My response may appear straightforward, yet it’s entirely genuine. Predicting the duration of a task is hard for me, given the many differences between each client and business. While I may assist clients with the same process—such as proofreading and setting up newsletters in Mailchimp—their requirements may vary significantly. For instance, one client may present a lengthy newsletter while another offers a concise one. One may request periodic section additions, while another prefers image changes only. You get the point.

I avoid overcommitting or exaggerating timelines to maintain transparency and trust. Instead, I typically advise clients to gauge the task’s duration based on their own prior experiences. Although variables persist, this approach offers a reasonable estimate.

If a client has never done the task they delegate to me, an option could be to set time boundaries. For instance, specifying, “Rosa, allocate X hours to task/project Y,” provides a framework for understanding the workload. Additionally, I offer basic packages of 5 or 10 hours. Clients buy the quantity they want up front and use it at whatever pace and for whatever services (or combination) they like. Each “chunk” is good for 6 months. This structure allows clients to assess our compatibility before committing further. It’s an opportunity to explore without unnecessary risk.

My clients rarely question task durations (unless they have to bill their clients for the time I helped them on a project). And I think it’s because:

1) I deliver projects/tasks in a timely manner.

2) Once a project/task is in my hands, my clients have zero doubts that it will get done. Period.

3) I make sure I understand what they’re asking me to do before I get started – which helps a ton with time efficiency.

Having been on both ends of the hiring spectrum helps me empathize with clients and make the effort to minimize the feeling of uncertainty for them. My goal is always to cultivate confidence and trust, ensuring a positive experience for all current and prospective clients.