🔥 This Feels Backwards

Wait, what? In order to grow, I should take on FEWER clients? [View & share this email from your browser]( I know. This feels backwards. In order to really grow your freelance business, you should take on FEWER clients. So how does fewer clients = more growth and revenue? [Click here to find out](. Also in this email: - How To Decline A Client Project 5 Ways (Politely & Respectfully) [[LINK]( - How to Break Up with a Client (Plus Examples) [[LINK]( - How To Set Client Expectations [[LINK]( Enjoy! Preston & the Millo Team How To Decline A Client Project 5 Ways (Politely & Respectfully) As a freelancer, you'll eventually need to turn down client work that isn't a good fit for your skills, schedule, or values. While declining projects can feel uncomfortable at first, it's an essential aspect of maintaining healthy boundaries and focusing on the right opportunities. There are several valid reasons you may need to say no to a project: - Unrealistic timelines or tight deadlines that don't work for you - A budget that is too low compared to your rates - The client or project is outside your area of expertise - You have no interest or passion for the topic - You notice "red flags" about the client's behavior When you do need to decline work, be honest, professional, and timely with your response. The key is to firmly yet politely say no while maintaining positive relationships. First, thank the client for considering you. Then explain briefly why it's not a fit - for example, that you're too busy at the moment or that it's outside your specialty. Offer to refer them to other freelancers who may be a better match if possible. Keep your email or phone call short, direct and appreciative in tone. Avoid ambiguity that could leave the door open for negotiation. It's perfectly acceptable to say no for your own legitimate reasons. Turning down work will get easier with practice. Trust your instincts if a project doesn't feel right. Saying no to maintain your sanity, quality standards and business priorities is smart as a freelancer. Keep communicating with respect, and you can preserve professional relationships even when declining work. For even more information, read: [How To Decline A Client Project 5 Ways (Politely & Respectfully)]( [Moxie]( - Want to know why serious freelancers love Moxie? $20/month gets you everything you need to thrive as a freelancer. Contracts, proposals, project and client management, invoicing, time tracking, branded client portal, and a ton more. [Start your free trial now.]( "Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best." - John C. Maxwell How to Break Up with a Client (Plus Examples) While breaking up with clients can be difficult, it's often the best move for your business and sanity. When you know, you just know. It's time. You should break up with clients for clear business reasons like: - Emotional abuse or manipulative behavior - Unprofessional conduct like ignoring contracts - Values misalignment or lack of shared vision - Repeated unreasonable demands on your time - Failure to pay invoices on time Before ending a client relationship, review your contract and ensure you can legally terminate the agreement. Know your obligations for exiting professionally. When contacting the client, clearly explain your reasons for ending the relationship from a business perspective. Thank them for the opportunity to work together. Offer to assist with wrapping up final deliverables or finding a new freelancer to transition work to. Aim to give sufficient notice when possible, and tie up any loose ends like sending final invoices. Stay firm yet diplomatic in your tone. Avoid getting personal or emotional. Ending unhealthy client relationships proactively is a smart business move for freelancers. It helps you focus on the right projects and clients that align with your goals, expertise and values. Trust your instincts if a client relationship is toxic or draining. Professionally moving on can improve your profitability and peace of mind. We've also got [FREE email/phone breakup scripts you can copy/paste on the blog](. [SolidGigs](. Get freelance leads on autopilot. Expert gig-hunters match you with the top 1% of freelance jobs from dozens of premium sources. [Try Free](. How To Set Client Expectations (end Exceed Them) As a freelancer, managing client expectations well is crucial for building trust and long-term relationships. Common expectations include great service, communication, privacy, personalization, options and trust. Set expectations properly upfront by being realistic about what you can deliver. Don't overcommit if you can't meet deadlines. Present yourself truthfully and share your work plan. Discuss quality, quantity and pricing clearly. Give regular progress updates to keep clients informed. Set up consistent communication channels and times. Educate clients on your work style and industry standards. Agree on metrics to track for identifying progress. Exceed expectations by listening closely to understand needs. Deliver ahead of deadlines when possible, and try giving small surprises. Follow up proactively and offer help freely at times. Maintain consistency in communication and results. Publicly appreciate great clients. The key is balancing quality service with firm boundaries. Don't say yes to every request, but communicate professionally when declining. Focus on clients that align with your values, expertise and business goals. Managing expectations takes practice, but pays off in lasting client relationships. Read the full article on the blog: [Client Expectations: How To Set Them Right & 7 Tips To Exceed Them]( Action Item: - Decide when you will and when you will NOT say "yes" to a new client. Then stick with it. - Break up with your most rotten clients and fill that extra time with new clients you love. You've got this! Whew! If you made it this far—thanks for sticking with us. See you in next week’s issue of 🔥 Freelance Fire. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( [YouTube]( [LinkedIn]( Copyright © 2023 Millo, All rights reserved. You subscribed to this newsletter at Millo.co (previously GraphicDesignBlender.com). Thanks for subscribing. Our mailing address is: Millo 265 N Main Street Ste. D #229Kaysville, UT 84037 [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.