The most important factor is the intial discussion meeting; if I'm in any doubt about where the artist is coming from, and what they're hoping to achieve, I'll either push for more information or recommend them to someone who is better suited to help them. I'm constantly aware of the need to advertise myself in the right way so as to appeal to the clients who can most benefit from the work I do.
I like to spend plenty of time with a new client discussing their musical background and influences. Often I'll share a few influences from my side as well - songs that come to mind when discussing the project in hand. This helps ensure there's sufficient chemisty. It's like playing in a band. You need to be on the same page creatively if it's going to work.
Capturing the artist's vision is paramount in the production process. I achieve this through open communication and collaboration at every stage. I encourage artists to share reference tracks, mood boards, or any other material that helps articulate their creative vision. I also encourage feedback throughout the production process to ensure we stay aligned with the artist's expectations.
I believe really listening to the vision from the client is super important to building trust and showing the client that I am the right music producer for the job. I'm in constant communication with my clients every step of the creative process to ensure every expectation is met and delivered at high quality.