I’m working with a new person at a company I’ve worked with for about a year or two now.
Since I haven’t been working with this person in particular too long, I took a moment to let her know what other layout services I offer.
And that’s the first lesson today… let your clients know what else you do.
I’ve probably told this story before, but I had one client years ago who had hired me to layout the same type of projects he saw me laying out for another client.
One day, he and I were talking on the phone and I mentioned that I was in the middle of a book project. His response? “Oh, I didn’t know you did book layout. We may need you for that.”
I have to admit that I was a bit stunned. I had assumed before he hired me that he had been to my site and saw the other types of projects I could handle.
Nope… he hadn’t.
Lesson learned. I realized that I needed to make sure my clients knew everything I could do for them.
I was applying that lesson this week to this other client I’m working with. After listing what else I do, I also mentioned that I would appreciate her dropping my name to other people she knows who might need those services.
Her response is interesting and one I love to hear:
“And I will certainly pass your name along to anyone who needs design help. You’ve been so easy to work with, I would be happy to recommend you.”
The part I love? “You’ve been so easy to work with…”
Let that sink in.
She didn’t mention anything about the quality of my work, although I’m sure she appreciates it. The fact that the company has been using me for a while would lead you to believe they do like my work.
But the part that seems to stand out most for her is that I’m easy to work with.
You might not believe just how important that is to your success as a freelancer, whether you’re a designer or another type of freelancer.
You’re not the only freelancer out there. And odds are, you’re not the best one in your category either. But being easy to work with can lead to more repeat business and referrals than just about anything else.
Think of your client. He or she is trying to manage all sorts of projects. Some of that stuff has to be put into the hands of off-site people, like freelancers. Right there is an extra layer of stress.
That person has to trust that you’re doing your thing and staying on schedule without the benefit of being able to walk over to your cubicle or office to check in.
When you’re easy to work with, and making all the communication between the two of you as pleasant as possible, it’s noticed. It’s appreciate. And it’s one of the main ingredients in getting called again for future projects as well as getting referrals.
