Managing Client Expectations is Wings

Hello Gorgeous Darlings! Understanding your craft is key, but knowing how to manage expectation is wings.


Successful Professional Relationships
Be clear. This is what I can do for you and this is how I do it. The idea is to be as clear as possible and ask questions when murky. Use your intuition to fill in the blanks, if you feel like something needs to get hashed out  — do so. 


Know your Limitations
You have to know who you're not, to really know who you are. Explain what you do not do. A hefty component to success is your ability to educate clients on what specifically you can do for them. Even mentioning what is not included in the package price is a great way to build understanding.


Be Bright, YOU are the Light they're Hiring
Let your inner smile fill the room. Be brave and know that this person — just like you, wants to figure out the best way to do this. And is most likely relieved to have found you — if it's not a good fit,  let it go. 


Clean as you go
As much as you can include the client on how the process goes the more they get it if there's any changes with time or money. This is not meant to take years of explaining. If you let them know why you're making certain decisions, where your time was spent last week on the project they'll get it before you need to tell them the price needs adjusting. 


Keep the End in your Sight
Set an end date baby, with a VERY specific outline of what it includes. One DVD, one edit, one screening. And, if there is work completed after this date the price will be... I've heard so many horror stories of surprise misunderstandings to get to finish line.


Lovely Lovely Money
I like to give a ruff estimate at the very first face to face conversation, not on email or over the phone, but before any real negotiations take place. Trust me here. You may be in two different ball parks, and you want your vital resources to be spent courting those who are most likely to buy. False expectations have ruined many a great project. If there's wiggle room and you both sense that you want to work together there's usually a meeting point. And get some money up front. 


Sign a contract fool
If it's not in writing, it didn't happen, darling. Verbal agreements can add tension to business relationships, getting it on paper adds comfort, clarity, and commitment.  


Imagine it and ask for it
How do you want the deal to develop, the terms of communication — phone first, email only, if I don't hear from you how would you like me to respond? And when you communicate with your work, flow be sure to ask for what you may need back. Nothing urks me more than someone asking me a question with no intuitive thinking of what I'm going to counter. Answer questions before they're asked! And ask for what you need/want before you take off running.