5 Tips for Entrepreneurs Working With Their First Clients
You’ve finally made the leap towards being an entrepreneur — and now you’re working with your very first client. While this is incredibly exciting for your business goals, it’s probably also a little nerve-wracking. You want to give this client the most polished, professional service possible with less business experience.
Don’t let your nerves get to you. Remember what you have to offer and strategize to set yourself up for success. This first client could be so pleased with the quality of your services that soon you’ll be drowning in work. Here are five tips for entrepreneurs working with their first clients.
1. Put It In Writing
Regardless of how well you know your client, you should always have them sign a contract. This helps build confidence and clarifies each party’s expectations. Your client is more likely to be satisfied with your work if they know exactly what they’re signing up for. Having things in writing also protects you from overcommitting or being harassed by a difficult client.
You can point clients back to your contract to clear up any confusion or reiterate what you talked about before. These documents can also protect you legally, so make sure yours follows the proper format. You should include information on payment schedules, completion timelines, when you’ll send updates and other specifics in your contract.
2. Don’t Undersell Yourself
If you’re nervous about working with your first client, you may be tempted to offer them a lower price. Many entrepreneurs start with lower rates and then raise them as they gain experience. Although this can be a good strategy, it’s imperative never to undersell yourself. Clients won’t value work they get on the cheap.
Charging appropriate payments lets clients know you value yourself and your work. Of course, you need to ensure the quality of what you’re producing is worth what you’re charging. You can determine reasonable prices by researching your market and talking to industry experts. Don’t let a penny-pinching client define what’s appropriate for you to charge.
3. Focus on the Relationship
All businesses operate on relationships. If you let them ask questions and connect with you, they’ll be happier with your work and more likely to recommend you to others. This type of networking is what you need to get your business off the ground. Don’t get so focused on delivering that you forget to engage with clients on a personal level.
Relationships take time, honesty and communication. Make sure you allot enough time to really connect with your first client. Communicate with them frequently and always follow up on your promises. Although you should be friendly, don’t forget this is a business relationship. Professionalism is also essential for attracting and keeping clients.
4. Set Clear Boundaries
Every healthy relationship requires boundaries — this is especially true in business. Using contracts can help define your services, protect your time and keep things straightforward. However, before you can communicate boundaries effectively to your clients, you must know them yourself.
Think about how much time and energy you can afford to give each client. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to overcommit and burn yourself out. It’s much easier to set a hard line and change it later than to offer a client unlimited time and then backtrack. Boundaries also help you screen clients, so you only work with people who respect your time and energy.
5. Act Like a Boss
Changing your mindset is one of the great challenges of becoming an entrepreneur. Employees don’t have the same kind of motivations or authority as their employers. When you become an entrepreneur, you shift from an employee to an employer mindset. Instead of someone directing you, you’re driving the ship.
When you talk to a new client, you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. Identify what kind of boss you want to be and start mirroring what they’re like. If you’re dealing with insecurities, challenging yourself is the only way to overcome them. When you act like a boss, your clients are happier and your business will flourish.
Plan for Success With Your First Client
Most of your success as an entrepreneur happens because of hard work behind the scenes. For example, a contract can make a massive difference in how smoothly your first client interaction goes. Remembering you’re in charge and putting everything in writing can keep you moving in the right direction.
The way you treat yourself will impact the way clients treat you. If you undervalue yourself, they will too. You can reduce stress and avoid difficult clients by setting clear boundaries and having the guts to stick to them. Follow these five tips to wow your first client and get your business moving in the right direction.