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Created by Kimberly Kline, API |
Most likely, we have all encountered “difficult” clients. In some cases we can take what we learn from the situation and use it to forge a better working relationship, possibly keeping our client in the process.
(In Part 1 of this series, I focused on those lessons and how they can help you move forward, if you missed it you can read it here).
But in other cases, that is simply not possible.
So, how can you tell the difference?
When is it time to break up with your
difficult client and
what can you do to make that break clean?
It helps to first ask yourself these 3 questions:
- How Does Your Client Treat You?
- Is Your Client Taking up All of Your Time and Energy at the Expense of Other Clients?
- How Does the Client Make You Feel?
If you find yourself stressed at the the thought of working with them, then it is time to move on. If each time you even pick up the phone or sit down to send them an email, it makes your stomach churn, then let go.
If even after giving them your best work, you are left questioning your abilities, then moving on is self preservation.
So how do you make the break?
It is best to keep it simple and direct. There is no need to rehash problems or even to burn bridges.
Instead, thank your client for the opportunity to work with them. Then simply say “however, at this time I am no longer able to provide you with our services”.
Another option is, if your work with them is not on an ongoing basis, you can just wait until they contact you again and not opt to bid on the job. If asked why, just say that your workload does not allow you to take on another job.
In either case, no long, drawn out explanation is needed.
Once you make the break, it is time for a change. Now you can put new practices into place that will both lessen the chance of this happening again and help you move forward.
5 Tips to Help You with Problem Clients "Tweet This"
You Should:
- Put Your Efforts into treating your Good Customers Right
- Keep Your Chin Up
- Look for New Customers
- Invoice Quickly
Waiting days, or even weeks, to invoice is shown to increase the time it takes to get paid.
- Vet Potential Clients and Partners
The idea here is to make sure there are no signs that should keep you from getting into a difficult business relationship in the first place!
We all enter business with the thought that we have something great to offer. We also believe that our clients are a large part of what it takes to make our business successful and our goal then becomes to do what it takes to make them happy.
However, that does not mean that we need to stick with them no matter what. When that relationship becomes toxic, it is time to move on.
And we all must do what it takes to survive ~ even if that means Letting Go!
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For more tips to help you with your small business, be sure to visit our blog at www.accessprofilesblog.com.
And Contact Us, API can help!
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