The Lady Programmer

One of the most difficult ways to communicate with potential as well as existing clients is using email as a mode of communication. Most of the time freelancers make the mistake of using email as chat. Although chat or voice communication is often easier and preferred ways of communicating, there are just some people and situations who still prefer and insist on using email as the main mode of communication.

At first I didn’t like how communication bounces on and off with one-liner questions that are passed which is really is a time-waster (I often end up losing jobs that way), but over time I had been able to adjust and learn this kind of communication.

There are always advantages and disadvantages to each mode of communication. Email communication can be too formal that it sets distance between a freelancer and the client – which is a lot different when during chat conversations where the freelancer and the client can still do small talk before discussing business. However, the distinct advantage of email is that, unlike chat conversations, you aren’t much pressured into doing things at the spur of the moment.

Email Interviews

• Discuss the project outright. Instead of asking the first question that comes into your mind, come up with a set of specific questions about the project. It is better to make a list and ask these in just a single piece of email.
• Boasting one’s accomplishments and skills is unnecessary at the interview stage since the client had already reviewed your resume and had picked you out from dozens of applicants. Show more interest in the projects by asking questions (as discussed above).
• As the expert considered for the project, try to address the issues/problems of the project. What will be the steps that you plan to do? However, be careful not to spread yourself out too thin with too much information that the client can just decide to do the job himself.
• At most respond to emails within 48 hours. If you cannot answer the question just inform that you had received the message and will be replying at the shortest possible time.

Job Assignments

• Get into the specifics of the project. Just like what was done in the email interview, it helps to ask a detailed set of instructions from the client.
• For work done, try to inform that about the work done even if the job was left unfinished.
• Follow the 48-hour communication rule like that in the email interviews, most especially for new clients.
• If there are problems with the project, discuss this with the client at the soonest possible time over email.
• Don’t forget to suggest improvements for the project too.

All the tips above are what I’ve definitely learned from simply communicating with clients simply through email. Those are the hard lessons I’ve learned myself.

Have you encountered clients who insist on using emails instead of chat or voice communication? Have you got any additional tips to add for this mode of communication? Or would you rather just walk away?

10 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

1. 

   Heather Kephart
   January 30th, 2010 at 2:28 am #

   More great information for freelancers. I didn’t know about the 48 hour rule! Tweeted.
   .-= Heather Kephart´s last blog ..Around the New House by Joe Joe =-.

2. 

   Jena Isle
   January 31st, 2010 at 2:00 pm #

   I prefer chat, because you could get instant answers. These are useful information Gem. Thanks for sharing.
   .-= Jena Isle´s last blog ..The Perfect Lady =-.

3. 

   Gem
   February 1st, 2010 at 7:15 pm #

   Thanks for tweeting. I mostly apply the 48 hour rule to new clients. I’m more relaxed with long-term clients.

4. 

   Gem
   February 1st, 2010 at 7:18 pm #

   Unfortunately, some clients still insist on using email. I did like chat at first, but not all clients like chat (that actually includes me). I have to figure out how to effectively communicate using only email.

5. 

   ConnieFoggles
   February 3rd, 2010 at 1:42 pm #

   I prefer email for communication about work projects too. Since I have an Itouch phone now, I’m able to reply quickly to emails even when I’m away from my laptop. Chat can be too time consuming especially if you get started on other subjects.
   .-= ConnieFoggles´s last blog ..Compare Mobility Aids =-.

6. 

   Gem
   February 3rd, 2010 at 2:13 pm #

   Me too. I don’t get income from simply doing chats or voice calls – and clients and freelancers often get into small talks or chats before discussing the project. Emails maybe less personal but at least these tend to get straight to the point.

7. 

   paige
   February 5th, 2010 at 11:30 pm #

   Thanks for sharing this po. I learned something new coming from you.
   .-= paige´s last blog ..November 2009-2010 Nursing NLE Board Exam Result =-.

8. 

   Gem
   February 6th, 2010 at 7:24 am #

   You’re welcome.

9. 

   Carlfinity
   February 8th, 2010 at 9:26 pm #

   Clients love to use email because it has a lot to offer compared to regular chatting.

10. uberVU - social comments
    February 11th, 2010 at 6:43 am #

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