Irfan Malik: How to Get Projects on Upwork, Client Communication | The Ehmad Zubair Show

In this podcast episode with Irfan Malik, CEO and founder of Xeven Solutions.Dive deep into the art of client communication in the freelance marketplace, particularly focusing on platforms like Upwork. Irfan shares invaluable insights on responding to initial project proposals, mastering the nuances of client interaction throughout the project lifecycle, and handling sensitive topics like project delays. Learn practical strategies to enhance your communication skills, ensuring you retain clients and create lasting business opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your freelance communication tactics, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate client relationships, ask the right questions, and effectively manage project expectations. Irfan Malik's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/immuhammadirfan/ Irfan Malik's Youtube Channel @muhammadirfanmalik For Guest Recommendation 👉 https://forms.gle/DhSSd9WDBsFTNKZs9 For 1-1 career guidance and mentorship 👉 https://topmate.io/ehmadzubair/158221 Want to work with me as a Software Engineer? 👉 https://cogent-labs.hirestream.io/careers/ Join my community here: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ehmadzubair/ Join Ehmad Zubair's community on WhatsApp: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/H471t8LXJEhGi39qxrVNl2 Audio Podcast Links: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/irfan-malik-how-to-get-projects-on-upwork-client-communication/id1755694991?i=1000662275319 YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=O-GMZt_JwLA&feature=shared 0:00 Highlights 00:34 Introduction 02:06 Next steps after getting a reply on Upwork proposal 05:09 How to communicate with clients on Upwork chat 06:19 Different Client Categories and what type of questions for each category 08:07 How to ask a client to get on the call 09:12 Time-bound Customer Pros and Cons 10:24 How to follow up with a potential client 12:35 How to communicate with clients in meetings 19:00 How to secure high-value projects 22:24 Investing in meeting setup 24:36 Hacks to impress clients in a meeting 27:46 Align agenda for the next call 29:09 Research about the client project 32:59 How to ask better questions from clients 37:01 How to quote price for your projects 43:47 How to write project proposals 47:01 Negotiation of project pricing 51:07 How to win big clients 52:15 Client communication during the project execution phase 55:54 Communication for project delays 59:31 Critical Advice for Client Servicing 1:03:33 Advice for freelancers 1:06:04 Rapid Fire Questions 1:12:47 Closing Thoughts