Say hi to the “Managing Client Disputes” Podcast - We renamed the Podcast! {Ep. 78}
Release Date: 03/06/2025
Your Client Wants Unlimited Revisions—Now What? {Ep. 85}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
Tired of endless revisions and unclear expectations with your clients? If so, then today’s episode is for you! In this episode, I dive into how you can limit the number of revisions and feedback opportunities for clients by including three key sentences in your contract. Learn why it’s wrong to believe 'the client is always right' and get actionable steps to ensure both you and your clients have aligned expectations, ultimately fostering more respectful and productive professional relationships. 02:24 The Myth of 'The Client is Always Right' 03:56 Key Contract Clauses to Limit Revisions...
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Reinvent the Rules: Empowerment and Experimentation for Creatives {Ep. 84}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
Do you have a framework for your client work? One that works time and time again? If not, then today’s episode is for you! Today, we tackle an issue that's more prevalent than ever – the misguided belief in cookie-cutter solutions offered by so-called 'gurus'. Their frameworks may have worked for them, but that doesn't mean they'll work for you. This episode delves deep into rejecting societal pressures of perfectionism, the importance of viewing life and work as experiments, and setting clear boundaries with clients. Learn how to attract the right clients, the right projects,...
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Overcoming the Fear of Losing a Client: Defining Your Ideal Client {Ep. 83}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
In this episode, I delve into the emotional aspects of the fear of losing clients. We’ll discuss recognizing red flags, prioritizing yourself and your needs, and clearly defining the type of clients you want to work with. I’m also sharing personal experiences and at the end, I'll provide you with a handful of actionable steps to help you identify your ideal clients. By doing so, you can be sure your work aligns with your values, ultimately leading to more satisfaction and success in your professional life. 00:32 The Emotional Side of Losing Clients 01:46 Personal Experiences and...
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Plug Your Contract Gaps… Before They Bite! {Ep. 82}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
If you’re afraid that your client contract has some hidden pitfalls and maybe one day, it’s all going to blow up in your face, then today’s episode is for YOU! Today, we’re talking about when you don't know, what you don't know. It’s not about the right legal wording. And it's even less about what you actually SAY in your contract. What matters more is what’s MISSING from your contract. Today, I dive deep into how to spot what's missing and provide you with a free tool to help plug those holes and fill those gaps. Hear my story of a client who led me on a literal...
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Unmasking Your True Self: A Guide for Creatives {Ep. 81}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
If you’re a self-defined people-pleaser, struggling with your identity as a Creative, then this episode is for you. I’m diving deep into what it means to be YOU. We'll explore how creatives like you are often taught to think and feel a certain way, which leads to a disconnect between their intellectual and emotional selves. I'll share three startling statistics about the struggles many face with identity, self-worth, and confrontation, and how these affect creatives specifically. Through a bit about my own personal journey and incorporating professional insights, we'll uncover...
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The Art of Saying No: Mastering Client Boundaries as a Creative {Ep. 80}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
If you’re a self-proclaimed people-pleaser and having a hard time sticking to boundaries with your clients, then this episode is for you! In this episode, I’m diving deep into the crucial topic of boundaries and am sharing a very personal, life-changing experience that very few people in the world know - it became the impetus for starting my own personal journey of overcoming trauma and learning to set boundaries. I’ll also discuss the importance of respecting and enforcing boundaries, providing practical advice on how to set and maintain them, particularly through contracts and daily...
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Price Yourself with Purpose: Achieving Fair Value as a Creative {Ep. 79}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
When it comes to pricing, there's so much out there in the world telling and showing us we are not valued, when actually, all we're hearing are the loudest talkers, right? The real problem is believing in your value and not allowing society and people outside of you to change your belief in yourself. In this episode, I discuss the importance of valuing your work appropriately and not undercharging for your services. I’m sharing my own journey helping clients navigate difficult conversations and set proper fees. We’ll dive into the pitfalls of charging lower than deserved fees,...
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Say hi to the “Managing Client Disputes” Podcast - We renamed the Podcast! {Ep. 78}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
Thanks for listening to this updated introduction of the “Managing Client Disputes” Podcast (An Original What Would Sheila Say?® ️and CreativesEd® ️Podcast) and welcome to the (r)evolution! for a chance to get on the Podcast on IG with Sheila If you’ve ever been told that being a service-based professional means you have to suck it up, accept whatever client walks in the door no matter how little they want to pay you, and that you're never going to make any money unless you scale and grow a huge team, then you’re in for a spin, because none of that is true!...
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The Science and Strategies of Rest (ft Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith) {Ep. 77}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
If you’ve always struggled to feel fully rested, then this episode is for you! We’re unveiling the power of rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, an internal medicine physician and award-winning author, to explore the concept of rest. In this episode, we discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing different types of rest and how they impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Dr. Dalton-Smith shares insights from her book 'Sacred Rest' and introduces her seven types of rest framework. It’s all about the significance of listening to one's body, setting...
