Establish a Professional Manner from the beginning

There is no question that clients can be quite a challenge and managing them is as much a part of being a designer as coming up with a great concept. If there is a client that wants something “yesterday” a big red flag should go off in your head. My advice is to smile and say, “I’d love to work with you, but before I do anything, we need to have a strategy meeting. After the strategy meeting, I’ll work up a quote for you and we can talk about your concerns.”

This will immediately “slow down” your client and put you in the driver seat. Acting in a professional manner from the beginning of any project, will give you a little more control. It’s also very useful to have a clearly written contract that is flexible enough for use with most clients. Do not do any work until you have the contract signed and dated along with at least one-third deposit paid. If your client makes a fuss, remind him/her that you are a small business owner, just like a dentist who has his own practice and that you follow industry standard practices. I promise you that he/she will take you much more seriously if you take yourself seriously. I recommend a contract for each and every client, even the pro bono clients. Let them know the real value of the work you’re giving them for free.

I have had many clients who have tried to push me around. I usually respond by saying, “I’d love to work with you. I think this is an exciting project.” but I don’t do any work before having an initial strategy meeting and a signed contract. I even suggest that they take a look at my standard contract and if they have questions, I’m more than happy to discuss any aspect. Always smile and be courteous. Most clients will be extremely respectful, if you let them know that you are in control.

If the client does not respond positively, and insists that she/he wants it now, walk away from the project. It isn’t worth your time or talent.