Waiting...

[Waylander]

So ive got a client right who has had a project running for a considerably long time.

I would consider them to be would could commonly be called "technologically challenged" not only with something like email but to the point of not even being that handy with a mobile phone or an answering machine.

I try to keep projects lapsed so that im not always waiting for content or approval but its getting to the point now where this thing has been in the back log way too long.

Im not interested in dropping the client as the portfolio item is valuable... what im asking is how I can streamline communication with clients.

Whats the nicest way to give someone a kick in the pants?

I was also thinking I could put a base project tracking type of thing up with a client log in, does anyone know of anything pre-built?

I really dont want to waste alot of time building one myself, as of course the client can still be slow and something a bit more advanced could slow them down even more.....

Waylander.

[Reli4nt]

Explain the situation to your client and draw up a time table for the projecct with them. Make sure it outlines your responsibilities as well as theirs. Then whenever they begin to fall behind, simply point them to the time table and try to help them get back on track.

[russell]

having a fee schedule in line with your deliverables might give them the kick they require...

[urquanmaster]

I think everyone has this problem. It's a good idea to try a stoic approach, like going for a game of golf with them. Then, they don't feel like they're pressured and you can allow their interest to peak naturally. Practice on avoiding the "pushy" vibe. A lot of it has to do with wording.

You might want to show more interest in their business as well. Ask for a tour and bring a camera to boot. If they are a paintball arena, do a paintball game with them. If they're a computer business, invite them to a computer convention. When you show an interest, you'll find a bigger window of opportunity to talk about getting the site done.

It sounds kind of cheezy, but flashing and dazzling your customer with their own interests helps a lot. If they have mentioned a sport or interest, show that you can be a springboard or catalyst for what they like. Do They like a certain sport? Invite them to a game. Just remember to wow them with their interests, not yours.

Also, work on being more interesting and fun to be with. You'd be supprised how refreshing it is to talk with somebody who strives to make the situation more fun and entertaining.

If you do business this way, you'll probably find it way more fun. Your job will be much more eye-opening and your customers will give much better refferals about you.

[Waylander]

I think everyone has this problem. It's a good idea to try a stoic approach, like going for a game of golf with them. Then, they don't feel like they're pressured and you can allow their interest to peak naturally. Practice on avoiding the "pushy" vibe. A lot of it has to do with wording.

You might want to show more interest in their business as well. Ask for a tour and bring a camera to boot. If they are a paintball arena, do a paintball game with them. If they're a computer business, invite them to a computer convention. When you show an interest, you'll find a bigger window of opportunity to talk about getting the site done.

It sounds kind of cheezy, but flashing and dazzling your customer with their own interests helps a lot. If they have mentioned a sport or interest, show that you can be a springboard or catalyst for what they like. Do They like a certain sport? Invite them to a game. Just remember to wow them with their interests, not yours.

Also, work on being more interesting and fun to be with. You'd be supprised how refreshing it is to talk with somebody who strives to make the situation more fun and entertaining.

If you do business this way, you'll probably find it way more fun. Your job will be much more eye-opening and your customers will give much better refferals about you.


I hope your kidding? This is a client not a girlfriend...

I would rather have more time to create a better product for them than have them like me, as thats what gets you the best referrals.

Im just going to write some simple content for them and give them an amount of time to get something better if they want it, or they can just take thier time and I will change it as an amendment.

I want to keep projects moving through, not spend my weekends at a golf club with people twice my age, thanks.

Waylander.

[urquanmaster]

Yea, I guess it all depends on your clients.

I tend to go looking for neat jobs to do, in areas that are usually entertainment-based. I avoid the crunch-work, opting for places that are fun and innovative.

I don't think I would show much of an interest either if my clients were twice my age.

[NetNerd85]

I hope your kidding? This is a client not a girlfriend...

I would rather have more time to create a better product for them than have them like me, as thats what gets you the best referrals.

Im just going to write some simple content for them and give them an amount of time to get something better if they want it, or they can just take thier time and I will change it as an amendment.

I want to keep projects moving through, not spend my weekends at a golf club with people twice my age, thanks.

Waylander.LMAO :D

You are a typical developer (which isn't a bad thing) but I don't think you should handle the business side of things. Business is all about relationships and of course offering something of value but the keyword being and. If you don't like the relationship part of the deal then that's fine, you don't need to do it but you need to find someone who does like dealing with clients ;)

What's wrong with golf btw? If only I had clubs... my old ones rusted :(

You should focus on the providing services of value part. Do what you want and what you are good at. Hire someone else to wipe the client's arse. I haven't done much research into yet but there are people that will represent you and deal with clients... I'm sure there is a name, freelance business rep. maybe? Who knows but you'd definitely want someone confident and commanding. Generally that takes experience to build up though, although some rare people are born with a silver tongue (lucky them).

Business is about wearing a suit and talking action then letting someone else do the hard work to provide the solution.

Maybe you have heard the saying "Work on your business, not in it"?

I've worked in a sort of "door-to-door" sales job and relationships are everything. If you don't like someone, would you really give them money? Not a couple of grand that's for sure!

[Reli4nt]

Cultivating relationships is more important for larger accounts. Small jobs don't require it and don't justify the effort. It is really a question of pursuing the $500 job or the $30,000 account.

[NetNerd85]

Cultivating relationships is more important for larger accounts. Small jobs don't require it and don't justify the effort. It is really a question of pursuing the $500 job or the $30,000 account.Yeah clearly that's bad advice because what happens when that $500 job suddenly starts to run a really good business and turns into a $million dollar job in two years? He'll have no problem searching for a web developer if you made it your job to stick in his mind but if you were just another developer who treats people like crap based on price, he'll forget you and so will everyone else.

Treat all clients the same :p

[EDIT] You did say more important which means I could have been less harsh but the point is the same. You have to do a good job, treat them the same and make them remember you. There's a saying "treat every client like your first client", stick in their mind and make them spread the word about what a great web developer you are.

[Reli4nt]

Yes and no. It's absurd to wine and dine a client who hires you to update his contact information on an about us page. However, I do agree that you you need to make al clients feel like they are your priority, but in reality this cannot be the case because we all know that most of those $500 jobs have too little commitment from the client to ever become million dollar companies. One could pick only the jobs with long term promise, but I and most of my colleagues are simply am not that discerning.

[Waylander]

Perhaps you shouldn't tell me what I should and shouldn't do.

Ive been dealing with clients and leading development teams for years. Ive run presentations in front of hundreds of people. I do actually own a suit, and yes I do actually wear it to meetings.

Yes I have heard of the saying work on your business not in, ive been reading books on business development for many years, and am on the way to setting up a successfull business.

Reli4nt is exactly right. I cannot spend time on the small clients simply because my time is already taken up on other larger accounts. Hes also exactly right about the type of clients, when your working on an account that has an on going work situation they are much more likely to keep work comming as they already have the resources to do it.

The static site builds for one off clients are good for in between work and brighten the portfolio up but I wouldnt even be bothering if I didnt at least have a couple accounts to make the whole thing worth it, and they are certainly getting more of my time because they will pay for it

No one is saying to treat people like ****, the bottom line is its a business and its your time thats valuable. Every client will get enough of my time that the project should require because that time is factored into costs, the bigger clients jsut have more work and need more time to sort things out.

Waylander.