I've been working online for more than 15 years. I've worked and collaborated with many clients, some long-termed, many short-termed. So which one is wiser: to work with a single client on a long-term basis or to work on multiple short-term projects for different clients?
Let's consider the pros and cons...
Work with a single client long termed:
Pros: You're more focused because you're dealing with only 1 client. It's easier to organize your daily schedule and list of tasks. Collaboration and communication is also easier because most likely you'll be using 1-3 tools to communicate. Long term work also ensures you have work most of the time, especially if it's a full time work. Furthermore, good clients offer pay raise and perks along the way, thanks to your loyalty.
Cons: If the business fails, there's a big chance you'd get laid off. You're suddenly out of work (if that's been your only work during those times), and getting a new one maybe difficult. It also means you would start from scratch (new adjustments, new set of tasks, new standards to follow, etc.).
Another possible disadvantage is that you might start to get bored, or burn out in the long run, especially if the work is always the same.
Work with multiple clients / short-term projects:
Pros: You get to meet and collaborate with many clients. You meet new ones along the way, which would bring you new exposure and a good chance to expand your network. Short-term projects are also faster to finish, and therefore gives you an opportunity to work on something new.
Another major advantage is that if one client finishes their contract with you, you still have other clients to work with. Assuming you have a good reputation with your clients, chances are they would continue to assign you projects to work on from time to time, so you won't run out of clients.
Cons: If you have a small network of clients, there might be gaps in terms of work you're getting. For example, if you've already completed one contract for a client, there might not be a next one to work on, and your other clients might not have an available project as well, and you would have to wait or to find more clients to keep you busy.
Another problem is when some of your clients assign you projects at the same time. You might not be able to work on one, or might not be able to finish on time since you would have to manage your time working partly on one project and then shifting to the other one. A possible solution to this is to have a very good time management and project management. You can request your client to allow you to extend deadline for a project, or to prioritize on an urgent one while re-scheduling another one. You can even hire an assistant to help you with the other projects.
Working with a single client or multiple clients is really up to you. Just remember to always provide quality outputs and show your loyalty to your clients, and they would always be there to keep you busy with work.
Let's consider the pros and cons...
Work with a single client long termed:
Pros: You're more focused because you're dealing with only 1 client. It's easier to organize your daily schedule and list of tasks. Collaboration and communication is also easier because most likely you'll be using 1-3 tools to communicate. Long term work also ensures you have work most of the time, especially if it's a full time work. Furthermore, good clients offer pay raise and perks along the way, thanks to your loyalty.
Cons: If the business fails, there's a big chance you'd get laid off. You're suddenly out of work (if that's been your only work during those times), and getting a new one maybe difficult. It also means you would start from scratch (new adjustments, new set of tasks, new standards to follow, etc.).
Another possible disadvantage is that you might start to get bored, or burn out in the long run, especially if the work is always the same.
Work with multiple clients / short-term projects:
Pros: You get to meet and collaborate with many clients. You meet new ones along the way, which would bring you new exposure and a good chance to expand your network. Short-term projects are also faster to finish, and therefore gives you an opportunity to work on something new.
Another major advantage is that if one client finishes their contract with you, you still have other clients to work with. Assuming you have a good reputation with your clients, chances are they would continue to assign you projects to work on from time to time, so you won't run out of clients.
Cons: If you have a small network of clients, there might be gaps in terms of work you're getting. For example, if you've already completed one contract for a client, there might not be a next one to work on, and your other clients might not have an available project as well, and you would have to wait or to find more clients to keep you busy.
Another problem is when some of your clients assign you projects at the same time. You might not be able to work on one, or might not be able to finish on time since you would have to manage your time working partly on one project and then shifting to the other one. A possible solution to this is to have a very good time management and project management. You can request your client to allow you to extend deadline for a project, or to prioritize on an urgent one while re-scheduling another one. You can even hire an assistant to help you with the other projects.
Working with a single client or multiple clients is really up to you. Just remember to always provide quality outputs and show your loyalty to your clients, and they would always be there to keep you busy with work.
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