The whole category in one page.
WHY THE START MATTERS
A disorganised beginning produces a client who chases you throughout.
A consistent process costs an hour to design and almost nothing to repeat.
BEFORE STARTING WORK
Terms agreed in writing, and the deposit received.
A client unwilling to pay a deposit is a warning.
THE MOST VALUABLE PART OF ANY PROPOSAL
The exclusions list. Stating what is not included prevents most disputes.
REQUEST EVERYTHING AT ONCE
Piecemeal requests over weeks look disorganised and delay the work.
One list, with reasons and a deadline.
THE COMMUNICATION RULE
Tell them when they will hear from you, then do.
Send the update even when there is nothing to report. Silence is read as a problem.
FOR SCOPE CREEP
Name it the first time, kindly, and quote it separately.
The first unbilled addition establishes that additions are free.
FOR DELAYS AND PROBLEMS
Tell them early. Told early it is minor; discovered late it is a breach of trust.
HOW A RELATIONSHIP ENDS
Determines what the client says about you afterwards.
Hand over fully, promptly, without obstruction. It costs an hour and buys a reputation.
