From Feedback to Freedom: The Joy of Creative Problem Solving with Ernie Svenson - Part 2 of 2 {Ep. 66}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Release Date: 03/07/2024
Is it Scope Creep? What to Do When Clients Keep Asking for Changes {Ep. 93}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Are you struggling with clients who ask for too much and want constant changes? In this episode, we’re diving into the challenges of handling clients' change requests and the importance of setting clear boundaries. I’ll share my experiences, explain why clients make such demands, and offer practical advice on how to guide clients effectively. Learn how to: - communicate expectations about changes, - establish guidelines in your contracts and interactions to maintain control over projects, and - ultimately, reduce everyone's stress! 00:27 The Challenge of Client Requests...
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The Creative Freelancer’s Guide to Handling Clients Who Don’t Pay Back Expenses {Ep. 92}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
What should you do when clients don’t reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses? Today, we’re talking about the importance of managing out-of-pocket expenses for clients to protect your financial stability and business operations. I'll share my own personal experiences of being left unreimbursed, highlight the distinction between service fees and expenses, and I offer some legal insights on setting clear boundaries and payment terms in client contracts. Key issues include creating enforceable agreements, understanding opportunity costs, and avoiding financial risks by establishing...
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Feeling Undervalued by Clients? How to Set Boundaries and Reclaim Your Confidence {Ep. 91}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Do you feel like your clients don't value you or your experience? In this episode, I discuss how to handle situations where you don't feel valued by your clients. We talk about the importance of over-communicating, and why it's often our responsibility to educate clients on how to value us. We’ll look at the significance of communicating boundaries and expectations, and I’ll give you some actionable steps to improve client relationships as I share a personal story to illustrate these points and offer strategies for having tough conversations with clients. Remember, it's about...
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Write Your Own Contract (with the Support of a Lawyer, Educator, and Business Consultant) {Ep. 90}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Are you ready to start using your contract to attract the clients and the money you want? If so, then our upcoming contract course is for you. LEARN MORE AND ENROLL IN THE ! We start the week of September 29, 2025. This live, eight-week course helps you tackle common issues like scope creep, client ghosting, and unclear expectations. Effective contracts should reflect your values and positively influence client relationships, making them crucial for smooth projects and better opportunities. Enrollment is now open, and the course aims to equip you with the tools needed for enhanced...
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The Real Reason Clients Hire or Fire You: Your Contract Matters {Ep. 89}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Are you tired of chasing invoices, dealing with scope creep, and working for clients who don’t respect your boundaries? In this episode, I uncover the real reason clients hire or fire you: you’ll find it in your contract. From my experiences with countless clients and students across various industries, I’ve found common patterns that can prevent you from thriving. Listen and learn why using internet templates or borrowed contracts isn't enough and how creating a custom contract can lead to respect, timely payments, and enjoyable work. ⚡ I also introduce my Contracts...
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The ONE Contract Clause that lets you Stop Work when Clients Don’t Pay {Ep. 88}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Are you struggling with clients who don't pay on time? In this episode, I’m debunking the myth that you have to continue working even if you're not paid - and I am sharing vital strategies on handling non-paying clients. From the importance of a solid contract to proactively setting consequences for non-payment, I’ll guide you step-by-step on protecting your time, energy, and reputation. Key topics include avoiding the sunk cost fallacy, using plain language in contracts and negotiations, and setting monetary and non-monetary consequences. Learn how to safeguard your freelance...
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Freelance Contracts: How to Fire a Client when they Cross the Line {Ep. 87}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Are you struggling with a client who crosses the line? Today, I discuss how to address disrespectful clients, set boundaries, and communicate expectations clearly with freelance clients. I’ll share my own experiences and provide practical advice on how to handle clients who are disrespectful of your time and energy. Key points include the right time to address disrespect, differentiating between client needs and disrespect, and leveraging contracts to set boundaries. 00:59 The Right Time to Address Disrespect 02:32 Humanizing Client Relationships 04:21 Communicating Expectations and...
