Identifying Potential Client Red Flags (Plus free email swipe copy)
As a designer, one of the hardest things to do is to pass on projects that don’t feel like a good fit.
More often than not, you can tell that a client won’t be a good fit before you ever start working with them. Over the past 5 years, I have become pretty good at spotting potential red flags and wanted to share some of those red flags and tips on avoiding them with you.
MY TIPS:
1. Take a Step Back
If you are anything like me, when faced with a potential client, your initial reaction is to answer “yes” even when we feel like it might not be a good fit. When you are thinking about working with a new client, and you have even the tiniest inkling that they may not be the best fit for you, I recommend that you approach with caution. Sometimes this means taking a step back so that you can think about the project before you ever decide to commit.
Oftentimes, after taking a step back, you will be able to approach the project with clear eyes and a level head and realize that either (1) You would be a great fit for this client, or (2) that this client may be best served with someone else.
2. Be ok with saying no.
Whenever you say no, you make space for your best yes. The truth is, if I had said yes to everything that came my way, I would have quit by now.
Saying “yes” to everything is a sure road to burnout and resentment.
Saying no more often than I say yes has allowed me the space and time to work on passion projects that fuel me, as well as having the time & creative energy to say yes to dream projects when they come my way.
Whenever you say no, you make space for your best yes.
3. Go with your gut
In my opinion, “Go with your gut” this is the most important business advice that I could ever give. Anytime I have gone against my gut and have taken on a project I shouldn't have, I have deeply regretted it. Listening your gut takes practice, but I promise it gets easier with time.
Potential Red Flags:
Barely filling out the contact form
This shouldn’t take long or “it’s just a small project”
They are Disrespectful to you on the discovery call
They Want to change your process
They Want to skip the strategy stage
Needing “just a logo”
THEY Want their branding to look like someone else’s
They have “had bad experiences” in the past
Someone who wants to negotiate pricing
Wanting to work for “exposure” or a trade
Too many cooks in the kitchen
*** It’s important to note that just because someone said or did something above, doesn’t always mean that the client wont be good to work with. Sometimes people just don’t understand working with a designer and that is our job to educate them on what the process looks like. This is why it’s always important to go back to step three and “go with your gut” when making these calls.
Free Email Swipe Copy
So how do you pass off clients that may not be a good fit? I’m glad you asked! Here you can download our complete list of client red flags as well as 4 completely free swipe emails that you can use to help you pass off projects that are not a good fit.
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