Client/agency relationships can either be beautiful, productive relationships. However, one misread email tone, one disagreement, and lack of understanding from either side, can lead to a disastrous working relationship.
A few months ago, Nicole and Jessica chatted about the client/agency relationship on an IG Live. Here are some of their tips.
Consultation: In the initial consultation, aim to get a feel for one another. Your work styles, and more importantly your expectations.
Expectations: Expectations is the keyword here. Hence why we put it in three times. What does your client expect from you? What does your contractor expect from you? Do they want a weekly check-in? Do they expect you to be done with a project in one round or are they okay with you having multiple drafts? These may seem like simple questions but if they are not answered in the beginning it can lead to a lot of problems in the future.
Payment: You deserve to get paid for the work you do. Clients remember that it’s not just the final project the contractor produces for you. You are also paying for their problem-solving, their work, and their creativity.
As a client, if I send you something and you don’t like it, that doesn’t mean you don’t pay me for it.
Jessica Yanez Perez
Saying Goodbye: As an agency, it’s okay to tell your client, “we don’t think we are the best fit for you.” As a client, it’s okay to tell your agency, “we don’t think this is working out for us.” Ending your client/agency relationship doesn’t have to be this horrendous betrayal act cut from a scene of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It can be two parties respectively ending their working relationship and supporting each other from the sidelines.
A client/agency relationship is like most relationships. It needs respect, understanding, and appreciation to grow.