It is widely accepted that there are two different types of problems:
- Bad problems – problems that are, well, problematic, usually with the potential for negative repercussions or capable of causing further issues.
- Good problems – problems that can actually be rather beneficial or signify something that is positive.
For freelancers, bad problems include issues such as a lack of clients, difficulty obtaining payment from clients, and so on and so forth – common issues that most freelancers will experience at some point. These bad problems tend to receive a fair amount of coverage; there’s plenty of advice online on finding clients or making sure a client pays, so any freelancer experiencing these issues should be able to find a solution.
The good problems that freelancers experience are far less commonly discussed, which is concerning – good problems may have a positive slant, but they are still problems. In this article, we’ve sought to redress the balance; here are three good problems all freelancers may face over the course of their careers, and the solutions that can be considered…
#1 – Too high a volume of queries from new customers
The idea of being inundated by calls and emails from prospective clients is one that any freelancer would welcome, but the reality can actually be very stressful. Yes, of course it’s good to be in demand, but the volume of queries can reach a point where so much time is spent fielding calls and reading emails, it’s tough to actually get any work done on the projects that you have already committed to.
How can this problem be resolved?
First and foremost, cancel any SEO or marketing campaigns that are active; there is no point continuing to spend in this area when you already have more queries than you actually need. To deal with the contacts you have already received, consider using a cost effective answering service or similar to ensure all calls are fielded without you having to pause in your work; you can then get back in touch with clients at a time that is convenient for you. Email autoresponders can perform the same function; whenever the number of queries you’re receiving begins to spike, set a responder up that informs customers you will get back to them as soon as possible. Both of these methods should ensure that your working day is not disrupted, while also providing reassurance to prospective clients that their query will be dealt with very soon. When you do have time to respond, you can then answer each query one at a time, starting with the oldest and moving to the new so that potential customers do not have to wait too long for a response.
#2 – Unplanned-for project extensions
You’re working on a project for a client and just at the point where you think you’re wrapping up, the client contacts you and explains that they actually need your help for a little longer. On one hand, that’s great – more work for any freelancer will always be appreciated – but on the other, you’re already committed to work with other clients. You’re now in a situation where you can either refuse to continue on the current project (which could jeopardize your working relationship with that client), or you can cancel the other projects (which would definitely harm your relationship with those clients).
How can this problem be resolved?
If you have committed to work with other clients, then this should be your main focus – every freelancer should seek to build a reputation for reliability. The client of the existing project should understand that your hands are tied and even respect your commitment to honor your commitments to other clients, so explain the predicament and offer to help with the rest of the project as soon as your diary allows, but that you will need to focus elsewhere as originally planned at least for a while.
#3 – Constant recommendations from previous clients
Recommendations are generally a good thing for freelancers; you complete work for a client, who is then so impressed they recommend your services across their own network, with prospective new clients then getting in touch to arrange a project. In the first instance, numerous queries from those who are following up on a recommendation poses the same problem – distracting you from your regular work – as we discussed in the first point, but with an added layer of concern for the relationship between yourself and the original client who provided the recommendation. It can seem almost rude to your original client to delay responding to the people they have recommended you to; and you can even feel beholden to complete work you otherwise don’t have time to do, just because you’re trying to preserve the original relationship – so a slightly different solution is required.
How can this problem be resolved?
The only way to resolve this issue is to take a deep breath and discuss the matter with your original client. Start the conversation (or email) with a strong thank you for their recommendation, outlining how much you appreciate it, and are glad they feel they can recommend you; then, simply mention you are overwhelmed at the moment, and request that they pause recommending you to others for the moment. Your original client will understand, and you can then go through the queries you’ve already received and see if you can fit the requested work in with your schedule. If you can, great, you have a new client (or two!); if not, then just respond by saying you’re sorry you cannot help at this point, but that you’d love to work with them in future. This method should preserve your relationship both with the original client who so kindly made the recommendation, and still keep the door open to new work with those who that client recommended you to.
In conclusion
Good problems may not be quite as concerning as bad problems, but they are still issues that need to be worked through – and we hope the advice above will help any freelancer to find the perfect solution they need.
