Negosentro|As a freelancer, you’re constantly interacting with potential opportunities, both online and face-to-face. Building a strong list of potential clients is one of the best ways to ensure a steady stream of business, but it can be hard to tell whether a new client is actually looking to take advantage of you Vet Potential Clients.
Countless people are looking to cheat businesses each day, but this act is particularly heinous when it’s against a freelancer. After all, a single bad client could put your entire operation at risk. When you want to ascertain your safety in the tumultuous world of freelancing, here are some of the best tips to vet your potential opportunities.
Look up their phone number
When a prospective client comes around, the first thing you should do is look up their phone number. It’s not uncommon for a shady client to hide important information about their operations. Luckily, a phone number never lies.
A phone number can reveal a lot of information about an individual and a business. In some cases, a simple background check can help you find mugshots, access criminal records, and prove a client’s legitimacy. While you won’t be able to get sensitive information like access to their tax returns folder, this simple tool can help you determine whether a client is high risk or not. After you ensure that the person or business is a valid opportunity, then you can start the onboarding process and begin working out deals.
Get them on the phone
In the age of technology, it can be easy to solely work with people online. An email here and a direct message there can lock in deals in seconds. But failing to talk to someone on the phone is a huge mistake that many young entrepreneurs tend to make.
Talking on the phone enables a freelancer to gain vital interaction with a prospective client. Not only can you better determine the client’s wants and needs in real time but you can get a better idea of their respect for your business Vet Potential Clients.
For example, entrepreneur Clayton Wood once listened to a client yell at him for more than 10 minutes. This simple phone call enabled Wood to pick up on this red flag sooner than later. If a potential client is not willing to treat a business with respect from the start, the relationship will continue to grow worse over time. This can waste time, money, and countless hours of effort Vet Potential Clients.
Craft an agenda
Before you begin your onboarding process, creating an agenda to vet your client will enable you to get all the important information you need. This can help you establish the core criteria a potential client needs to meet to work with you. It might seem silly to create a checklist for each client, but setting clear expectations from the start will save you plenty of time later.
Before anything is signed, be sure to draft an agenda that lists important questions about a client. Some freelancers might ask:
- Have you worked with a freelancer before?
- What is the scope of work?
- Are you willing to meet my rates?
- How often do you want updates on the project?
These questions will differ from freelancer to freelancer. Regardless, asking these questions will help you figure out if an opportunity is viable based on your abilities as a contractor Vet Potential Clients.
Demand a contract
Once you’ve officially vetted a client, it’s important to draft a contract. These agreements should be signed and copied to ascertain that you’re meeting your end of the bargain. The contract should include important information, including the agreed upon rate, the project’s deadline, and potential legal issues that might arise. For example, it’s within your rights to request arbitration services instead of court trials should a disagreement arise Vet Potential Clients.
A contract is the best way to protect yourself and your business. If a client is unwilling to sign the contract, this is the final indication that working with this person is a bad idea. When you’re ready to better vet your clients, rely on these tips to stay safe Vet Potential Clients.
