kicking scope creep to the curb

we recognise it, no leave it in the dust

So, last week we talked all about what scope creep is. And you got a little assignment to figure out some of the times it’s showed up in your business.

Now that you’ve thought about those pesky client requests that snuck up on you recently, let’s dive headfirst into some ways to keep that kind of scope creep in check.

To be completely honest, avoiding scope creep isn’t really about saying "no" all the time like you might think it is. It’s more about setting boundaries that give you a sense of empowerment to say "yes" when it makes sense, “no” when it doesn’t but most importantly, — to say it on your terms.

So here’s how to hold the line while still maintaining strong (and healthy) client relationships:

Solidify Your Contract

You need to kick things off by clearly defining deliverables, timelines, and tasks right in your contract…BEFORE YOU START THE JOB!

Take the time to outline what’s included in the package that you’re offering them and make it abundantly, crystal clear that any additional requests will require a separate agreement.

This is quite honestly the foundation of protecting your work and your time.

Now the idea of contracts can be kinda scary if you’re just getting into it so you could check out this piece I wrote about contracts 👇🏼 📝 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

You Need To Be Annoying

That might seem confusing so let me explain a bit better. You need to be communicating with your clients. Keep two words in mind, regular and proactive. Ideally you’d be keeping the weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with your client because that help’s keep everyone on the same page.

These kinds of touchpoints help in so many ways. First, you get to learn your client better which only every serves to help the relationship you’re building. Second you’re able to get a feel for any new ideas they might be thinking about and third, you can address those ideas early on, rather than it falling into your lap at the last minute.

If (or more likely, when) a client floats an extra task by you, it’s the perfect time to clarify whether it fits within the original scope or requires a fresh approach and by extension, a fresh contract.

Offer Additional Services When Needed

If a client wants something outside the original agreement, the knee-jerk reaction shouldn’t be to say, “No.”

Start by acknowledging it and work to position it as an add-on service, because that’s what it is. It’s something additional. Thinking like this helps you open up a conversation about all of the option on the table while still maintaining your flexibility without compromising the scope—or your sanity.

When done well, scope changes can actually be beneficial. It can lead to productive conversations and even new service opportunities.

But without clear boundaries and documentation, they will leave you up sh*t creek without a paddle by derailing timelines, stretching budgets and adding serious load to your plate.

Now, hopefully you’re feeling ready to strengthen your client communications and make scope creep a figment of imagination, but if you’re still feeling a bit unsure then you’ve got options.

You can check out my ebook 15 Must-Have Email Templates. Its got 15 customizable email templates that are taken directly from my business outbox and are designed to help you with everything from project proposals to scope adjustments. It’s sure to help you communicate clearly without the guesswork while you keep projects on track. If that sounds like something that would help you, you can download it FOR FREE here!

The other option is to just hit reply and let me know where you need some more help. Your replies come straight to my inbox and one of the benefits of me being as chronically online as I am is that I’m likely to see if pretty quickly.

Here’s to kicking scope creep’s *ss to the curb together.

Love from your Chronically Online Friend,
Sydney ✨💖