16 Questions To Ask Before You Say Yes To Every Gig

I’m glad you’re here. I bet you’ve experienced this before: You get an email from a client with a project attached, and you read through the brief. It gives you enough information to know that you can do the project, but not much else. Then you hear the familiar sound of your bank balance in your mind telling you, “Take it! Take it!”

But even though I’ve been a freelancer for years, I still find myself needing to take a step back and ask myself some questions before I jump in and say yes to every gig that comes my way.

Here are the 16 questions I ask myself when I’m deciding whether or not to say yes to a job:

Here are 16 questions every freelancer should ask before agreeing to take on a new gig.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Say “Yes” – YouTube

Takeaways
1. Assess the alignment between the gig and your goals, values, and expertise.
2. Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of accepting the gig.
3. Evaluate the time commitment required and ensure it fits into your schedule.
4. Research the reputation and credibility of the gig provider or event.
5. Understand the expectations and requirements of the gig, including deliverables and deadlines.
6. Determine the compensation structure and whether it aligns with your financial goals.
7. Consider the potential networking opportunities and professional connections associated with the gig.
8. Evaluate the potential impact on your personal life and other commitments.
9. Assess the level of support and resources available to you for the gig.
10. Consider the long-term potential and career growth opportunities the gig may offer.
11. Evaluate the feasibility of successfully completing the gig based on your skills and capabilities.
12. Research and understand the target audience or attendees of the gig.
13. Seek feedback or insights from others who have previously participated in similar gigs.
14. Consider the potential learning and development opportunities the gig may provide.
15. Assess the travel or logistical requirements associated with the gig.
16. Trust your instincts and make a decision that feels right for you and your career.

Table of Contents

1. Is This Project Worth Your Time?

We understand that there’s more to freelancing than just making money. We know that freelancing is about making your own schedule and being able to work on projects that genuinely interest you. But we also think it’s important for people who sign up with us to really think about whether or not a particular project is worth their time—because if you’re not spending your time efficiently, then it doesn’t matter how much money you’re making or how much fun you’re having with any given assignment.

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2. Does The Payment System Verified

Before you agree to take on any project, make sure that the client has a system for paying freelancers—and that it’s one that actually works. If they’re using a payment system or app that’s been known to have issues (like Square or Stripe), then ask yourself: Do I really want to work with this client? The money they owe you is important. Don’t risk it by working with companies that have shoddy payment systems.

3. What Is The Deadline?

To be able to provide your best work, you need to know how much time you have to dedicate to it—and that means knowing the deadline.

If your potential client can’t give you a deadline (or if they want it ASAP), ask for an estimate of how long they expect the project to take on their end. They may not have a firm date in mind for when they want the project completed, but if they’re expecting you to deliver in two weeks and you’re planning on taking a month, you should both be aware of that discrepancy before you sign any contracts.

4. Am I Excited About This Work?

This is important because if you’re not actually interested in the project or the client’s mission, your heart won’t be in it. No matter how much you’re getting paid, that lack of enthusiasm is going to come through in your work. Plus, if you don’t care about the actual work, then why should your client? They’ll be able to pick up on that lack of interest in your work and will feel let down.

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5. Will This Work Help Me Reach My Career Goals?

It can be tempting to take on projects that don’t quite line up with your professional goals, but if you keep saying yes to these jobs, they can quickly derail your path towards your dream position. So before you agree to take on any project, think about whether it will help you get closer to your end goal or not.

6. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

This is a question you should ask every client, but it’s particularly important if the client is a freelancer like yourself. It’s also a really good icebreaker to get the conversation started in a positive direction. Asking something like this can show that you’re not only willing to work with them and do what’s best for their project, but that you’re someone who advocates for your own well-being as well.

You’ll also get valuable insight into how they handle problems and conflict; do they have a strong plan of action in place, or are they winging it? Either way, knowing this will help you understand what kind of relationship you’ll be entering into before you say yes to the job.

7. Are They Offering Me Enough Money?

You might be wondering if you’re being too greedy for asking this question. After all, you’re a freelancer, and it’s not like your clients are offering you a full-time salary.

But, remember, you’re a freelancer because you want the freedom to choose projects that are interesting, fun, and let you make enough money to live on. You’re not obligated to take any client who comes along just because they need your help. You’re only going to take the ones who value your talent.

8. Will They Give Me The Creative Freedom I Need?

A lot of clients know exactly what they want, which is great (that’s why they’re hiring you)! But sometimes, the client doesn’t know what they want and needs you to help them figure it out. Or maybe the client wants something that isn’t right for their audience, but they haven’t yet realized it.

If you can’t persuade your client to change their minds about things like this, your project will suffer from their bad ideas and you don’t want that. So make sure your client is open to hearing your ideas and feedback! And if they’re not, ask yourself if this project is worth it to you or not.

