Looking for happy and high-paying clients for your freelance services?
Here’s the hard truth: it’s not about magic formulas or overnight success πͺ
It’s about consistently exceeding client expectations πͺ
Let me share a recent story that explains this perfectly.
Last week, I hired a painter for my 2BHK apartment in my hometown.
He estimated that it will take 4 days for him to complete the entire painting, which raised my eyebrows π€¨
My past experiences suggested painting my house could easily stretch to 7-15 days or more
Just in case, I planned my stay of 10 days on my calendar and I was mentally prepared to stay even more.
To my utter surprise, the entire project was finished in just 3 days! π€―
Here’s what made this painter a rockstar. Letβs call him Rajesh.
Highly Valued Time β³
Forget the stereotype of leisurely painters. Rajesh was a time management guru. He started promptly at 8:30 AM and worked until 8 PM or till he hit his daily targets.
There was no time wasted on unnecessary breaks or inefficient work.
Under Promise, Over Deliver βοΈ
Remember the initial 4-day estimate?
He delivered the entire project within 3 days.
This underpromise and overdeliver strategy not only avoids client disappointment, but also creates a sense of delight β a powerful tool for building trust and loyalty.
Target Master π―
He wasn’t just winging it. Rajesh had a clear, daily plan.
Day 1: 2 Bedrooms.
Day 2: Hall and Kitchen.
Day 3: Grills, doors, finishing and any unexpected requests
This structured approach ensured a smooth workflow and kept the project on track.
The A-Team Advantage π₯
Work with lazy people and they will pull your progress back.
Rajesh has already recognized the power of a strong team. He works with a fantastic crew and he incentivizes them for speed. Extra money for faster delivery.
By valuing their contribution and rewarding their efficiency, he kept his team motivated and happy β a crucial element for long-term success.
Leading Team By Being a Team Member π«‘
Generally contractors take work and assign laborers to work on site.
Rajesh wasn’t just a contractor. He was one of the team leading them. He led his team by example.
He was present, involved, and actively participated in the work. There’s a world of difference between a leader who inspires and a manager who dictates.
Focus on One Project βοΈ
As I always say – avoid taking too many projects at a time. Rajesh has the same work ethic.
He only takes one project at a time.
This laser focus allows him to dedicate his full attention to the ongoing project, ensuring faster completion and a satisfied client (me!).
[I sent you a dedicated letter about the same topic on 2nd February 2024. Search your inbox for email with subject line “One project at a time⦔]
Well-Prepared for Takeoff βοΈ
I often notice workers buy their tools on the same day as work starts. It wastes time.
Rajesh had everything prepared in advance, avoiding any unnecessary delays on the project start date. No last-minute tool runs or scrambling for supplies.
Advancement in Technology and Techniques ποΈ
When I asked about the secret of his fast painting, he said he knows the right tools and advanced techniques.
He gave an example.
A brand recently launched a roller which quickly paints a door within 15 minutes.
If someone decides to paint a door using old methods, it takes around 2 hours with multiple coatings.
This willingness to learn and adapt to advancements in his field gave him a clear edge.
Professionalism to the Core πββοΈ
Professionalism goes a long way. Rajesh displayed it in every interaction.
He had a positive attitude, tackled any extra work without complaint because he considered that buffer, maintained clear communication throughout the project, and even asked for feedback.
In a world where customer service can be lackluster, this commitment to professionalism truly impressed me.
Happy Clients = Best Marketing β
The ultimate compliment? Happy clients become your biggest fans.
I was so impressed by Rajesh’s work ethic and results that I already shared his number with 3 people giving him instant leads.
The best marketing strategy is often word-of-mouth from satisfied customers.
β LESSONS FOR YOU
2 big takeaways –
ο»Ώ1) Under Promise Over Deliver
This works literally everywhere. Work, relationships, clients – literally everywhere! No doubt at all.
ο»Ώ2) Value Time
Nobody likes it when they are made to wait.
If you want high paying clients, itβs important to manage your time really well and provide results.
Remember – rich people value time over money.
Reply what kind of service you provide (if you do) and how you can over deliver in your business.
I will reply with my insights and ideas.
β WHAT I DID THIS WEEK
As I mentioned in my last letter, I sold lots of old scrap from the house. Decluttering the house after painting π³
In that process, I had to give up my old childhood PC. It feels so sad to see how the most precious possession becomes worthless after some time π
This is what I exactly hate about materialistic possessions.
Then I attended a reception of a relative π
Food and decorations were good. I assume that because of limited guests. Otherwise, people invite thousands of guests to weddings and the quality goes down the drain.
Met my friend Vidhi, who has turned into a successful businesswoman running a design institute πββοΈ
I am going to share a detailed breakdown of her business in next week’s letter. Stay tuned.
Finally, I returned to Mumbai after 10 days and I am so glad to get back. I was boiling due to the heat there. Lack of my workspace really decreases my productivity π
How was your week
π AROUND THE WEB
Have you seen Elon Musk or Barack Obama singing some Bollywood songs on Instagram? π
Check out Wombo AI. It lets you create the same.
You take a selfie, upload it to the app, and choose a song πΆ
The app’s AI algorithm processes the photo and creates a deepfake of the person lip-syncing to the song. Itβs not a super polished app but it does the job for fun.
A fun app that can be used by everyone.