In the Clear Path Collaborative mastermind group, the members feel confident and comfortable addressing all sorts of issues with their team. Many times, the trigger of the decision to be made originates from an uncomfortable conversation they’ve had with a customer, prospect, supplier, etc.
- Do you ever feel tongue-tied and confused on how to respond to a difficult question posted to you?
- Do you feel yourself turning a situation over and over in your head, trying to make sense of it, and wondering in which direction to proceed?
One such common quandary is
“When Is It Time to Fire My Client?”
And most times, the ultimate answer is not crystal clear or obvious. There is more than 1 way to solve an issue. And when you’re on your own, the answer may take a frustratingly long time to come to you.
When you’re fed up with a client behaving badly or seemingly disrespecting you or not wanting to pay your rates, one approach is to fire them as a customer. Yet – that’s an emotionally difficult action to take! And a painful conversation to have.
However, if you don’t address it, the effects of their bad behavior will begin to take its toll on your mental and physical health. And that’s when you must take action.
Why Is My Client Behaving Badly?
Some questions to ask yourself:
- Is there a deeper reason for the negative behavior (what’s going on in the back of their minds) that they haven’t spoken out loud?
- Is there a pattern of this client behaving this way throughout your time together?
- Was your relationship great at first but then it turned sour? What could have been the trigger?
- Have you heard of other service providers also complaining about this client?
- Has the client mentioned a history of your predecessors also not “working out”?
- Does the client need a deeper understanding of what it is you do – are they confused about the results they were expecting?
- Is there a fear, real or irrational, going on in your client’s head that may not have anything to do with you, that’s triggering the negative behavior?
Face The Facts
When you take the time to pull apart the details, it helps you approach them with curiosity, kindness and appreciation, yet holding firm to the way you operate your business and to the respect you deserve.
Ask them what they feel can change in your professional relationship that would make them feel comfortable (as long as it’s still within your process). Maybe they need a little extra time in your payment plan? Perhaps they need clarity about your specialty and all the ways it’s providing them value? Sometimes people are just confused. Or afraid. Either way, it’s worth a gentle yet honest conversation.
And if you’ve had that conversation and see no other resolution then yes, it’s time to part ways.
When Goodbye Is the Answer
I get it – it always hurts to let go of that contract or gig or monthly retainer. But as it’s been said many times, removing a negative experience makes room in your life for a much more productive one to come.
A new client will come along who has been looking for your services and is thrilled to work with you, paying you your prices and working within your process.
A final note – try as much as possible to end the negative relationship on a high note. Let the person know that you appreciate the time you worked together, point out the highlights, and understand the time has come to go in different directions.
Wish them well, ask how you can help them in the future, and then make an effort to check in on them to show good will.
How Can I Help You?
If you need help with this or similar scenarios, and are reaching decision exhaustion and entrepreneurial loneliness, it may be time for you to enter a supportive group environment. The Clear Path Collaborative provides you with access to the Growth Positioning System, a coach, and fellow entrepreneurs who experience what you do and are ready to help each other on a steady path of growth. Running all aspects of a business alone is madness. Even when you have a team working with your clients, the buck stops with you and it’s lonely at the top. A peer advisory board has helped millions of business owners. Here’s how you can benefit as well.