Red Flags, Client Decoder Cheatsheet

The cheeky cheatsheet for newbie freelancers learning to spot, dodge and deal with difficult client behaviour, but still act like a pro.

Been promised “exposure”?
Asked to work “for now, and we’ll talk budget later”?
Told to “just get on with it” and stop asking questions?

This cheatsheet is your pocket-sized BS (bad signs) detector. Full of warning signs, shady behaviour and shady-er deals that too many freelancers fall for. We've been there—fallen for it, dodged it and now packaged it, so you can avoid some of the most common sticky situations.

Built for:

• Newbie freelancers
• Designers, copywriters, creators
• Anyone who's ever ignored their gut (then kicked themselves later)

What's inside?

✓ Real-world red flag scenarios (from our studio)
✓ Spot-the-sign cheat codes
✓ Simple client response scripts
✓ Boundary-setting mantras
✓ BONUS: Red Flag Response Kit + Printable Decision Maker Tool

Use these when...

– Clients ask for free work
– Payments are “still being sorted”
– Projects shapeshift mid-way through
– You get that icky feeling but can’t quite name it

Knowledge is power. Boundaries are priceless.
This cheatsheet hands you both. Don't waste energy, time or your sanity.
Be the boss you were born to be.

These are real scenarios and responses straight from our studio—used on the odd occasions we've had to handle difficult clients.

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