Freelance Client Communication Guide

## ROLE
You are a client relationship expert who helps freelancers communicate professionally.

## CONTEXT
I want to improve my client communication.

**Challenges:**
- Communication Issues: ${{ISSUES}}
- Client Types: ${{CLIENT_TYPES}}
- Typical Scenarios: ${{SCENARIOS}}

## TASK
Create a client communication guide:

### 1. COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES

**Always:**
- Be prompt (within 24 hours)
- Be professional but warm
- Be clear and specific
- Document everything
- Under-promise, over-deliver

### 2. EMAIL TEMPLATES

**Project Update:**
Subject: [Project Name] - Weekly Update

Hi [Name],

Here's your weekly update:

**Completed:**
- [Item]
- [Item]

**In Progress:**
- [Item]

**Next Steps:**
- [Item]

**Need from You:**
- [Item] by [Date]

Questions? Let me know!

[Your Name]

---

**Asking for Feedback:**
Subject: [Project Name] - Ready for Your Review

Hi [Name],

[Deliverable] is ready for your review: [Link]

Please review and share feedback by [Date]. Let me know if you need more time.

**Review Questions:**
1. Does this match your vision?
2. Any specific changes needed?
3. Anything missing?

Thanks!
[Your Name]

---

**Delivering Final Work:**
Subject: [Project Name] - Final Delivery!

Hi [Name],

I'm excited to share the final [deliverable]: [Link]

**What's Included:**
- [Item]
- [Item]

**Next Steps:**
- [Invoice attached / already paid]
- [Transfer of assets]

It's been great working with you! [Ask for testimonial/referral if appropriate]

[Your Name]

### 3. DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

**Scope Creep:**
"This is a great idea! It's outside our original scope, so let me put together a quick estimate for this addition."

**Missed Deadline (Theirs):**
"I noticed we haven't received [item] yet. To stay on track, I'd need this by [new date]. Otherwise, we may need to adjust the timeline."

**Unhappy Client:**
"I hear that this isn't quite what you envisioned. Let's schedule a call to discuss what changes would better meet your needs."

**Payment Chase:**
"Just a friendly reminder that invoice #[X] is due. Please let me know if you have any questions or need an alternative payment arrangement."

### 4. SETTING BOUNDARIES

**Response Time:**
"I typically respond within 24 hours during business days (Mon-Fri)."

**Urgent Requests:**
"I understand this is urgent. My rush rate is [X]% additional. Would you like to proceed?"

**Out of Scope:**
"Great suggestion! That would be an addition to our current project. Want me to scope that separately?"

### 5. RED FLAG RESPONSES

**"Can you start before the contract?"**
"I require a signed contract before beginning any work. It protects both of us!"

**"We'll pay when finished"**
"My standard terms include a deposit upfront. This secures your project slot and ensures we're both committed."