Freelancing isn’t for the faint of heart. Women who venture into this world face not only the usual challenges of running a business, but they also juggle life’s demands in ways that can make the most resilient soul crumble. There’s no boss breathing down your neck, but there’s also no one to shield you from difficult clients. So, when a client’s being a tough cookie, how can you keep your cool without letting your business—and sanity—go down the drain? Enter multisensory learning, a strategy that can make your professional development feel like less of a chore and more like a superpower. Trust me, it’s not magic, it’s science, and it’s time to put it to work for you.
Imagine being a freelancer trying to keep clients happy while handling a ton of tasks. Now imagine trying to handle all that with one hand tied behind your back because you can’t remember what you learned in your last business development course. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many women freelancers struggle to remember lessons learned in theory and even more so, to apply them when chaos knocks. Multisensory learning, however, is an approach that gets you out of your head and into the action, using every part of your brain to retain information and turn it into real-world skill. It’s not about learning in the traditional sense; it’s about making learning a part of your every day—hands-on, real-time, with a splash of fun.
Multisensory Learning: What’s That?
Multisensory learning simply means using more than one sense to absorb and retain information. Instead of just reading a book or listening to a podcast, you’re engaging your whole body. It’s about tapping into the visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses, creating stronger connections in the brain. So, when a difficult client is demanding a change or pushing boundaries, you’ve got the mental toolkit to handle it.
Now, here’s a secret that most people won’t tell you: client interactions are not always about being “right” or having the perfect pitch. Sometimes it’s about how you respond, how well you can keep your emotions in check, and how quickly you can think on your feet. That’s where multisensory learning steps in, helping you stay calm and present when a client’s demands start to feel like a punch in the gut.
Using Multisensory Learning in Your Freelance Business
1. Visualize Success—Literally
Most of us are visual learners in one way or another. We “see” success in our heads before it happens. Try making a vision board with images, quotes, and goals that motivate you. Whenever a client sends a tough email, look at that board, and remind yourself why you’re doing this. You’ve faced tough clients before, and you came out on top. You’ll do it again. For example, if you’re working with a client who’s constantly asking for revisions, rather than feeling frustration, imagine your future self handling it with grace, finishing the project on time, and smiling at the paycheck. It’s all about mindset, and visualization can make a big difference.
2. Get Your Hands Moving
The brain doesn’t just respond to what it hears or sees—it responds to what it physically does. Ever noticed how, when you’re working on something, you start to fidget with a pen or tap your feet? That’s your body telling you it wants to engage more senses. Use this to your advantage. If you’re dealing with a tough client on a call, stand up. Pace around your space. Take notes by hand as you listen, rather than typing. This can not only help you remember what’s being said but can also help calm any nerves you may have. When you physically move, you release tension and open up space for better problem-solving.
3. Speak It Out Loud
Speaking, especially out loud, helps reinforce what you’ve learned and makes it easier to apply. If you’re feeling stuck or struggling with a particularly annoying client, talk it out. Walk through the scenario in front of the mirror. You don’t need to go all “method actor” on yourself, but saying things out loud will help you refine your strategy and make sure you’re being assertive and professional. Practice key phrases like “I understand your concern,” or “Here’s how we can move forward,” until they come out naturally.
4. Listen to Yourself
On a similar note, listening is one of the most important senses you can use in difficult client conversations. When a client is upset, they’re often not just looking for a solution—they’re looking to be heard. Whether you’re listening to a podcast or taking a client call, make sure to actively listen and process what’s being said. Your brain’s response will be quicker, and you’ll have the language you need to engage and de-escalate.
Here’s the kicker: listening also applies to you, as the freelancer. We’ve all been in situations where we’ve felt overworked and underappreciated. Take a moment to listen to your body, your emotions, and your needs. We’re often the last ones to do so. You can’t give your best to a client if you’re burned out. Multisensory learning isn’t just for your business growth; it’s for your personal growth, too. Check in with yourself before you check in with your client.
“She turned her cant’s into cans and her dreams into plans.” – Kobi Yamada
I came across this quote recently, and it really struck a chord. Freelancers—especially women—often deal with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and that constant feeling of not doing enough. When faced with a tough client or feedback that feels like a blow, remember that this is part of the process. You’re building your muscle for resilience. That client who pushes your buttons? They’ll be the one you look back on with a smile when you’ve grown even stronger.
Real-World Example
Let’s put this into perspective with a real example. Meet Rachel, a freelance graphic designer. Rachel’s been working with a client for a couple of months now. The client loves the designs but has been nitpicking every little detail—so much so that Rachel feels her confidence slipping. Instead of simply taking the feedback, she uses multisensory learning to step up her game.
Rachel pulls out her vision board (visual), speaks aloud to herself about how she’ll handle the next call (auditory), takes a walk before she responds to the client (kinesthetic), and writes down her thoughts on the revisions by hand (tactile). When she calls the client back, she’s calm, focused, and confident. The result? The client still asks for revisions—but now Rachel is prepared to explain her design choices, set boundaries, and ultimately deliver work that’s in line with her creative vision.
Wrapping It Up
Women freelancers face challenges that their male counterparts might not even realize exist. That’s why it’s so important to embrace tools that not only enhance your work but help you navigate client relationships with poise and confidence. Multisensory learning is a simple yet effective approach to keeping your brain engaged, boosting your emotional intelligence, and ensuring that you’re always a step ahead, even when a client is being difficult.
Freelancing is all about growth, resilience, and continual learning. So, when that tough client comes knocking, remember you’ve got the skills to handle it—with grace, professionalism, and just a touch of humor.