Today's marketing instructors are faced with the challenge of improving their students' soft skills to prepare them for today's business environment. Numerous authors have noted that client-based/-sponsored projects help students improve the soft skills they need to succeed in the business community. This article provides detailed guidelines on how to implement a specific type of client-based project, (i.e., a client-financed project, CFP). The article also discusses the challenges faced by clients, faculty, and students who participate in a CFP. Finally, clients' and students' attitudes about the benefits of participating in a CFP are discussed. (Contains 11 tables and 1 figure.)