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Building Relationships and Trust through Podcasting (ft Danny Ozment) {Ep. 76}
Managing Client Disputes | Client Management Strategies for Freelance Creatives, Designers & Artists (An Original CreativesEd® + What Would Sheila Say?® Podcast)
Are you considering starting a podcast, or wondering how to find your podcast voice? You’re in the right place! Full of personal anecdotes, professional wisdom, and actionable advice, this episode is a deep dive into the world of podcasting and its many applications. My guest today is Danny Ozment, a podcast consultant known for his work with busy professionals and solopreneurs. In fact, Danny helped me find my voice and launch this very podcast you’re listening to! We discuss the benefits of podcasting, particularly for regulated professionals, and how it can serve as a powerful tool even...
info_outlineThanks for listening to this updated introduction of the “Managing Client Disputes” Podcast (An Original What Would Sheila Say?® ️and CreativesEd® ️Podcast) and welcome to the (r)evolution!
- Leave a Voice Note for a chance to get on the Podcast
- Follow Sheila on IG
- Grab time with Sheila
If you’ve ever been told that being a service-based professional means you have to suck it up, accept whatever client walks in the door no matter how little they want to pay you, and that you're never going to make any money unless you scale and grow a huge team, then you’re in for a spin, because none of that is true!
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Transcript:
If you’ve ever been in a sticky client situation, not knowing what to do or what to say, afraid to get a lawyer involved but knowing you needed guidance, then the Managing Client Disputes™️ podcast is for you!
Hi, I’m Sheila M. Wilkinson, and I’ve got lots of titles: Attorney, Social Worker, Career and Business Coach, Educator and Consultant for Creatives of all kinds - designers, architects, artists, web developers, and everyone in between. My favorite clients call me their Business Mom, their Punk Rock Group Leader, Momma Bear Sheila, and the OG Digital Nomad. My clients always ask themselves, What Would Sheila Say?®️ - because the truth is, I will always say to do what feels right in your body, not in your brain. But that’s all easier said than done, right?
Well, in 2010, I walked away from a multi-million dollar business that I built from scratch because it wasn’t right for me anymore - success had always been about the material things - the car, the money, the gadgets and the clothes. But in 2007, I realized that there’s no amount of money that can take the place of the peace I feel when I work with the right people, taking on the right projects, for the right pay. Since 2010, I’ve built the actual life of my dreams - I live on two continents, have a fully virtual business with incredible, joy-inducing clients, and I have an amazing partner I adore. I’m happier than I ever was before because NOW, I do what’s right for ME, even though it’s wildly different than what the rest of the world told me I should do - and I teach my clients how to do the same.
15 years ago, I had the idea for CreativesEd®️ - a Business Academy for Creatives, Designers and Other Service-Based Business Owners who care about their community and who care about doing good work for good people. A place where LGBT folx and our allies could come together to focus on making a positive impact on the world. A place for people who care about getting it right, who have an appreciation of all things, great and small. A place for people who care about the future of our world. A place where you’re not just a service-provider providing a deliverable but a human who wants to beautify our world and not just add to the noise. I envisioned a place where people like you can access the business and legal information you need without breaking the bank. After spending all those years working with creative freelancers and small businesses, I realized they all had the same thing in common: they all wanted a successful, Joyful and Thriving™️business, but they were afraid to stand up for themselves, they were afraid to price themselves appropriately, and they were afraid to say no to the clients and the projects that did not light them up.
In this podcast, you’ll get the practical, realistic, no holds barred information you need NOW, so you can get clear about the people, projects, and pay you actually want.
Yes, my goal is to help you manage client disputes, but I also want you to take what you learn here and prevent client disputes in the future! I want to help you confidently navigate client relationships so you can protect your peace, your heart, and your reputation.
Today, and every day together on this podcast, we’ll think big. No more fear! No more whack a mole with client disputes - we’re going to fix the problem and prevent the problem in the future - letting the world know you deserve to be treated with respect, paid fairly, and not nickel-and-dimed for the amazing work you do.
New episodes usually drop every other week so you have time to implement what we talk about in each episode. To get the most out of our time together, I encourage you to listen to each episode at least twice. Your brain needs time to process what we’re going to cover together, so give it the space and time it deserves and implement the tips, strategies, and scripts I’m going to give you on the show.
So, for now, hit follow on your podcast platform and share this podcast with another creative who struggles with work/life balance and who wants to create the life and career they dream about, too! After you listen to a few episodes, I’d love it if you’d leave a 5-star rating and review and tell me what you loved most, and don’t forget that you can send me a voice note and ask any question you have about how to manage your client disputes. I’ll answer your question, and I might even invite you to join me on the show for live coaching!
So, with that, I will let you get back to your day, thanks so much for listening. I’m super excited about what’s to come and once you see how easy it is to really, truly have the life you want, you’re going to kick yourself for all the years you spent stressed out!