Your time is EXTREMELY valuable as a freelancer. Literally.
We’ve talked about establishing “office hours” and posting them publicly on your site, but sometimes clients need reminders.
I’ve found most of my clients assume I’m working on a schedule just like theirs. (In my niche that basically amounts to 8-6, M-F, Sunday nights, and general availability on Saturdays. I am NOT going to live that life.)
Even with me being pretty blunt, it takes my clients a few roundss to get
it.
They’re not pushy or anything, most people just assume that everybody lives the
same way they do.
Dropping Time Hints
One of the most common I mention is around production time.
That might be programming, design, or customer service for you, but that’s really beside the point. When I’m scheduling meetings sometimes I’ll drop little hints.
“I write from 8 to 10, so I’ll be able to talk at 10:30”
Or
“Sorry I’m just calling you back. I was
writing.”
This does two things. First, it lets them know you’re dedicated to your work and on a schedule. But it also sets up the expectations that there will be
hours of time when I’m simply not available.
I haven’t had any issues with clients expecting immediate availability and you shouldn’t either. If you are,
let me know what you’re running into and I’ll see if I can’t find an answer.
Megan
Here are the Academy resources that you’ll want to check out this month…