Imagine you've finally got your business on stead ground, with multiple clients consistently asking to work for you. It's an exciting feeling, and should be celebrated. Landing new clients who want to pay you for your writing/editorial services is no easy feat. It's part of the reason why some people choose to work a regular job while getting their business off the ground (me!).
At some point you may notice that you have several clients and less time on your hands to do other stuff like run your blog or attend networking events. Having multiple clients is great for your business, but it's also important to determine how you're going to manage having less free time. Here are some of my recommendations.
Keep a calendar
This sounds simple, but it's easy to forget that sometimes we need something that keeps all the meetings, deadlines, and other tasks in one place. I've used many calendar platforms (Google Calendars, iCalendar, old-fashion planner). Find a platform (or physical planner ) that works for you and don't forget to add breaks and vacation time in there too.
Prioritize Your Assignments
I recently had two assignments due within 48 hours of each other for one client, while I was working on an assignment for another client that had no hard deadline. It's not uncommon for assignments to overlap when you're working with multiple clients. When this happens, focus on the tasks that need more time to meet their deadlines. If possible, delegate any smaller or less critical tasks to someone else so you can stay on track and meet those deadlines without stress.
Adjust your rates
One of the perks of getting more of your work out there for people to see is that you can start adjusting your rates to reflect your growing experience and value. There's no set rule on exactly when you should raise your rates, but having a portfolio of recent projects with multiple clients gives you a solid foundation to justify a higher fee. As your skills sharpen and your reputation grows, don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth—your experience and results speak for themselves. And remember, confident pricing can also attract clients who value quality and are willing to pay for it.
Learn when to say no
As you gain more experience working with different clients and editors, you'll quickly notice that everyone has their own way of doing things—whether it’s how and when they pay you or how they communicate. You'll start to identify what you love about working with certain people and where there’s room for improvement. As your client base grows, you’ll need to assess how beneficial each relationship is for you. Sometimes, that means deciding whether it’s worth taking on more work from a particular client. It's perfectly fine to evaluate these things as you go—knowing when to say no is just as important as saying yes.
Plan for downtime
Having a growing clientele is fantastic, but it’s important to carve out time for yourself too. I admit, I struggle with this, but I make it a point to regularly check in with myself to see how well I'm managing to give myself breaks throughout the day. And don’t forget to plan those vacations—whether it’s a getaway or a simple staycation with little to no screen time. Taking a break now and then is necessary for recharging and staying at your best.
In Summary
Managing multiple clients can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right strategies in place, you can handle it all without losing your sanity. Remember to keep a calendar, prioritize your assignments, adjust your rates as you gain experience, and know when to say no. And most importantly, don’t forget to plan for downtime. Taking care of yourself ensures that you can continue delivering quality work. By finding the right balance, you’ll keep your business thriving while still enjoying the journey.
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