One of the reasons freelance work is so popular is the flexibility it offers. A freelancer is free to work anytime and anywhere without needing to be bound by company policies. However, amidst the flexibility which is a plus, there are various challenges that must be faced. One of them is the process of communicating with clients which is not done directly.
So, when you decide to get involved in the freelance world, you need to master this soft skill in the form of communication. The better you build communication with clients, the greater career opportunities you will open in this field.
For this reason, the following are tips that you can practice when building good communication with clients.
Before talking about clients, you should understand the types of communication that freelancers generally do with their clients. For example, oral communication, writing, and listening or listening skills. These three are different things so you need to learn them well. For example, to convey complex things, written communication could be an option because it can minimize missed details. Therefore, you need to learn effective and efficient writing techniques and also understand text messages from clients.
Meanwhile, for verbal communication, make sure you do it enthusiastically and also pay attention to the speed and volume of your voice. Look for references on various sites to guide you in practicing.
Once you know what type of communication you will carry out, it's time to get to know your client. So, what their style is like will certainly influence the continuity of your work in the future.
First, you can start by communicating formally. Then observe how your client communicates. If they tend to use formal language, automatically you also have to communicate in that way. On the other hand, if your client prefers to use informal communication, it would be better if you adjust by using more relaxed interactions to create a fluid atmosphere.
Your communication strategy will not work well if you do not act professionally. A professional attitude will make the client's assessment of you good so that a feeling of trust in you will arise. Therefore, try to always complete your work according to the provisions and deadlines given. Give the maximum version of your work that you can.
In the process, clients may convey certain information or ask questions related to your work. At that time you are required to be responsive so that there is live communication. Because if you respond late, the client may be reluctant to continue the communication. In fact, it could be that behind the information or questions there are other job opportunities for you. For example, a request to increase the amount of work assigned to you in one contract period with a guarantee of additional income. Well, the faster you respond, the more profitable it will be for you.
You also have the opportunity to encounter several things that you don't understand, making it difficult for you to complete your work. Ask this quickly so that your problem is resolved quickly and you can produce maximum work.
To be more efficient, ask about things that are not clear at one time. This means you need to make a list of questions first before contacting the client. If this is not the case, apart from taking time, it will also seem like you don't understand your client's instructions.
For example, the next time there is a revision from a client, be open to receiving that input. Communicate again when your revision results are complete so they know immediately.
However, if from their revision you find another method or thing that is more appropriate, you can convey it. Remember, when expressing your opinion, you need to pay attention to the signs. Convey it well without seeming patronizing and don't forget to include supporting data or facts.
Well, those are the tips that you can apply when starting to build communication with clients. The steps above are not difficult for you to carry out. However, this process requires consistency in being professional and your sensitivity in reading each situation. Continue learning through the various platforms available today so that your communication skills also improve.