Working with no fixed hours is every freelancer's dream. No time-tracker, more freedom!

Especially if you're a full-time mom, transitioning from corporate, or even if you just want the flexibility to work with MORE clients.

In my article last week, I shared how I handle several clients with flexible schedules.

So how in the world did I do that?

I negotiated.

That’s it! (sorry if you expected some fancy hocus-pocus...)

During the initial call, I just ask clients about working times.

If he/she agrees to let me work on my own pace, then awesome! If not, then Houston, we have a problem.

While I believe in the power of negotiation, there are areas you must cover first before jumping into it.

What To Look Out For Before Negotiation

1. Are there preferred working hours on the client's job post?

Sometimes, clients specify what time they prefer freelancers to work from the very beginning.

They could state time zones such as Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Pacific Standard Time (PST), and so on.

If you’re confused about their timezones, there’s this super cool app I’ve been using for years, called World Time Buddy. You’re welcome ??

When clients specify a time zone, they usually have operational reasons behind it, so it’s trickier to negotiate.

Avoid these job posts, unless you’re confident that you can defend your case well.

Instead, focus on the ones that don’t specify schedules (or those that say “flexible” - my favorites). ?

2. What are the tasks involved in the role?

Do the tasks need real-time results, such as answering customer queries via phone, chat or email?

Do your responsibilities require you to be on-call?

If so, then you might have to reconsider accepting the offer.

If you're a mom like me, our mommy duties will always come first.

If you're still working in corporate or have other full-time commitments, on-call tasks can get too challenging to keep up.

Forcing it will only cause a negative impact on the client’s business and to your freelancing profile, too.

You’ll both end up unhappy, so it’s better to let it pass and look for a better fit.

Otherwise, if the tasks are output-based like writing articles, analyzing Facebook campaigns, or scheduling social media posts, you’d get better chances.

Unlearning the Corporate Conduct

Back then when I was still applying for call center jobs, I would always say “yes” to the recruiter’s request.

I knew that agreeing will get me better chances of getting hired.

HR personnel: Can you work in the night shift?
YES!

HR personnel: Are you available to work during the weekends?
YES!

HR personnel: What about holidays?
YES!

HR personnel: Willing to relocate?
YES!

YES! I was so desperate for a job that the consequences didn’t matter then.

But now that we’re freelancers, we're in a whole new world.

We are our own bosses now, so we don’t have to say yes to everything.

Didn’t we become freelancers because we wanted freedom?

As online professionals, we are free to explain how we operate our businesses and if some clients can’t accept that, then maybe, you’re just not the right fit together.

I understand how negotiation can feel awkward sometimes.

But if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

And for moms like me, don’t forget that the flexi-sched allows you more time for your family, so you gotta fight for it, sistah!

Even if you're not a mom, think of the reasons why you need the flexible schedule.

If it's big enough, be very transparent about your availability - it’s worth being honest about it from the very beginning.

Compromise and Commit

Of course, the client’s priority is his/her business, not your schedule. You must acknowledge this fact and expect to get counter-offers.

Simply hear the client out, weigh your options, and see if you can meet halfway.

A typical conversation may go like this:

Client: Would you be comfortable working the same hours as me?

Freelancer: To be honest, I won’t be able to meet the working hours due to *insert reason here*. But I can definitely meet you halfway and work from (preferred time) instead. I’m confident that this wouldn’t affect the quality of my work.

Now, if you both decide on something, make sure to show commitment. Do your very best to meet deadlines or even get ahead of schedule.

Trust me, when you consistently display trustworthiness, you can do another schedule negotiation in about 6 months and it’ll be easier to make your case.

More Scripts You Can Use

Script 1: While I cannot work during your preferred hours, I can meet you halfway into the morning and halfway into the evening your time. Would this be okay with you?

Script 2:  I’ll be able to give you the finished work before the deadline. I’ll be in touch with you during the first half of your mornings/evenings for updates, okay?

Script 3: Would you be amenable to a flexible work schedule with me? I’m a full-time mom and I do have to attend to my *kids’ needs/family needs/other commitments*.

I can assure you that this will not affect the quality of work I will submit to you.

You want to make sure that when you’re presenting your case, you’re also offering a solution to the client at the same time.

...Or that you’re offering alternatives and you’re giving them the assurance that you will be more productive with that option.

Now at the start, you might not get it perfect. I know I didn't and I've mulled over everything about the client. And. That. Is. Okay.

There is nothing wrong with not getting the negotiation right the first time. It then becomes some “lesson learned” kind of thing and the next time you negotiate, you’ll get better and better!

As some wise man said, “Practice makes perfect permanent!”

So don’t give up on the first, second, or third try.

As Aaliyah once sang in her lyrics “if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again…” (bet you sang that huh? ?)

Now let’s put your negotiation skills to practice and comment below what you would say to clients for flexi work schedules.

I’ll be waiting ?