Dealing with conflict

You're here to solve your client's problems, so be open to the idea that you may be wrong! An open mind removes a lot of the frustration from freelance projects.

Give people a go, and if you do need to be firm, do it in a polite way.

Be confident and clear, and admit when you don't know something, or if you're struggling with a project or task.

Be clear if a task is taking longer than you or the client expects. People will be understanding.

Try to offer solutions if you have ideas.

Keep up a positive attitude. Someone who's good to work with will always be called back. Someone who's talented and horrible to deal with won't.

If you find you're miscommunicating over email, jumping on the phone is the quickest way to resolve anything.

Don't badmouth other people!! Not a good look!!

If someone's giving you an impossible or unreasonable task, or something you disagree with, be agreeable, then come back to them later with reasons why you recommend it shouldn't be done.

• If you disagree straight away it's frustrating! It's always good to go away and think about it anyway.

Above all, if you are being treated BADLY, as in unacceptable behaviour... you have the right to walk away from any project.

• If it's a short project, can you wait? If not...
• Be strong, clear, and raise any issues you won't tolerate, ideally in writing.

If you have to walk...

• don't worry about burning bridges, you likely won't want to work with them again anyway.
• Be prepared to forgo any outstanding payments. It's usually worth it to be out of a bad situation