As a freelance writer and professional blogger, I have multiple clients. I also find myself being the client as I have to outsource many parts of my business. Recently, I’ve started worrying about what kind of client I am.

I had someone who worked for me end their relationship with me without a formal email or conversation. In fact, I wasn’t entirely sure that the relationship was over until I read a somewhat cryptic post on a personal blog. I immediately began to second guess my role as a client.

There are a few things I expect when hiring someone to do any kind of work for me:

Reliable communication. I don’t consider myself a micro manager, but I do expect timely responses to phone calls and emails. In today’s world of constant connectivity, I generally assume “timely” means one business day turnaround for emails.

Meet deadlines. As a writer, I work with (and within) deadlines every single day. I assume deadlines offered and/or accepted are, like, actual deadlines. And yet I am continually surprised by how many colleagues and contractors I run into who view deadlines more like suggestions rather than specific requirements.

Deliver. Remember the axiom of “over promise, under deliver?” I don’t exactly expect that from vendors and service providers (although, one can hope), but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume someone will do what they say they are going to do. Full stop. I shouldn’t have to ask repeatedly, nudge, or badger to get results promised.

These don’t sound like unreasonable expectations to me, but I’m finding more and more that my expectations as a client aren’t in line with what I’m receiving. Furthermore, when I’m not getting this standard of service, there doesn’t seem to be any shock or apology from the other end.

Am I the crazy one?

What do you expect when you’re a client working with another business or freelancer?

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