Red Flags (Part 2), Exciting Freelance Law, & Chappell Roan
A few weeks ago we shared some sneaky red flags that can pop up early in a new client relationship, but tend to go ignored because they don't seem that bad on the surface.
And the topic resonated.
Plus, we were kind of on a role. So we're back with a few more red flags in the hope that we can save you from some of the angst we've felt in our combined 20 years of consulting. Here are some client behaviors that will have you saying "Am I crazy?" (Spoiler alert: you're not.) Spot these and it may be time to cut and run.
🚩 They change their mind. (But never acknowledge it.)
It's the business relationship equivalent of gaslighting. You have a great meeting. Together you come to important decisions that you agree are final. You begin executing based on those decisions...and the next thing you know they've completely changed the product/partner/main brand color/whatever, and all of the work you've done is irrelevant. The client seems to feel bad about the wasted effort, they may even acknowledge a lack of communication (though plenty of others will insist that you didn't understand), but you're already deep in the land of scope creep and unclear revision rounds.
🚩 Their feedback is unclear.
"It just doesn't pop." "Does it feel too homogenous to you? I know it's not, but does it feel that way?" "diff tone, thx." Lauren just had a stroke digging those examples out of two decades of a career. They're definitely trying to convey feedback. If you had half an hour to sit down with them and dig into why they felt like the talking points felt "homogenous" you could come to an understanding of what needs to be changed, but you don't have that kind of time, they don't have that kind of time, and you definitely didn't budget for that kind of time. And there are still hundreds of decisions and tens of deliverables ahead.
Now, we always want to do everything we can to make a client relationship work. And a collaborative client will be open to your feedback and work to change some of the behaviors that are preventing the relationship from working optimally. BUT. Sometimes they just won't. And while it's frustrating to end a relationship with a client, it's infinitely more frustrating to keep banging your head against a wall trying to figure out what said client actually wants.
So let this be your permission slip to gracefully bow out of projects where the red flags are flying and your mental health is suffering.
🎉 Plus, exciting news!👇
The Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA), the groundbreaking New York City law that took effect in 2017 to protect freelancers from nonpayment, is expanding to all of New York State TODAY, August 28th. Read up on your rights here.
🪢 Laura + Lauren
Things We Loved This Week
Laura’s Things
💡 This light that gets me SO many compliments every time I use it on a Zoom call.
🟡 I wasn’t a hoops girlie until I got these guys from Quince.
💖 I’ve been sleeping on Chappell Roan, especially this banger.
🧢 The only thing that could get me to wear camo.
Lauren’s Things
👩💻 Me for pretty much all of 2024 so far.
😑 Men on my dating apps for pretty much all of 2024 so far. (h/t KS)
🦁 This Q&A that manages to span so many of my favorite things: effective social media, public libraries, and womxn leaders. (h/t AA)
🛍️ I am not allowed to shop. Definitely do not reply to this email and tell me about your favorite Labor Day sale purchase.
