Project Scope Creep…
Every freelancer or artisan has faced this at one point or the other in their vocation.
A client approaches you, lays out their preferred requirements, agrees on a budget with you, perhaps pays an upfront (advance)… and you get to work.
Only to get a message from the same client a few days later with “different ideas” they’d like to see implemented. You think about it for a couple of seconds… you need the money and don’t want to lose the project to another business, plus you’re flexible and know how to adapt to changes within the scope of the project, so you take it on and start working in the new direction your client wants.
Two days later, you’ve made headway in this new direction… only for the same client to call you and explain he’s had some “new inspiration” for a few ideas he saw somewhere else that he believes can be incorporated into his project.
Again… you have to steer the vehicle in another direction and start the project from scratch again, wasting time, resources, and effort… without any extra remuneration from the client.
The truth is, this is one situation almost every freelancer or artisan has faced–or will face– at one point in time in their craft. And while we know how much it sucks, we can help you navigate this phase without:
- Hurting your brand perception/reputation.
- Sending your customer into the arms of other waiting artisans.
- Losing time or money.
So, let’s dive in and show you what to do when faced with clients who want to stretch the scope of your project.
- Have a written agreement: A written agreement (or contract) binds both parties and clearly defines the terms of the agreement. This way, both parties will have clear ideas of what their duties, responsibilities, and expectations are in the course of the project.
And if you think this has to be complicated, or you’ll need to get a lawyer and an official statement… no. The first step you’ll need to take is to open a Workstedi account and set up a profile. Your customer can set up a contract here with you with clearly defined terms (agreed on by both parties) and if there’s any “stretching” of the terms by either party… Workstedi will step in to resolve the issue.
- Communicate your expectations as clearly as possible: Artisans and freelancers sometimes encounter challenges in the course of their projects because they assume when they’re supposed to ask.
Asking the customer for clarity ensures both parties are in sync and have a good idea of what to expect during the project. It could also translate into higher customer satisfaction after project completion… and perhaps more business–or even a referral– going forward.
- Pay Attention to Your Customer’s Demands: This may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes, customers already show a tendency to stretch a project scope from their early demands. If you notice this, you can:
- Ask the right questions about project scope to ensure your customer understands what they’re getting.
- Connect and collaborate with artisans/freelancers that offer the complementary service(s) your client needs and communicate this to them. Also, remember to include this freelancer’s cost in your total bill to your customer.
- Turn down the project (yes… I know these are “interesting times” economically, but better no review than a bad review).
While this is not an exhaustive list, these tips are tried and tested and will help you manage project creep when it happens.
This way, you’ll emerge from this experience as a more refined business owner… while your books will remain balanced.
