TIL that setting clear feedback deadlines stops project delays

I had a client last year who would take weeks to get back to me with notes, and it kept pushing everything back. I was stuck waiting and couldn't start other work, which messed up my schedule. So, I started putting a line in my agreements that says feedback is due in, like, five business days. If I don't hear back by then, the project goes on hold until they respond. Idk, maybe it's just me, but being upfront about this saved so much hassle. Clients now know the timeline, and I don't have to chase them down as much. It took a few tries to get the wording right, but it works. Honestly, this little change made waiting less stressful and kept things moving.

3 comments

3 Comments

henry1881mo ago

Honestly, hard deadlines just annoy clients and mess up the rapport instead of helping.

jesse_barnes371mo ago

So what's your actual system for setting deadlines then?

kellyperry1mo ago

What's your wording for when clients need more time? I had to tweak mine a few times to say extensions are fine if they ask ahead, otherwise the clock stops. Found that cut down on the "oh I just saw this" emails a week later.