DYFConf Notes: Julie Elster – Getting Paid
Worked for 10 yrs in Customer service, finance claims, AR credits
Helped Kurt with collecting payments <3
- qualifying clients
- communication
- marketing yourself
- know your value
- pick up the phone
- embracing the awkward
- firing toxic clients
Learned it’s ok to be picky with guys. You can be just as picky about clients!!!
Get to know what you’re getting into with your clients before you work with them. Qualify clients.
It’s ok to ask questions about potential customers before you work with them.
You don’t need to have the mentality that you should bend over backwards just to close a client deal.
You need to be looking at whether a client is a good fit for your business or not
How do we qualify clients? Communication
- be upfront
- talk to your client
- honesty: best policy
- **get it in writing. **Even if it is an acquaintance of a friend. lol :)
- make expectations clear
What can we do to prevent invoices from being paid late or not being paid?
Business owner versus Freelancer. Know Your Value. Don’t call yourself a freelancer. “Freelancer is our word”
You’re charging too low. If you have bargain rates you’ll attract clients looking for bargains.
Start charging upfront. Do you really want to be working with someone who cares about leverage?
Attitude should be that you don’t care if they don’t agree to your terms. It’s ok to say goodbye.
Let clients know a week before a payment is due.
Scope creep – by collecting money upfront you can avoid any problems with this.
Don’t go anymore than 15 day payment terms. Anymore and you’re potentially getting forgotten
Avoid Holding Payments Hostage. worked on a project, sent the invoice. “Oh, we need you to fix something”. Waited on the payment.
Firing Toxic Clients
You shouldn’t have to deal with toxic clients. If you’re thinking about firing a client you should do it. If you’re thinking about it, it’s too late.
3 ways to fire a client
- The slow fade
- finish up
- deliver it
- offer referral. Do this if they try to give you more work
- The Cmd+Z
- Only works if you’re just getting involved with the client
- “Not a good fit”
- Full Refund
- Offer referral. Again do this if they continue to persist the relationship.
- Keeping the cash
- Consult your contract
- open & honest
- Offer referral
My client paid late: Now what do I do?
- don’t get emotional
- Use your phone.
- Get comfortable talking to clients on the phone.
Further Reading/Listening:
Site: http://justtelljulie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julie_Elster
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