Get What You Want AND Make Your Clients Happy: The Magic of Win-Win Scenarios
Are you tired of feeling like you're constantly battling your clients to get what you want? Do you find yourself giving in to their demands just to keep the peace? In this article, we're going to talk about creating scenarios that will make both you and your clients happy. Because if you can negotiate a win-win, you'll be making real magic happen!
Abracadabra! Let's pull a happy client relationship out of that hat!
The Importance of Communication
Communication is key, my friends. And I'm not just talking about the polite chit-chat you make with your clients before getting down to business.
How are you? I'm fine! How are you?
I'm talking about clear, upfront communication about expectations, goals, and boundaries. If you don't understand exactly what your client wants, and they don't understand exactly how you are going to deliver that for them, problems are bound to come up. Clarify as much as possible before you start working and, ideally, write it down in your project proposal. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Understanding Your Client's Needs
It's easy to get wrapped up in your own desires as a sound designer or composer, but don't forget that your client has needs too. Now, I know what you're thinking. "But if I prioritize my client's needs, won't I have to sacrifice my own desires?" Not necessarily! The key is to negotiate and advocate for yourself without completely disregarding your client's needs. It's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone's happy.
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Examples of Win-Win Scenarios
What might this look like in real life? Here are a few scenarios where sound designers and clients both came out on top:
Problem You need a longer deadline to ensure high-quality work, but the client needs the project finished quickly. Solution Offer to deliver the most necessary work asap and the rest in stages. This way, you have more time but the client is still happy.
Here's another:
Problem A client wants a specific sound effect or piece of music that you don't think is the best fit. Solution Create a few different options and let the client choose their favorite. That way they can hear what you have in mind without arguing with you about who has the final say.
Are all of these ideas going to work every time with every client?
No. Of course not.
But clients will appreciate you looking for creative solutions to the issues that are bound to arise in nearly any relationship between two people striving towards a common goal.
Takeaway
Creating win-win scenarios isn't really magic, it's just good business.
By communicating clearly, understanding your clients, and advocating for yourself without sacrificing the client's needs, you can create scenarios that will make everyone happy.
And guess what?
People like working with people who can find win-win solutions to their problems. "The law of win-win says 'Let's not do it your way OR my way. Let's do it the best way.'"
Greg Anderson
So go forth, friends, and work your win-win magic!
I created The Game Audio Pro with the goal of helping others understand the fundamental business skills that are often the difference between success and failure for freelancers.
If you're ready to take your game audio career to the next level, download my guide to The Most Important Mindset for Game Audio Success.