Why Highly Sensitive People Excel at Client Relations
Plus: Freelance Job Opps & Postings
While being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) can be maddening and even depressing at times (overthinking, extreme pain sensitivity and/or pervasive sleeplessness anyone?!), do not fear — there is hope. In my experience, many HSPs (and this includes me) are able to use intense sensitivity as a kind of “superpower” — allowing us to excel at client relations.
Why Does Client Relations Matter?
While it’s obvious that a freelancer’s primary skill like writing, design, or strategy are critical to success, other, less obvious skills such as accounting, project management, marketing, and client relations are also critically important as a professional self-employed freelancer.
When I was freelancing full-time, it was my prowess in client services (also known as customer relations) that helped lead to my success.
Now, while there’s plenty of information about the hardships and concerns of being a Highly Sensitive Person, client relations is where our HSP powers can be put to good use and help us shine as freelancers:
Cue It Up — HSPs are often adept at listening, paying careful attention as well as picking up on subtle cues. This is an ideal trait when dealing with busy and sometimes flustered clients. While other people may gloss over an eye roll or flinch, HSPs will notice that cue and can use it to their advantage.
Time Is On Your Side — While this point isn’t based on science, my experience indicates that HSPs — with their keen attention skills and desire for people pleasing — are adept at adhering to deadlines. Meeting or exceeding deadlines is key to developing positive relationships, gaining a client’s trust, raising your rates based on experience and bookings, and attaining more projects.
Relationship Savvy — Following up on invoices, work details, and missing information isn’t sexy but it’s a necessary part of any business. By being friendly and polite yet firm, HSPs are often able to develop tight relationships with their clients, making the need for continuous follow-up less frequent.
On Gratitude — One thing that several clients commented on is my going above and beyond when thanking them for their business. Whether it was arranging delivering a special plant, holiday card, gift card or other small gift, I often spent (or, rather invested!) my own money and time to thank my key clients for their business. This personal touch paid off in spades.
Clear Communication - Even if you’re shy or an introvert, clear communication with clients will always matter. HSPs tend to be excellent listeners (as explained above) and think carefully about their responses whether verbally or via email. Considering your words and responses when communicating with clients as well as the pros and cons of how your messaging is crafted will serve you well as a freelancer.
So, the next time you’re cursing yourself for being “overly sensitive” or thinking and re-thinking about something a client or fellow freelancer said in passing (more on that in another post…), try instead to hone in on how your sensitivities can serve you.
Niche Freelance Opportunities:
Currently, the following freelance opps segment is free for all readers. However, I’m planning to turn on the “paid” function whereby it will be available for paid users only. I’m sure you understand. For now, I hope that these postings serve you well.
Content Creator (via Freelancing Females)
Freelance Graphic Designer (via Freelancing Females)
Writer for the Diverse Content Network (Be careful with this one; it could be legit but do your research first)
Freelance Proofreader (Bond Consulting Group)
Freelance Writers and TikTok Creator (Post City Magazines)
Until next time…
Yours in self-employed success,
Lisa