Keeping your clients happy

So you've realised that you don't need more time, you actually have too much to do.

You've used the simple rule of thumb - what will get me the most cash in the least amount of time - to sort your task list.

You've eliminated the tasks that really aren't worth doing.

And now you need to tell your clients that some of the stuff that they're shouting for is going to be late.

This sounds really daunting. Like it's going to be horrible.

But actually, most people might get slightly sniffy about it, but they won't mind.

It's more important that you are up front with them and let them know.

And then, once you've let them know, you give them regular updates.

The regular updates are vital. At least once per fortnight, preferably once per week.

Because what you're doing there is building up a rhythm.

Your clients will start to expect a progress update from you.

This is an amazing thing.

Because once they realise that you're going to keep them in the loop, they'll stop bothering you.

No more angry emails. No more phone calls at the worst possible moment.

Not only will you have cleared your task list of the unimportant stuff, but those clients will also start giving you the space to actually complete the important tasks as well.

Now that's a win-win