Client Red Flags We’ve All Ignored
(Simple changes. Real impact.)
Running a small business means juggling a lot - sales, service delivery, marketing, admin… and yes, the finances too.
At Buzz, we speak to business owners every day who are doing all of it themselves. And more often than not, they’re looking for ways to make things just a little easier, faster or less stressful.
So each month, we’re rounding up a few things - tools, habits, or mindset shifts - that actually helped us and our clients.
These aren’t affiliate links. We’re not selling anything. Just sharing what’s actually worked.
1. Creating templates for client emails
If you regularly send the same kind of email (quotes, chasing invoices, onboarding steps), stop writing them from scratch.
This month we helped a few clients set up canned responses in Gmail or client management tools like Dubsado. It saved them hours - and made them look more professional in the process.
Takeaway: write it once well, then reuse it.
2. Adding a “budget” question to enquiry forms
It can feel awkward to ask. But one of our freelancers started asking potential clients, “What budget are you working with?” on their intake form - and it instantly filtered out time-wasters.
No more back-and-forth on pricing. And no more shock when the quote lands.
Takeaway: you can ask directly and still be polite. It saves everyone time.
3. Using calendar blocking to protect your time
If you’re feeling reactive all day, try this: block time for your own business tasks (like sending invoices, reviewing cash flow, posting on socials) just like you would for a client job.
It’s basic - but a few people we spoke to said it’s helped them actually stay on top of things, especially finances.
Takeaway: what gets scheduled, gets done.
4. Switching to a tool that actually works for you
This month we saw several clients ditch bloated accounting software they weren’t using and switch to simpler tools that fit their stage of business.
If you’ve got a system you dread opening, it might be time to simplify.
(Yes, we can help with that - just ask.)
Takeaway: the “best” tool is the one you’ll actually use.
5. Automating invoice reminders
Still chasing clients manually? If you use Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent, you can set up automatic reminders for unpaid invoices.
One client turned this on last month and saw faster payments within a week - and didn’t have to do anything.
Takeaway: you’re not annoying anyone. You’re just getting paid.
✅ That’s it for now
Running a business is about making small improvements over time. No need to overhaul everything. Just pick one thing this month that makes next month easier.
And if you’re stuck on the financial side?
That’s where we come in.
Need help switching tools, catching up on bookkeeping, or just want to get paid faster? Drop us a message - no jargon, no pressure.
Until next time,
Vicki