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9. Do I Have The Skills?

You want to take on work you know you can handle—after all, your reputation is on the line, and you don’t want to deliver anything subpar. Make sure the contract is something you can confidently tackle (and complete) in a timely manner. If not, there may be another freelancer who would be better suited for the project than you are.

10. Communication Between Myself And My Client?

It’s important to know how you’ll be able to communicate with your client throughout the work process. Many clients think it’s best to communicate by email, simply because it’s easier for them. But when you’re working with someone who isn’t available to answer questions in real-time, it can really slow down the project.

So make sure that when you begin your work with a client, you have a clear understanding of what their preferred method of communication is and that it works for you too. Also, ask if they prefer to communicate more frequently or infrequently—with shorter messages or longer ones—so that you can get an idea of what they expect from you regarding communication.

11. Am I Qualified To Do This Job?

Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re in over your head. This is especially important if you’re new to freelancing, or if you’re a student. You might be able to pull it off with a little extra work, but that’s not worth the risk of ruining your reputation. No one likes working with someone who promises more than they can deliver, and you don’t want to set that precedent for yourself.

12. Is The Client A Good Fit For Me?

This is a pretty important question to ask yourself, but it’s also one that is often overlooked. You should know what type of companies you want to work with. Creating a niche for yourself will help you to avoid working with companies that don’t match your values, and can help you to be more successful both in finding good clients and in completing projects successfully.

13. Do I Have A Contract With This Client?

You should never do work for a client without a contract in place—it’s a rookie mistake. No matter how much your gut is telling you to trust them, it’s important that you always have a written contract outlining the scope of work, payment terms, rights, and termination conditions. It’s just common sense!

14. What Happens If We Don’t Meet The Deadline?

This is a great question to ask because it lets you know what the client’s expectations are and how they handle missed deadlines. If they’re flexible, they’ll tell you they’re willing to work with you. If they’re not, they’ll probably say something along the lines of, “Well, we’ll have to talk about it,” or “I hope that doesn’t happen!” Neither of these responses is great.

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15. What Are The Deliverables?

When you’re talking with the client, ask them to explain the project in detail, especially what it is that they want from you at the end of your work. In other words, what are the deliverables?

Ask for a list of deliverables so that you and your client can be on the same page. This way, you know exactly what’s expected from you and when.

16. What Will Your Workload Look Like?

In order to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed, it’s always helpful to find out what your workload will look like. Will you be working with other freelancers? Will there be any other writers pitching in? How often will you write?

This information will help you determine whether your schedule allows for the workload, and if the position is a good fit for you.

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Final Thought

It’s important to keep in mind that your time on this Earth is limited and there are only a limited number of hours in a day. As such, you should only invest those hours where it makes sense to do so. You’re not saying yes just because it’s what people expect you to do. You have to make sure that the people in those hours are people worth spending time with.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the topic:

How can I determine if a speaking gig is the right fit for me?

Assess the speaking gig by considering factors such as the target audience, topic relevance, event reputation, and your expertise alignment.

What are some important considerations before starting a side hustle?

Before pursuing a side hustle, evaluate factors like time commitment, financial implications, market demand, competition, and compatibility with your current job.

How do I decide whether to say yes or no to a new opportunity?

Consider key factors like alignment with your goals, potential benefits, risks involved, time commitment, and whether it resonates with your values and priorities.

What questions should I ask before accepting a speaking engagement?

Important questions to ask include the event date, expected audience size, speaking format, topic expectations, available resources/support, and compensation details.

How can I maintain a healthy work-life balance while taking on additional commitments?

To maintain work-life balance, set clear boundaries, prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, practice self-care, and ensure you have enough time for rest and personal activities.

Can You Please Tell Me What It’s Like To Work As A Freelancer?

It’s great! I mean, sure, there are days where it’s hot, and some days when you’re stuck inside working on a project for hours and hours and hours, but most of the time you’re working from home doing what you love—and you get to set your own schedule. You can go to work in pajamas if that’s what suits you better—but usually, that means you’re going to end up sleeping on the couch.

What Do People Think About Freelancers?

They think we’re lazy! Lazy freelancers who don’t want to spend money on office space or furnishings or pay someone else to make their lives easier are the worst kind of freelancers. Keep in mind that this is an industry that is completely built around people who work alone without offices or employees. You are responsible for everything in your business, so make sure that you are putting out the best product possible at all times

How Do I Get Paid?

Once you’ve been approved for an account, we’ll reach out to you to schedule payment. This process takes anywhere from 24-72 hours depending on the size of your project.

Herman Edward

I am a content writer, and I love what I do! Writing makes me feel like the words are flowing through my fingers, and then onto the keyboard, like magic. My experience as a writer has taught me that writing makes me feel good, as well as helps others to feel better too!