Great advice Alex!
One of the best bits of advice I would give my younger self is this: value the clients who genuinely want to work with you, over chasing those who don’t. When I first started out, I was eager to grow my business and took every opportunity to pitch my services to potential clients. I would work on jobs for “clients” that I didn’t have any buy in with. I would find them good people and then they would haggle over the fees when I had already done the work Here’s what I wish I had known: Quality Over Quantity It’s not about how many clients you have, but the quality of those relationships. A good client who values your work and respects your expertise is worth far more than several who are indifferent or difficult to please. These good clients provide consistent work, timely payments, and constructive feedback that helps you grow. Mutual Respect and Trust A client who wants to work with you already respects your skills and trusts your judgment. This mutual respect creates a positive working environment where both parties feel valued and understood. It leads to better collaboration and more successful projects. Time and Energy Chasing uninterested clients drains your time and energy. Instead, focus on nurturing relationships with those who appreciate your work. This not only boosts your morale but also allows you to deliver your best, leading to higher satisfaction and better outcomes. Long-term Relationships Good clients often turn into long-term partners. They are more likely to come back for future projects and refer you to others. Building these lasting relationships can provide a stable foundation for your business, reducing the need to constantly seek new clients. Financial Stability Clients who value your work are more likely aren’t going to mess you around when it comes to paying you. It allows you to focus on delivering quality work rather than worrying about unpaid invoices. On one occasion a client even paid me when they didn’t take somebody on, because the business has worked so hard for them. Personal Growth Working with clients who appreciate your efforts can be incredibly rewarding. It boosts your confidence and encourages you to keep improving. On the other hand, working for people who don't value the service you provide is demoralizing and hinder your growth. In Conclusion If I could do it all over again, I would tell my younger self to focus on building strong, positive relationships with clients who genuinely want to work with me. These clients are the ones who will help you grow, both professionally and personally. They are the ones who will make your journey enjoyable and fulfilling. So, cherish them, invest in them, and let go of those who don’t see your value. Your time and energy are precious—spend them wisely. #bestadvice #recruitment