Most of us want to produce our best work. We want to know our work has value. The problem is we don’t often know exactly what value we are actually bringing. We don’t know what to improve to succeed. This is especially true if you work solo.
Freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors rarely get the right kind of feedback. These independent workers must actively seek feedback to improve their services and products. That’s why I hire someone to interview my clients about once a year.
The reality is, you must actively pursue the right kind of feedback. You need to know why you win business, why you lose business, and how you can change to attract the business you want.
To get the best feedback, follow the guidelines below:
1. Choose Feedback from Those Who Will Make You Better
I recently pursued client feedback on my blog product. I chose to seek feedback from Taylor Martin, Chief Creative for Design Positive.
I specifically chose Taylor for feedback because he seeks excellence in his work. He legitimately wants to help people. He has a strong work ethic. He believes in providing quality, helpful insights. Taylor’s creative direction ensures impactful work for Design Positive’s clients.
Taylor’s insights have helped my work as a writer and a content strategist.
2. Leggo That Ego
To receive Taylor’s feedback, I had to learn to leave my ego out of the process. When it was time to review client feedback, I was most apprehensive about Taylor’s feedback. I knew he would have suggested changes.
I had to decide to BE better. After I closely reviewed the notes, I applied what I learned. Feedback on my work has been more positive since. I am hitting the mark regularly.
3. Learn Lessons from Your Challenges
Being creative for a specific result on a timeline is what content producers do. Taylor’s feedback taught me to communicate for impact and become more process driven. My work is better, and as a result:
- My deliverable has improved.
- My refined processes are efficient, and effective.
- My other clients receive a superior blog product from me.
- More and more articles I write are being read.
- More messages I create are being shared.
4. Choose to Be Better, Not Bitter
Your development as a professional relies on solid feedback. Let your ego get a little beat up. Choose to improve in your skills, your workflow, and/or your communication style.
It will only make you better at what you do. You will become more successful as a result.
Need someone to help you gain feedback from your key stakeholders? I can help you with designing the right questions. I can help you determine who to talk to. I can arrange for the right interviewer to help you.
Reach out and we’ll talk about how you can get the feedback you need to succeed.
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