As a freelancer, you should know that communication plays a very important role in your work. After all, the flow of the data is necessary for individual projects.
Remote work is not mostly associated with face-to-face meetings. For this reason, communication techniques are really important in this case, and to a large extent they result in the quality of cooperation. Very often, the lack of a brief introduction or misunderstanding causes delays and unnecessary fixes. It is a waste of time and money. As a freelancer, you probably know it perfectly. The larger the company, the longer the decision-making process takes and gets complicated. What works when contacting one person will not always produce the intended result when communicating with a complex team, etc.
Efficient communication translates primarily into efficiency and speed of work. It also affects the organizational culture and the general atmosphere. It can be used on many levels. The client, to whom you provide the right tools, will be able to communicate with you more easily on issues related to the order.
Freelancers currently cannot complain. You can choose from text messages, phone calls, email contact or video conferencing. Some, as you well know, contact customers through social media and online instant messaging. However, do not shorten the distance and do not immediately switch from "sir” to "you". The reason is really simple. It is more difficult for a friend to raise the price, refuse to make unjustified amendments or demand the payment of an overdue invoice.
It is best to choose 2-3 channels where you feel the most comfortable with and that fit you best. Of course, everyone has to have their own email address, but sometimes it is worth choosing something else. When it comes to remote contact, it is a good idea to try “Klamp” that allows you to share your project with a customer. This allows both parties to have a real view of the current status of the order.
You probably think that when working remotely, creating multiple documents does not make sense, but you should consider it. It is good to have a written summary of all customer arrangements. After each conversation, you should write down the most important information and ask, for example, for e-mail confirmation. Then you will avoid any issues or disappointments. Human memory is not perfect and many important issues can be easily forgotten.
Also, keep in mind reports. They provide project information and provide an excellentsource of communication with the customer. They are proof that you are professionally approaching your work, which can translate into longer and more fruitful cooperation. Thanks to reports, the customer knows that you respect his time.
Of course, remote work is no less important than stationary work. It requires the same commitment and professionalism. Sometimes you need to prove to the customer that you are really working hard on a particular order. Your position on the market as a freelancer largely depends on your ability to communicate effectively.