Communication and Connection

Communication, connection and community have become something we have a new-found respect for over the last year. For so long we have taken for granted the conversations, the coffee dates, the meetings, the chance to escape the office. It really is true that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone! And with that, let’s hope we can all find the joy in those moments again very soon (Trying to stay in Camp Positive over here)!

However, the importance and significance of communication and connection has always been at the forefront of my mind in a professional sense. I’m a freelancer, working from home, very rarely working directly and in-person with clients. Yes, it’s quite a lonely existence at times, but with that, comes the challenge and determination to make those relationships work seamlessly and practically. If you work with freelancers, you’ll know that most of the communication is done digitally. This may be via email or an online project management and messaging software. It’s safe to say I can definitely recall days where I actually haven’t spoken a word out loud to another human being (I don’t really count the conversations with the cat). However, through offering further services like client relationship management, I am able to boost that feeling of connection to clients and offer a solution that’s cost effective, time efficient and a brilliant added-extra to their project.

The reason I place so much significance on this area of E D Creative between myself and clients is because I believe wholeheartedly in a stand-out service that comprises of continual communication on projects, swift replies and constant reassurance that everything is in hand. In fact, I think this may even be my top priority when it comes to the services I provide clients.

Let’s take a look at why you might consider working with a freelance copywriter, audio producer or voice actor for your project…

• More cost effective – Pay per project, negotiable depending on budgets, only pay for the services when you need them.
• Expertise – You can pick and mix your freelancers to work on projects in their specific area of expertise and ensure you’re getting the best in the business for your requirements.
• Fresh Eyes – Whether it’s for your own business, or a client you are working with, having a fresh pair of eyes is always great to offer a new perspective.
• Results Driven – Freelancers always want good results. Of course, the better a project goes, the better their chances of working with you again and earning more money!

However, there are some potential pitfalls

• Less Control – As the freelancer will no doubt be working remotely and not actually a paid employee of yours, you’ll have less control over when, where and how the project is completed.
• New relationships – Working with a new freelancer you’ve not worked with before can be nerve-wracking. They may talk the talk, but until you’ve actually hired them for a project, you won’t know if they can actually deliver on their promises

Looking at these reasons and pitfalls, it is easy to see why so many businesses are turning to a pool of freelancers to provide the services in which they need further expertise or simply don’t have the time. However, as a freelancer, it’s my job to not only reduce the pitfalls that potential and existing clients may be fearful of, but completely eradicate them.

And, as said before, I ensure these downsides are deducted from their mind by providing effective and efficient communication and direct client management…

• CRM – Of course, allowing a freelancer direct access to a client can feel a little risky. But, I truly believe in the power of communication and connection with a client and know that offering a sound client relationship management service alongside the actual project I’m working on is invaluable. I often work with my clients under their own business name, so the end client isn’t even aware I am a freelancer. I can then work directly with the end client on the finer details of a project and any of those niggly, finer details which take so much time can be sorted and taken care of without my client needing to worry about it. Everyone is a winner here. My client is happy because they don’t have to waste their precious time on managing every detail, and the end client is happy because they’ve received a dedicated, professional service with great turnaround and results. And, I’m happy as I’ve been able to provide a more comprehensive service and enjoy a better connection to the project!
• Availability – Yes, it’s often seen as a downside to self-employment, but being available whenever, wherever to clients is something I believe is highly important. Whether that’s replying to emails before I get out of bed in the morning, or sending a quick voice note at the weekend while out on a family walk, I’d rather spend the short time it takes to keep clients in the loop and put them at ease than risk losing that relationship. So, whether you contact me during standard office hours (does anyone work to those anymore?), or you have a late-night panic on a project, be rest assured you’ll get a reply and work can continue to run smoothly.
• Updates – Some projects I work on may only take a couple of hours from brief to sign off. In these instances, I just deliver the final results and the client can be happy with a swift completion, but for projects that require weeks or even months of input, I ensure the client receives regular updates via email so they know I have my finger on the pulse at all times.

So, if you’re considering working with a freelancer for your next project, get in touch! You may wonder why you didn’t take the plunge sooner! And with reliable communication, you can build a business community and network that’s a powerful improvement to your business offering.