🚩 Three Red Flags from Potential Composing Clients

When a potential client says any of these three phrases, be very cautious about taking them on.

(They're common traps to make you feel pressure, guilt, or false excitement.)

If you DO decide you'd like to work with them, here's how to navigate these tricky word traps.

Trap #1: "We Have a Great Opportunity"

Sometimes, when a client first presents an opportunity, you can't help but feel eager to accept it.

"This is my chance!"
"This is my big break!”

You're so eager to say yes, you ignore the red flags.

Is it still a great opportunity when they tell you…

"We need this by tomorrow."
"The budget's tight on this one."
"We can't offer you credits.”

What's happening is called the anchoring principle.

You've latched onto the promise of a "great opportunity" so tightly that you overlook the parts you don't like.

Instead of accepting the job, WAIT.

Let the effect of the anchor wear off before deciding.

(Remember, this opportunity didn't exist until you heard about it. If you say no, you haven't lost anything.)

If you still want to say yes, reset the anchor as you learn details about the project.

Then, set a NEW anchor by presenting your own terms.

Define what would make the opportunity great for you:

• Better pricing
• Realistic deadline
• Limited # of revisions
• Proper credits

Don't get trapped by a client's idea of what a great opportunity is for you. You decide if it's great, not the client.

Trap #2: "You're the Only One for the Job"

When a client says this, it might feel flattering (at first). They need your help, and can't do the project without you!

But gradually, your excitement turns into a feeling of obligation.

"If I don't help them, who will? What would they think if I turned them down? What if it fails because I didn't step in?”

None of these limiting beliefs are true.

This feeling that you're the only one who can do the job is called the superhero complex.

It may feel like you've been specially chosen by the client to work on their project, but what they're really saying is:

"We need this job done and we need it fast.”

Putting pressure on yourself to accept jobs like this is detrimental in the long-term.

Remember:

Just because a client says they need you doesn't mean you have to take the job.

Do it because you WANT to, not because you feel like you HAVE to.

Trap #3: "I Could Hire Someone for Less"

When a client says this, you might feel pressure to convince them, or sell yourself short.

Don't do it.

You can still maintain professionalism and the relationship with the client. The trick is to respond like this:

"Wow, that's great news! It sounds like they'll be a good fit for you. Let me know if they do a good job, and I might have to hire them, too!”

By saying this, you show the client that you want the best for them and their project.

The truth is that the client might NOT see the value in hiring you.

They might not need the kind of music and experience you have to offer.

And what they REALLY need might be to save money by working with someone with less experience.

That's 100% fine.

Stay professional, and show them that you care about their success.

That keeps the door open for potential future work when they CAN afford you.