• Keep in mind that we're creative professionals. We seek collaboration and insight by our nature. We want to know enough about your business to accurately portray your company in a positive light. That's how the best stuff is created! Sometimes, we have no choice but to seek your input. Sometimes, we need you to be involved. Trust me when I tell you that we won't ask you questions unless we NEED additional input. If freelancers were superheroes, we’d be Batman… we work alone for the most part, but sometimes we work with Wonder Woman because we don’t have the cool invisible jet and Lasso of Truth.

What Freelancers Should Know

First, it's important to realize that usually, clients really aren't doing it on purpose. Keep in mind they have a business to run (just like you do) and as much as it can suck for us, we aren't the center of their universe. They have problem customers, problem employees, and yea, sometimes they have problems in their lives. You can't change it, but you can mitigate its impact you your performance. 

• Do your best to find the answers to your questions on the web and do as much as you can without their input. You won’t get everything, but that’s all you can do until you can talk to them.

• Call or email the client and communicate your concerns (well in advance of your deadline). Let them know that you understand they have a business to run and that, while it’s not an issue for you, it will affect the deadline. Give them a clear directive, but don’t be pushy or mean (it’s not professional). Just tell them that if they don’t communicate with you by a certain specific time, you won’t be able to make the deadline (be clear and precise). You’ve now put them in control of the fate of the project.

• If possible, offer to meet during off hours (evenings and weekends). Some clients just have trouble finding time during the business day, especially if they’re small-business owners who perform multiple tasks.

• You do use a contract, right? These days, its a necessary evil (in most cases). Write language into your contract that explains that your milestones and deadlines are based on timely and thorough communication with them. If you don't use a contract, at least communicate important facts via email.  After speaking with clients, email them a summary of your conversation.

• Remember that you have a business to run, too. Don’t spend too much time and energy trying to communicate with someone who may be too busy. Work on other projects or hit the streets and find new clients.

• If you have a client who’s a repeat offender and it’s starting to cause you issues, you might have to consider firing them. If it’s not causing issues, just know that’s their M.O. and be prepared to deal.