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Setting Boundaries with Clients as a Creative Freelancer: How to Be Friendly and Firm {Ep. 86}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
Are you struggling to maintain boundaries while being friendly with clients? In this episode, I share a personal story about the turning point that made me realize the importance of setting boundaries - and how I learned to strike that balance. From being available 24/7 to implementing strict communication rules, learn how to protect your time and energy while still maintaining a good relationship with your clients. Key points discussed include: understanding the difference between being liked and respected, defining your deal breakers, and how personal habits spill over into...
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Your Client Wants Unlimited Revisions. Here’s How to Set Boundaries That Protect Your Time {Ep. 85}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
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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Why Cookie-Cutter Frameworks Don't Work For Creative Freelancers {Ep. 84}
Managing Client Disputes for Creatives | Freelance Burnout, Scope Creep, Contracts for Freelancers
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,...
info_outlineTEACHING * SYSTEMS * CRITICAL THINKING * BOUNDARIES * PERSONAL GROWTH
Today, we’re diving into Part 2 of my conversation with Ernie Svenson. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 (Episode 65), and you want to listen in order, you can do that here. Otherwise, you can jump straight into Part 2 without any issues, and then go back and listen to Part 1 later.
In today’s episode, we’re delving even deeper into the power of distilling complexity into simplicity, drawing from personal anecdotes and experiences. We explore the importance of systems and processes in achieving clarity and efficiency in various aspects of life. Through our conversation, you’ll gain insights into critical thinking, contrarian perspectives, and the journey of self-discovery and growth. Join us as we unravel the secrets to success by breaking free from conventional norms!
I can’t wait to hear what resonated - send me a voice note!
Is there something you’d love some feedback about in your life or career? Maybe something you want me to answer in a future episode? If so, let me know!
Here are just a few key takeaways and quotes from this episode - listen for more!
👉🏽 Key Takeaways:
- The value of distilling complexity into simplicity, enabling focus on essential tasks.
- The significance of systems and processes in achieving clarity and efficiency.
- Embracing contrarian thinking and critical analysis as a pathway to personal growth.
- The role of mentors and influential figures in shaping individual perspectives and journeys.
- The importance of setting boundaries and maintaining authenticity in navigating professional and personal endeavors.
👉🏽 Episode Quotes:
"You must distill everything down to its essence. If I systematize something, then I can repeatedly produce the same result more easily." - Ernie Svenson
"You learn these ways of doing things from people without even realizing that you've learned them. Like tying your shoes, it's ingrained in us over generations." - Sheila M. Wilkinson
"Contrarian is not about being disagreeable, it's about asking questions, seeking understanding, and challenging the status quo." - Ernie Svenson
"Success isn't about following the crowd, it's about having the courage to forge your own path, even if it means going against the grain." - Sheila M. Wilkinson
Resources from the Show
✔ Connect with Ernie Svenson (aka Ernie the Attorney) on his podcast, The 80/20 Principle, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn - and be sure to grab his Strategic Practice Management Assessment ... you won’t regret it! 💥
Listen to / Share my new podcast for lawyers, “Build Your Joyful and Thriving Lawyer Life!”
✔ Let’s connect! Get my biweekly(ish) newsletter with inspiring, motivational, and practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges - I call it Baby Steps to Thrive! 🐤
✔ Learn more about working with me!
✔ Grab a gift card for someone you love - even if it’s yourself!
>>>
My mission is to help regulated professionals (licensed and certified, like lawyers, social workers, educators, accountants, yogis, and everyone in between) to figure out exactly what they want, realize it’s 100% within reach, and create a simple, actionable plan that will get them there. I’d love to support you, too! Here are some ways you can start creating your Joyful and Thriving™ life today!
FREE RESOURCES
👉🏽 Start setting clear expectations with clients with this Contracts Guide!
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