Can I repurpose client deliverables into templates or tools?
Repurposing client deliverables into templates or tools can be a smart way to maximize the value of your work, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
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Ownership and Permissions: First and foremost, check your contract or agreement with the client. You need to ensure you have the rights to repurpose the work. If the contract states the client holds exclusive rights, you’ll need their permission before proceeding. Alternatively, for future projects, consider including a clause that allows you to reuse or adapt your work more freely.
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Anonymize and Generalize: Make sure that any repurposed material is stripped of any client-specific information. This means removing logos, proprietary data, and any specifics that can be tied back to the original client. The goal is to create something that can serve a wider audience or a different use case while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
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Add Value: Consider how you can enhance the original deliverables to make them more universally applicable. This might mean adding explanatory notes, broader examples, or more flexible features. This step, which I refer to as "Develop" in my framework, is about transforming raw materials into something of broader utility and appeal.
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Package and Market: Once your new version is ready, think about how you’ll market it. Is it a digital download, part of a workshop, or a feature of your portfolio? Here’s where the "Expose" part of the framework comes in. Develop a strategy to reach the right audience and clearly communicate the value of your template or tool.
To share a bit of my own journey: when I transitioned from engineering to freelancing, I took complex technical reports I’d crafted and distilled them into actionable guides. Not only did this serve as a proof of expertise, but it also gave me a product I could sell or use to build my personal brand.
In the end, repurposing client deliverables isn't just about squeezing more value out of your work; it’s about building a portfolio that reflects your skills creatively while respecting your clients' rights and expectations.