We all know that giving is fantastic. Give great customer service; give great rates, and always give your best. But, what about getting? What kinds of things should you expect from your clients? Asking is also a great marketing strategy! Here is a list of 25 things you can (and should!) ask for when working with a client.

1. Ask for a down payment - Just like there are flaky freelancers out there, there are flaky clients as well. It’s completely okay to protect yourself and your time. Ask for a down payment, and make it fully refundable if you don’t do your share. Most clients will be happy to oblige.

2. Ask for more time if you need it – Sometimes your creative genius self needs time, and who can blame you? Between Twitter, and Facebook and well… clients, it’s a busy life! So, feel free to ask for more time if you need it. Just don’t go overboard.

3. Ask for clear directions - If a client wants exactly what they have in mind, they have to be able to communicate those thoughts. Help them along. Make sure to ask for clear directions and double check.

4. Ask for consistent expectations – It is okay to ask for consistent expectations on projects. If the client feels your work seems “fantastic” one day, and “not up to par” the next, and given that your quality has stayed the same-bring it up with the client. One caveat: this may require that you have some sort of quality check system in place to ensure the consistency of your work product.

5. Ask for recommendations- You kicked butt on the last project. The client is thrilled. Now, strike while the iron is hot, and ask for the recommendation. (i.e. – “I appreciate your confidence in me, and I will deliver my best to you always. Since I know you are enthusiastic about working with me, do you think you could please recommend me to your friends? I’d really appreciate it tremendously.”).

6. Ask for referrals - It can go something like this- “Who else in your network could use my services? Would it be okay if I contacted them and introduced myself?”

7. Ask for testimonials - So many freelancers forget about this wonderful marketing tool. It’s called “social proof.” People like people who are liked by other people. At the very least, they are usually intrigued. Simply stated – Ask for your clients’ good words on paper.

8. Ask for suggestions - A client-freelancer relationships works best when it is mutually helpful/beneficial (…like most relationships it seems). Ask for your clients’ suggestions when it comes to your goods or services …and/or your business in general.

9. Ask for alone-time – Some need to be in “the zone” to get their clients’ work done, but they can’t get in “the zone” until they’re get off the phone. Feel free to ask your clients’ for some alone time to work on their project; that is, so you can deliver spectacular results, of course!

10. Ask for their business! - I see too many freelancers miss out on this one! Imagine a guy in the Starbucks line says to you, “I really need to get some content going for my site. I suck as a writer, but perhaps the coffee will help.” You are a freelancing writer. How do you respond: A) Nod your head and say, “Understandably, I feel ya.” B) “I am a writer.” C) “Perhaps I can help! I am a freelance writer, and I specialize in helping those who can’t write. And you can save on that coffee bill too!” Please tell me you were thinking option C.

11. Ask for feedback -Always get feedback from a client. Try getting it in writing, if at all possible. One great way to do this is by creating a survey that you present to all your clients at the end of each project. At the end of each year, you may notice some real patterns emerging.

12. Ask for your payment - Your client has accepted your product, said thank you and… forgotten payment. Ask for it. You did the work and there is no reason to shy away. Obviously, you should approach this with some tact. I don’t recommend, a “Hey Jerk, -you owe me money” approach. I would try a more- “I am so glad you liked my work. Here is an invoice reminder” angle.

13. Ask for their Linked-In Add -Linked-In is a great professional network building tool. If you don’t already have a profile, I suggest you create one and keep racking up those contacts. BONUS: Your contacts (including clients) can leave testimonials about you on your profile page!

14. Ask for a bonus – Here is how this dialogue should go — “Let me ask you Jim. If I absolutely BLOW you away with my work. And I mean, this is better than sliced bread, -would you consider a bonus?”

15. Ask for future contracts - Your work has been beautiful. So, don’t walk away empty handed. “Sally, I really enjoyed working on this project. Can I now consider myself your go-to guy for design?”

16. Ask for their email address - It’s a simple request, but it’s always best to have your client’s email address handy.

17. Ask for references – Yes, ask your CLIENT for references. Do they seem the slightest bit shady? Does your intuition feel a little wobbly?” Ask them if they have worked with any other freelancers before and how their experience was. If they give you a long list with awful reasons, think twice before accepting their work.

18. Ask for a “shout-out” – Does your client have an e-Zine or a newsletter? Perhaps they have a blog? Ask for a shout-out to on their list. If they liked your work, most will be happy to comply.

19. Ask for tips - Let’s say your client is a successful business owner. You admire their work. Now, ask them for tips on how to do the same for your business. Most clients will be flattered.

20. Ask for a better time-frame – So, you know from the get-go that a 500 page manual is not happening in 3 days. Ask the client for a better time-frame. In the end, you will be judged more on the quality of your work and your candidness than anything else.

21. Ask for their card to give out to your own network – Sometimes, you have to ask before you can give. Always ask for their business card. “Joe, can I please have 2 copies of your business card. I would also love to know who your ideal clients are so that I can recognize them when I see them.”

22. Ask for a phone number – Emails bounce, get lost, and end up in the spam folder. It happens. It’s always best to ask for a phone number in case of emergencies. Skype is also an alternative.

23. Ask for reconsideration – Let’s say you are a designer, and the client asks you for a logo with all the colors of the rainbow. As a designer, you can see what a crash and burn situation that would be. Ask them to reconsider. If you can find out their original goal for the logo, you may be able to help them from making a mistake.

24. Ask for ideas – Sure, you are the creative mastermind, but often clients also have some pretty snazzy ideas about what they want from their project. Be sure to hear them out before taking over the project.

25. Ask for a comment – Have a blog? Ask them to leave comments. It’s a great way to build community and keep in touch.

Shama Hyder is the chief marketing expert and founder of After The Launch. She helps independent professionals and professional service firms attract more clients. You can visit her website at http://www.AfterTheLaunch.com