We were talking about something in the Academy Skype group this week that I think is really common…worries about interacting with clients.

Maybe you love it and are super comfortable, but for me (and a lot of other freelancers), at first it’s really unnerving having open ended conversations…conversations that could end up being the reason they decide to dump you and roll with somebody else.

I can tell you it’s all about relationship management and seeing yourself as an asset (and it is), but if we’re talking practical steps? Having set topics you cover in each conversation makes everything 100 times easier.

I use interview questions in the majority of my calls for a few reasons…

• They help me learn about my clients and better meet their needs.
• They provide structure and help me maintain control of the conversation.
• They can be used to open the door to difficult conversations.
• They establish trust and position me as an involved expert

Even if I’m not using formal questions or talking points, I still usually have SOMETHING written down that I want to discuss.

I shared the basic template I use here, but even if you want to start your own, that post will help you out.

Whatever you choose to do, don’t ever let discomfort in freelancing slow you down. There’s almost always a way around it.

Megan