Glossary

Use this glossary when one term is preventing a workflow or stack decision. Read the definition, apply it to the affected stage, and continue to the linked process when the term is clear.

Choose the term

• System of record explains where current client status, ownership, and next actions should be authoritative.
• Workflow handoff explains what must transfer when one stage ends and another begins.
• Approval owner explains who has authority to accept, reject, or request changes.
• Next action owner explains who is responsible for the immediate next move.
• Client dependency explains an input, approval, asset, access item, or decision the client must provide.

If you cannot identify the term because several stages feel unclear, start with Freelance client workflow system: inquiry to final payment instead.

Apply the definition

• For an unclear approval path, define the Approval owner, then use Change request workflow for freelancers and consultants when the decision affects scope.
• For an unclear immediate follow-up, define the Next action owner, then use Client status update workflow.
• For uncertainty about where current client status belongs, define the System of record, then compare CRM vs project management for client workflows.
• For an unclear stage boundary, define the Workflow handoff, then use Proposal-to-contract handoff workflow setup.
• For a missing client input, define the Client dependency, then update the affected stage with Milestone delivery workflow for solo service businesses.

Skip the glossary when the process is the blocker

• If the lifecycle itself is unclear, use Freelance client workflow system: inquiry to final payment.
• If the stack has duplicated client status across tools, use How to migrate from scattered tools to one workflow system.
• If the stack model is undecided, use CRM vs project management for client workflows.