One of the advantages of freelancing is that you are no longer dealing with office politics. Or, are you? In fact, in the freelancing world, you may be dealing with more conflicts than you might have imagined. If you are active on message boards, forums, even social networks, the possibility of conflict exists. More than likely feelings erupt, things are said that are inappropriate and tempers flare.
Chances are that you have faced some sort of conflict since you began freelancing (or if you are just getting started, you will). Conflicts can arise with people you do not even know, have no impact on your business or with buyers. The challenge is how to handle these conflicts in cyber-space.
Types of Conflicts
Clients/Buyers - Regardless of how carefully you select your clients, you are bound to have a conflict with one of them over something. It could be the quality of your work, it could be the time needed to complete a project or it could be money. Rule number one is to remain professional at all times. Try to find a common ground where you can meet in the middle. Remember, your clients are not only responsible for putting money in your pocket, but they could refer other clients to you. Avoid name calling, finger pointing and “bashing”.
This is not to suggest that you put up with a client who is bullying you. Some clients want you to feel that you are working only because they have “graced” you with the opportunity. This is something you should simply not put up with. Never allow a client to make you feel like you owe them because you are working.
Other freelancers – One of the characteristics of a good freelancer is that they are independent and strong minded. Without these traits, they would simply be working for someone else. It is important to remember that everyone has their own outlook on things and that we might not always agree with them. Freelancers may be surprised at the number of times they have to complete assignments with other freelancers. This is where the importance of team work really comes into play. It is important that everyone involved in a project work for the good of the project, and not for their own satisfaction.
Social Networks – One of the upsides (and downsides) of social networking is often the anonymity that is available to many people. This too often frees people up to indulge in personal attacks and use inappropriate language. Make no mistake about it – someone will figure out who you are regardless of how anonymous that you think you might be. Maintain a level of professionalism that you expect from other people when you are actively participating in social networks.
Message Boards – Community message boards are read by people who have an interest in feeling like they are part of a community. Beware. While you may think that you are not running a risk of alienating potential clients, you might be surprised. Just because you are on a message board does not mean you should leave your professionalism in your other clothes. Stop and consider what happens if someone types your name in Google – what will they find?
Summary
Sometimes things get out of hand. People say things in “public” through the use of message boards, social networks and other areas that they simply would not say to someone if they were face to face. Remember when your mother told you to be quiet if you had nothing nice to say? It applies when you are working onlne with clients and others.
Disclaimer: I am just as likely as the next person to blow things out of proportion and get riled up. I am blunt to a fault and I usually find my passions inflamed over things that really do not warrant them. I need to practice what I preach!
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by doreenmartel: New Blog Post: Freelancing – Conflicts Happen http://freelancingandmore.com/2010/02/06/overcoming-conflicts-in-freelancing/...