Be Honest With Project Deadlines & Plan Your Days Effectively

It has been over three years now since I started my journey of self-employment. From working full-time and receiving my monthly pay packet – on time, every month – I moved into a world of uncertainty but excitement, with no guarantees of success. Fortunately, I have managed to make my business work, and whilst it is in a relatively healthy position at this point in time, I can’t say it has been without it’s difficulties.

Along the way, I have encountered a number of hurdles, gained invaluable experience, and have learned some incredible life lessons. In this series of articles, I continue to share some tips and general nuggets that I have picked up from this adventure – many of which a budding web developer or sole trader might find handy ahead of taking the leap!

« Points 9 & 10: Communication Is Key & Train Your Clients

11. Be honest with deadlines

My downfall at the very beginning of going solo was saying yes to every job I received. This perhaps was understandable given my insecurity about whether I was going to be able to pay the mortgage for the following month, but it quickly led me down a path whereby I was becoming a professional juggling act. Thankfully, it never backfired on me because I worked long into the night getting work completed and mostly on time.

I have started to learn the importance of being honest to your clients about your availability.

However as time has gone on, I’ve slowly started to learn the value of getting away from the computer. Whilst I haven’t quite given up the odd evening session on the laptop, I have started to learn the importance of being honest to your clients about your availability, as well as the date of when you can feasibly complete their website – so much so, I have implemented an Availability Calendar on my website. It honestly surprised me when potential clients say they are willing to hold on for even two/three months – something which I am very proud of, and hopefully testament to the hard work I put in!

Being honest about completion dates is paramount, because you simply do not want to get any bad reviews. Therefore, work out your schedules, add more than the allotted time that you are mentally putting aside (as projects will ALWAYS overrun) – at this point you can then tell your prospective client when you can get started and when you should be completed by.

Chances are, even with a later than expected handover date, people will STILL utilise your services because they have already formed the opinion that you’re a good person to go with. For this reason, do not spend your time worrying that you might lose the person to someone else. If this happens, it happens – more clients will come your way.

12. Plan Your Days Effectively

It’s actually very tough sometimes to juggle your work with your incoming enquiries. There have been countless times where I am knee-deep in programming only to have an email pop up on my phone which indicates that I have a potential lead who may be interested in a website.

Keep in mind that you might have just stopped working on a project which will result in money being put in your bank account – all in favour of replying to a lead which might come to nothing.

In my mind, urgency to all incoming enquiries is absolutely key, because it conveys the fact that you’re on the ball and available for work. However do keep in mind that you have just stopped working on a project which will result in money being put in your bank account – all in favour of replying to a lead which might come to nothing.

My advice on this is to have a Canned Response in your email, and send it to them as soon as you can, tailoring it slightly to their specific needs, ensuring that you let them know that you will get back to them at the end of the day.

You might also want to furnish them with a bit of content which lets them know why you’d be the best person to do the job, as well as some tips, such as some essential things you need to start a web project. This demonstrates that you’re great with communication and have lots of experience and know-how.

Points 13 & 14: Be Clear With Project Briefs & Avoid Communication Overload »