🔥 Creep

All freelancers deal with this. But do you handle it the right way? [View & share this email from your browser]( Hey! Have you ever come up against [scope creep]( It looks something like this: Client: Hey! I was thinking... You: *Gulp. Client: Can we add two more pages to that brochure we're working on? There are two ways you can respond: the WRONG way and the RIGHT way. The Wrong Way 👎 You: Hey, Karen. No problem. We can definitely add that in. I’ll work on it later today. But smarter freelancers respond [the right way](. Do you? Also in this email: - Scope creep is great for your business—if you handle it like this [[LINK]( - 8 Tips for Setting Boundaries With Clients Respectfully [[LINK]( - How to Fire a Client Professionally (3 Email Scripts) [[LINK]( Enjoy! Preston & the Millo Team Scope creep is great for your business—if you handle it like this Of course, scope creep isn't always 100% bad. You just have to know how to handle it. Design agencies profit from scope changes by openly discussing and billing for them, and freelancers can adopt a similar model. Clients often anticipate extra charges and appreciate [transparent communication](. Don't wait for clients to request invoices; it's your responsibility. Notify them, seek their approval, and prepare invoices for any changes. To handle common scope creep scenarios, such as rushed projects or endless revisions, use straightforward scripts that offer clients choices to maintain a positive working relationship and diffuse tension. Embracing scope creep as a potential revenue source can benefit freelancers and improve client relationships. Read the full article here: [Scope creep is great for your business—if you handle it like this]( [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.]( Agencies are making a substantial amount of their profit from scope creep and other changes that happen during the project. You should too. 8 Tips for Setting Boundaries With Clients Respectfully If you're a freelancer or small business owner, you know how challenging it can be to strike that perfect balance between keeping clients happy and maintaining your own sanity. But here's the deal: setting boundaries with clients is the secret sauce to a thriving business and a fulfilling life. It's all about mutual respect, client satisfaction, self-care, and never having to say no to clients. Here's how to set boundaries: - Ask Questions Before Committing to a Contract: Prior to signing any contract, openly discuss expectations with your client to ensure alignment, avoiding potential issues down the road. - Use Official Communication Channels: Stick to agreed-upon communication methods, such as email, Zoom, or Slack, to maintain professionalism and avoid developing bad habits. - Be Prepared to Walk Away: Don't hesitate to decline projects that don't align with your goals or when clients can't respect your boundaries. Do so politely and professionally. - Understand Your Priorities: Know your personal and professional priorities to easily identify client demands that may not align with your goals. - Enforce Boundaries Consistently: Consistently uphold your boundaries to avoid confusion and maintain professionalism throughout your client relationships. - Respect Your Clients' Boundaries: Just as you expect your clients to respect your boundaries, inquire about their terms and ensure mutual respect. - Prepare for Boundary Challenges: Some clients may test your boundaries, so have mechanisms in place to address breaches promptly. - Consider Social Media Connections: Carefully evaluate whether to connect with clients on social media, considering the potential impact on your professional relationships and personal boundaries. For a deeper look, read: [8 Tips for Setting Boundaries With Clients Respectfully]( [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 Fire a Client Professionally (3 Email Scripts) When charging more for scope creep and setting clear boundaries just don't work, you might have to fire your client. And while breaking up with a client can be hard to do, there are ways to make it more professional. Here are some ideas: - The Polite Exit: This is a common and courteous approach. Politely inform the client that you appreciate the relationship but can no longer continue working with them. Specify when you'll complete outstanding work, maintaining professionalism throughout. - Business Restructuring: Use your autonomy as a freelancer to restructure your business. Let the client know that you're changing your business model, and their work no longer aligns with your new strategy. This approach conveys confidence and professionalism. - Raising Rates: If you have more work than you can handle, consider raising your rates. Some clients may not afford or be willing to pay the higher fees, leading them to naturally part ways with you. Ensure you're prepared to lose the business before implementing this change. - Being Direct: In cases where clients owe you money, behave rudely, or violate contract terms, a more direct approach is appropriate. Clearly state the reasons for terminating the relationship, supported by records of communication, contracts, and financial transactions for your defense if needed. - Influencing Their Decision: If you have a good rapport with the client, have a candid conversation about their brand and work style. Suggest that it may be in their best interest to work with another recommended freelancer. This approach can end the relationship on a positive note, benefiting all parties involved. Dive deeper by reading these articles: - [How to Fire a Client Professionally (3 Email Scripts)]( - [How to Break Up with a Client (Plus Examples)]( Action Items: - Leverage Scope Creep for Revenue: To increase income, take advantage of scope changes by proactively invoicing for them and maintaining transparency. Develop straightforward scripts for addressing common scope creep scenarios. - Establish Client Boundaries: Ensure client satisfaction by discussing expectations before signing contracts and sticking to professional communication methods. Politely decline projects that do not align with your objectives. - Manage Client Terminations Professionally: When necessary, consider professionally terminating a client relationship. Choose the most suitable approach, such as a polite exit, business restructuring, raising rates, or direct communication, and establish a clear, documented process for client terminations. 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](.