Getting hit with a 'no’ from a client can feel like a major blow, especially when you're new to this whole freelancing thing.
Harsh criticism can make you question your abilities, feel unqualified, and maybe even doubt your decision to freelance in the first place.
But let's set something straight…
Negative notes are part of the gig.
To make it in the freelancing world, you need to reframe criticism and rejection.
Because the freelancers that feel criticism is a reflection of their abilities are missing out on a big opportunity →
The problem:
You take client criticism personally, feeling flustered, challenged, and/or discouraged about your freelancing abilities.
The benefit of solving it:
You take control of every client situation, make the most out of it, and open lines of communication with your clients.
Why what you’ve tried has failed:
You approach the client notes emotionally and personally (maybe you even become defensive because you know the quality of what you’ve produced), or…
You’re avoiding those conversations all together.
Here’s how to solve it:
Criticism is an opportunity.
Think of it as a signpost, not a stop sign.
For example, if a lead decides not to work with you, find out why as quickly as possible, learn from it, and then move on.
There are countless prospects out there, and one rejection is just a single step on the road to success.
If you’re working with a client and they have concerns over where the project is heading, encourage them to voice their concerns openly.
A lot of times, clients don’t know how to provide useful criticism so it comes out poorly.
It’s your job to communicate and decode their notes and understand the real issues they're trying to address.
(This took me way too long to figure out.)
Acquire the skill of understanding the note behind the note →
When the client tells you something’s wrong, they’re usually right.
When they tell you how to fix it, they’re usually wrong.
You’re the professional. You’re the expert they hired, so act like it.
Take control and create an environment where the notes process is constructive.
At each stage of the project, let the client know what type of notes you’re looking for (for example, when I deliver the first draft of a video I like to say, “we’re not looking for notes on final color/copy/etc here, all we care about right now is that we’re on the same page with X”).
Like with most things freelance, it’s all about communication.
And you want to lean into these “tough” conversations.
Because something a lead may think is a deal breaker could actually not be that big of a deal, and you don’t want to lose that client simply because you were both too scared of a conversation.
There is one caveat to this, however…
A toxic client.
If a client is being just plain toxic, get rid of them.
Don’t think twice about it, it’s not worth your time and energy.
That’s one of the many beauties of this freelancing thing, you get to choose who you do and don’t work with.
And as mentioned earlier, there are millions of other fantastic clients waiting to do business with you...
So don’t let a toxic client, rejection, or “bad” feedback slow you do!
Best,
Jamie
For freelancers that want to fill their client pipeline & earn more consistently:
→ Build a $10K+/month freelancing business with my proven 3-pillar system inside The Freelancing Program ($59/month).
→ Get the competitive edge with daily templates, frameworks, and freelance market intel from Workforce 3.0 ($4.99/month).
→ Hit your freelancing goals this year with a customized, step-by-step game plan that we’ll create during a focused 1:1 coaching session ($750) with me.
