#It's OK to ASK

Ask questions! A lot of questions.

Because good questions will make sure you and your client understand each other completely, which will result in you providing good service, which will end up as another five-star rated job (and that will be a step closer to your top-rated status).

However, people often don’t ask enough questions or hesitate in asking questions at all.

Let me illustrate why asking a lot should become a habit once you join Upwork:

• Asking a lot of questions, before starting the contract, shows you did a thorough research on all the segments of a project. It also reflects your level of devotion and attention to details, which increases your chances to be hired again. Let’s be honest – everyone loves a freelancer with impeccable attention to details.
• As I said, in giving examples via these tips, I am focused on content writing niche, as it is what I do, so I will give an example regarding this type of work. Let’s say you need to do a full website copy – it is absolutely necessary to ask your client more about the target audience, about what kind of “tone” they expect the content to have, about their overall expectations and vision. You need to pay attention to details – ask what is they DON’T want too, compare their competitor’s website and reflect on that part too. Set the realistic milestones and be clear on deadlines.
• Have in mind the part of good negotiation is not only the satisfying agreed price per project but also the way the project will unfold and conditions of your work. The tricky detail with creative jobs on Upwork is that they can be seen as very “relative” to some of the clients, so you need to set clear boundaries when it comes to your way and scope of work. What do I mean by that? That means that there will be no endless editing of the final version of your design/text/article/blog/copy when you hear the famous: Well, I didn’t quite have that in mind, can we change it a bit more? 
• In order to avoid these situations, it is crucial TO TALK to the client a lot, to ask many questions and define the way you work. For all of you folks out there who write or design, I would suggest stressing out how many revisions your price includes. For example I often say I don’t do revisions at all. Still, what I do is I write a sample copy that would be used further on, so the client can see if we agree on the tone and style. If so, then I continue writing in the same way the rest of the content and I do not leave the space for them to say that we misunderstood each other asking numerous edits (because I already got their confirmation).

Bottom line is – part of good talking is good asking. And good asking will lead you to a well done job that will bring you better score on Upwork and the chance to be among the best. I am sure your next client is just around the corner – be ready to charm them with your professional attitude and that includes all the right questions.

May the Sunshine be with you!

Jelena Zoric

#BEING A PROFESSIONAL INCLUDES DRAWING A LINE - IT IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK

Here is what I mean by "drawing a line"