Have you ever had a client you regretted taking on? Unfortunately it’s a scenario that many of us face at some point.
Often when we’re new in business we take on clients in hindsight we shouldn’t have.
People who initially presented themselves as dream clients. But over time you realise they don’t respect you and they’ve progressively made your life more difficult. Soon it feels like they’re trying to bite your fingers off one at a time.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this position here are a couple of fixes…
Transcript
Have you ever had a client you regretted taking on? Unfortunately it’s a scenario that many of us face at some point.
My name’s Rashid Kotwal.
Often when we’re new in business we take on clients in hindsight we shouldn’t have.
People who initially presented themselves as dream clients. But over time you realise they don’t respect you and they’ve progressively made your life more difficult. Soon it feels like they’re trying to bite your fingers off one at a time.
Broadly speaking there are two scenarios which get you into this mess.
The first is not having enough deals on the table. If you’re desperate for work you’ll take on anyone who’s willing to pay. More often than not they’ll not be ideal clients and you’ll find yourself mired in work you don’t enjoy for inadequate money.
The second is your own authority positioning.
Imagine needing lifesaving surgery. You find the top surgeon in the field and as a layman proceed to tell her how you want the surgery done. I’m sure you can imagine her response.
If you are the authority in your field and know your methodology will get your clients the results they’re looking for you must take charge.
Anything else and you risk the project failing which is not good for you or the client who will inevitably blame you.
So if you find yourself in this position, my strong advice is to have a frank discussion with your client to put the cards on the table. Be willing to walk away if necessary.
Yes, there may well be a financial hit, but what’s the alternative? A long drawn out conflict where no one wins?
But even better, don’t get into this position in the first place.
Having a good pipeline of deals and multiple clients means you can pick and choose exactly who you want to work with.
Setting firm expectations before you start an engagement, with appropriate milestones and accountabilities on both sides will go a long way to ensuring success.
Trust your gut. If it feels too good to be true or wrong in some way, dig deeper to find out why.
It could save you a lot of grief later on.
And finally, if you’d like help setting up your authority positioning so you attract your ideal clients, give me a hoy at revealedresources.com.
Till next time, this is Rashid Kotwal.
