Should you Guide Freelance Writing Clients?
The question of whether or not you should guide freelance writing clients is up for debate. Some feel that it is their duty to give a client their input, while others would much rather do what they are told. Personally, I think that this question is difficult to answer unless you have a firm grasp on the word “guide.â€
What some people call guiding, others may call forceful or vice versa. Make sure that if you are going to offer input that you are not overbearing to the point of coming off as arrogant or a know-it-all. Remember, the client more than likely knows what they want better than you. With that being said, it is your job to take what you are given, and make it work for the client.
Of course, the main exception to this is if your client asks you for help. I have had many of people call me to help them with a project, but not have any idea on what they want to do. They know that my work is solid, and feel that I can also guide them in the right direction as far as the scope and direction of the project is concerned. While I am more than happy to do this for those who ask, I try my best to not push a client in one direction or the next if they are not open to new ideas.
All in all, you need to deal with each client on an individual basis. You will have some that want you to do what you are told, others who ask for help every step of the way, and a few in between who want to collaborate with you to come up with the best idea. There is no way of saying that you should always lend your assistance, or that you should always back off and let the client make the decisions.
Perhaps the best thing that you can do is let each client know that you are willing to help them with any details that they are unsure of. This way, if they want your help they know they can ask for it. And at the same time, you will not come off as arrogant or forceful.
