6 reasons to fire a client

the client is NOT always right

When you are just getting started with your business, you’re probably willing to work with any and every client who comes your way. However, not every client is a good one.

The emotional, physical, and mental drain caused by a bad client relationship can keep you from enjoying your job and negatively impact the work you do for other clients.

At times, the best way to grow your business is to let go of those clients who are holding you back.

Identify them

take action

Thankfully these clients are easy to identify;

1. They Make Unreasonable Demands
2. They Want Everything for Nothing
3. They’re Always Slow to Pay

4. They Don’t Listen to You
5. They Don’t Respond to You

6. They Show a Basic Lack of Respect

Clients can create more stress than they’re worth

These clients may pay well, but there’s little job satisfaction as it’s nearly impossible for you to be proud of a finished project that goes against your advice and expertise. If you find yourself stuck in this situation, respectfully voice your opinion, complete the work to the client’s liking, and then be smart enough to move on.

What to do when it’s time to move on:
• Be professional
• Be polite, but direct
• Document, document, document
• Plan the exit so everyone knows when and how the relationship will end

Bill for your time, including for cancelled meetings, to emphasize that your time is valuable

Document, document, document

then document some more

During conflict resolution the presence of documentation helps keep track of all aspects of a project and may help you reach a resolution.

While documentation’s main focuses are development, maintenance and knowledge transfer, it must also be used to track changes and promises made to the client along the way.
Things you need to consider during the documentation process:

• Expectations you have set
• Promises made during meetings
• Document with pictures if possible
• Give examples

Don't presume to assume - keep it simple for all audiences

Learn from mistakes and failures

Mmistakes are valuable

However, for them to be of value, you must first see them as a beneficial and critical part of your career that you cannot avoid. You must instead embrace with an open heart and open mind.

Your biggest mistakes could end up turning into your biggest wins, as long as you are open to learning and growing from the experience.

— Johnny Cash