You’ve worked hard to meet a project deadline, you hand it off to the client ON TIME, and you get this in return:
“We’ll get our notes to you eventually.”
And you know you’re in trouble.
Getting delayed client notes affects far more than any individual project…
It can stunt the growth of your business for YEARS (I had to figure that one out the hard way).
But hey, that’s freelancing right?
Well, it doesn’t have to be…
The problem:
With no reliable production schedule, you can’t strategically plan for your business, your deadlines often stack up, and you lose predictability in your income.
The benefit of solving it:
The project is completed on-time and the client is happy to have such clear expectations, making them want to work with you again.
You get certainty in your schedule and you know when to say “yes” to new projects, when to schedule deadlines, and when to be engaging subcontractors.
Why what you’ve tried has failed:
You’re allowing the client to call the shots on the schedule, when it’s really you they are paying to manage efficiently and effectively.
Here’s how to solve it:
At the start of the project, let the client know when their notes are due before there are any schedule or budget implications.
Be super specific about what day they will get the draft for review, what day notes are required from them, and what happens if they’re late.
And just because they’re a day late with their notes doesn’t mean the schedule only changes by a day – you have other projects, too.
A day late might mean an extra week on the schedule because you have to take care of another project first.
Throughout the project, remind them of this schedule.
Your client isn’t necessarily sitting around thinking about your project and deadlines.
They have other stuff they’re doing, and that’s why they hired you: to be the driver of this process.
Be assertive, clear, and polite, when reminding them of upcoming deadlines.
You are advocating for the success of the project by reminding them when you send a draft for review about the agreed upon window for feedback.
And if they do miss a deadline, don't be afraid to have an honest conversation about the effect on the schedule (and/or budget).
With clear communication and a solid schedule in place, you can cut down on project delays and be in control of your schedule.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or a can of La Croix), and get to work.
You’ve got this.
Best,
Jamie
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