Sounds the same, means something different

Project requirements, or as they call it, the briefing, is something that acts as a bridge between your world as freelancers and the world of your clients. Remember that the way clients perceive things is much simpler and boils down to the result for which they are willing to pay you.

Why?

Your perception as freelancers is much more complex, demanding, and multi-layered. That’s why it’s essential to understand the expectations regarding the result and to assess the requirements. In simpler terms, it concerns all the elements that must occur before you start producing the product. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing code or producing interiors – the principle is exactly the same. You need to define, name, and address all possible scenarios, especially those that lead to "edge cases" and are "floaters," meaning they can be either this or that.

Do you know how to learn to recognize this?

If your clients define requirements for a new project, and you are able to interpret them in more than one way, it is highly likely that you are thinking about two different things, despite the fact that they sound the same.

If you see more than one interpretation of a task, start asking questions immediately that will lead to and indicate the interpretation that you and the client are both sure of. Keep asking additional questions as long as necessary, providing examples and describing how you understand it.

You must be 100% sure that both you and the client are saying and meaning exactly the same thing.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and be curious. This will save you time, a lot of money, and project frustration!

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