Brisk
Get free access
Lesson 1
Ask Before Every Project
A list of questions that expose problems BEFORE you commit.
The Problem
The Fix
A list of questions that expose problems BEFORE you commit.
Pre-written templates you can copy-paste. No more staring at a blank email.
Stories are often better than screens to understand what your users really need and the
context of interaction with your product. That’s because:
Screens merely tell you what happens. Only journeys can tell you why and how.
Screens make you focus on your product. Not the problem. It’s dangerously easy to
become attached to existing solutions you’ve put a lot of effort into
These are the psychological principles that make storytelling so efficient:
🧠 Understanding the project
1. "What does success look like for this project?"
Not what they want you to make. What outcome they're hoping for.
✓ "We want to increase demo requests by 30%"
✗ "We just want it to look nice"
2. "What have you already tried?"
Reveals context. Shows you what didn't work and why.
3. "Why now? What's the urgency?"
Helps you understand real deadlines vs made-up pressure.
🛟 Scope & boundaries
4. "What's explicitly included and what's not?"
Get specific. Write it down. "Design" could mean 2 screens or 200.
5. "How many rounds of revisions?"
Unlimited revisions = unlimited project. Set a number. Stick to it.
6. "Who gives final approval?"
Helps you understand real deadlines vs made-up pressure.
🚩 "Oh, my boss will need to approve it too" (after you've already shown them 3 rounds)
💸 Money talk
7. "What's your budget range for this?"
Ask early. Not after you've done discovery work.
8. "Are you talking to other freelancers about this?"
Tells you if this is competitive or if they already want YOU.
9. "What are your payment terms?"
Net 30? Net 60? "When we get around to it"?
🚩 "We'll pay you when the client pays us"
🔻 Red flag detectors
10. "What happened with your last freelancer?"
Listen carefully. If they trash-talk for 10 minutes, you might be next.
11. "What's your timeline - and is it flexible?"
"We need this yesterday" = chaos.
12. "Who will I be communicating with day-to-day?"
10 stakeholders = 10 opinions = decision paralysis.
🚩 "Oh you'll be working with me, my boss, the marketing team, and the CEO will want to weigh in too"
Lesson 2
Proposal Structure Template
A simple, repeatable structure that converts without being complicated.
Stories are often better than screens to understand what your users really need and the
context of interaction with your product. That’s because:
Pro tip
Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum. If they need more detail, they'll ask.
Section 1: The Problem
2-3 sentences. Show you understand what they're dealing with.
"Your current website isn't converting visitors into leads. Based on our call, the main issues are: unclear
messaging, slow load times, and no clear call-to-action on key pages."
They need to know you "get it" before they care about your solution.
Section 2: The Solution
1 paragraph. What you'll do to fix it. High level.
"I'll redesign your homepage and 3 key landing pages with clear messaging, fast-loading modern design, and
prominent CTAs that guide visitors to book a call or request a quote."
Section 3: What's Included
Be specific. This becomes your scope protection.
What's included:
→ Homepage redesign (1 concept, 2 revision rounds)
→ 3 landing page designs (Services, About, Contact)
→ Mobile-responsive design
→ Figma files delivered
What's NOT included:
→ Development/coding (design only)
→ Copywriting (you provide content)
→ Additional pages beyond the 4 listed
Section 4: Timeline
Specific dates, not vague "2-3 weeks."
→ Project starts: December 10
→ First draft: December 20
→ Revision rounds: December 27 - January 3
→ Final delivery: January 10
Note: Timeline assumes you provide content by December 15. Delays in content delivery will extend the project
timeline accordingly.
Section 5: Investment
One clear number. Or 2-3 tiered options.
Essential Package
€2,400
→ Homepage + 2 pages
→ 1 revision round
→ 3 weeks delivery
Recommended
Standard Package
€3,200
→ Homepage + 3 pages
→ 2 revision rounds
→ 4 weeks delivery
→ Mobile optimization
Premium Package
€4,500
→ Everything in Standard
→ 5 total pages
→ 3 revision rounds
→ Priority support
Most people pick the middle option. It feels like the "smart choice."
Section 6: Next Steps
Make it stupid easy to say yes.
