7 Communication Tips for eLearning Freelancers

Freelancers are constantly on-the-go and incredibly busy, catering to all of their clients needs. When speaking with clients, we all know how important effective communication is to successfully meet organizations’ corporate goals and objectives.

With eLearning on the rise, eLearning freelancers must remain at the top of their game, to keep up with demand of mobile learning trends and changes.

In this article, we outline the top seven communication tips for eLearning freelancers.

1. Plan an Initial Meeting

Meeting at the introduction of the partnership is essential to establish the needs and expectations of clients. This is the time to make things like delivery dates, points of contact, goals and objectives clear between both parties, for a seamless integration and long-lasting partnership. The aim is to build rapport and an aligned vision of what the relationship encompasses. Freelancers should also go over billing and invoicing details during this meeting. If both parties plan on using tools or software to exchange payment, they should consider using Invoice Simple’s payment tracking and reporting tools to stay organized.

2. Keep the Communication Flowing

Consistent communication is crucial to a successful relationship between freelancers and clients, which is why it is important to keep it flowing. To do this, freelancers should always reply to clients, whether or not they have asked a question or submitted a query. This will show the client that the freelancer has a consolidated understanding of the task at hand and what is expected of them.

3. Update the Client on your Progress

Progress updates keep clients well-informed, providing them with a sense of confident in their freelancers to further develop their relationship. Updates can be sent in different phases of the eLearning task, which is also when freelancers are able to ask questions or express any concerns they may have. This also means that content can be in its most updated and relevant form, keeping eLearning material fresh for learners. Keeping things out in the open is pivotal to a healthy relationship between freelancer and client.

4. Be Open to Feedback, Suggestions and Requests

Freelancers must take both negative and positive feedback constructively, take it on board and continue to head in the right direction. Clients differ in their approach to providing feedback, suggestions and requests to freelancers, whereby some are more active than others. If it is a case of the latter, it is a good idea to reach out occasionally to understand if you are on track and suiting their preferences.

5. Be Honest and Open

Honesty and openness is the key to client satisfaction success. If there is an issue or an unexpected event, let the client know immediately and let them know what steps you are taking to resolve it. If the problem is avoided and a cover-up is attempted, the situation will backfire and the client is more likely to become disappoint and the relationship may sever. Being transparent in the process will likely result in the client helping resolve the issue by providing more information or expressing understanding.

6. Always Clarify if there is Confusion

Questions are not an indication of incompetence! They are amply important in gathering what is to be done and how to do it successfully and to a high standard. Develop a clear scope of what is expected by clarifying any potential confusion with the task.

7. Ensure Everything Is In Writing

To avoid any possible miscommunication or misunderstanding regarding the task, make sure everything required and discussed is in writing. Elements can easily be forgotten by either the client or freelancer, meaning that is is essential for details to be written for future reference.