When you're freelancing, those first steps with a brand new client are absolutely crucial to nail. It's like when you're trying out a new app and everything from the welcome screen to the first few clicks just flows effortlessly. You instantly know you're going to enjoy using it. That's the smooth, user-friendly vibe you want your client onboarding system to have. So, why is it such a big deal? For starters, it's all about building trust. We're in a world where a lot of our interactions happen over emails or messages, making it tough to really feel a connection. A smooth onboarding experience can help make your client feel like they've made the right choice in picking you. It also helps avoid those awkward "that's not what I thought we agreed on" moments. Getting everyone clear on what's what from the start means less back-and-forth later on. It's choosing the right playlist before a long drive – it sets the tone and keeps the vibes good all the way. But it's not just about avoiding mix-ups. An awesome onboarding process shows you're a pro who cares about your clients' experiences. This can lead to more work from the same clients and even some word-of-mouth recommendations (i.e. "infinite clients"). And let's be honest, who doesn't want that? Plus, a slick onboarding system can save you a ton of time on the admin stuff, giving you more time to focus on the actual work. It's about being prepared to be creative vs frantically scrambling for things. So, if you're nodding along and thinking, "Yeah, I need to get my onboarding game on point," then you'll want to check this week's podcast episode. We break down a 5-part client onboarding process that's straightforward and effective. It's packed with practical tips and insights that could really make a difference in your freelancing journey. Give it a listen and let me know what you think! In this episode you’ll discover: How to build a great client onboarding questionnaire Why bad onboarding destroys relationships Organizing your data to avoid embarrassing moments Creating a kickass kickoff call Why it's easier to fire a client earlier rather than later JUST USE A CALENDAR LINK Make your kickoff calls as short as possible - while still covering everything needed Setting expectations properly Remember to show excitement! For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/293