Email Body
Ready to move forward?
1. Reply "yes" to this email
2. I'll send over the contract
3. Once signed + deposit is received, we'll kick off on [date]
Questions? Just reply to this email.
Copy to Clipboard
Lesson 3
Contract Essentials Checklist
A contract for every project. Even the 'quick' ones. Especially the quick ones.
Stories are often better than screens to understand what your users really need and the
context of interaction with your product. That’s because:
I. Scope of work (Be extremely specific)
✓ Example: "Design homepage + 3 subpages with 2 revision rounds per page"
✗ NOT: "Design a website"
Example: "Stock photography, copywriting, and SEO services are not included"
✓ Example: "Final delivery by December 15, 2024"
✗ NOT: "Should be done in a few weeks"
II. Money (Get specific)
✓ Example: "Total project cost: €3,200"
✗ NOT: "Around €3,000"
✓ Example: "50% (€1,600) due upon signing. 50% (€1,600) due upon final delivery."
✗ NOT: "We'll figure it out as we go"
III. Scope protection (This saves you)
Example: "2 rounds of revisions. A 'round' means minor tweaks to existing design, not new design directions."
"Any work outside the agreed scope will be quoted separately and requires written approval before starting."
"Client will provide: Content by [date], Feedback within 3 business days, Access to necessary tools by [date].
If client deliverables are late, project deadline extends accordingly."
IV. Protection clauses (Cover your ass)
"Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice. Client keeps deposit. Client pays for work completed
to date."
"If client cancels mid-project, they owe 50% of remaining balance for blocked time and work completed."
Lesson 4
New Client Onboarding
Most freelance nightmares start on Day 1. Bad setup = bad project.
Stories are often better than screens to understand what your users really need and the
context of interaction with your product. That’s because:
Phase 1: Before You Say Yes
15-30 minutes
🚩 Red flags to watch for:
• They trash-talk their last freelancer for 10 minutes
• They want to "see some ideas first" (spec work)
• Budget is "flexible" but they won't name a number
• Timeline is "ASAP" or "yesterday"
• They want to skip the contract
Phase 2: Before Work Starts
30-60 minutes
⚠️ Never start work without:
• Signed contract
• Deposit in your bank account
• Clear scope in writing
Phase 3: First Week
15 minutes
Sample Kickoff Email
Email Body
Hey [Name],
Quick one - did you get the invoice I sent on [date]? 1
No rush, just want to make sure it didn't get lost in your inbox.
Let me know if you need me to resend it!
[Your name]
Copy
Phase 4: Project Complete
10 minutes
Lesson 5
5-Minute Review System
A 5-minute weekly review every Friday. Same time. Non-negotiable.
Stories are often better than screens to understand what your users really need and the
context of interaction with your product. That’s because:
Pro tip
Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum. If they need more detail, they'll ask.
The 3 Questions (Every Friday at 4pm)
Set a recurring calendar reminder. Friday at 4pm. Every week. No exceptions.
Question 1: Who owes me money?
Sarah - €1,200 (sent Nov 15, due Nov 22) ← 7 days overdue
Mike - €800 (sent Nov 20, due Nov 27) ← Due this week
Anna - €2,400 (sent Nov 25, due Dec 2) ← Not due yet
Question 2: Who needs a reminder?
→ 7+ days overdue? Send Template 1 (Friendly)
→ 14+ days overdue? Send Template 2 (Direct)
→ 21+ days overdue? Send Template 3 (Firm) or CALL THEM
→ 30+ days overdue? Send Template 4 (Final Notice)
Question 3: What's coming up next week?
The Simple Tracker
You don't need fancy software. A Google Sheet works fine. 6 columns:
Client
Amount
Date Sent
Due Date
Status
Last Action
Sarah
€1,200
Nov 1
Nov 15
Paid ✓
Nov 12
Mike
€800
Nov 10
Nov 24
Sent
Reminder #1
Anna
€2,400
Nov 18
Dec 2
Sent
-
Why This Works
It's short - 5 minutes = no excuses
V It's consistent - Same time every week
It's proactive - Catch problems before they're emergencies
It compounds - Small habit, massive results over time