There’s an old saying that goes “there’s no such thing as bad publicity”. And just like any celeb whose lost an endorsement deal due to a DUI will tell you, that’s not necessarily true. And the same goes for clients.
In the beginning stages of your business you’re thrilled people are willing to pay you and you hardly feel in the position to be choosy. BUT as your business grows, you start to find out that there really is such a thing as a bad client.
Here are 3 signs there’s a bad apple in your client bunch.
1.Micromanagement.
I have a friend who runs a social media management business and she was looking for guidance on how to handle a request from a client. Starting this month the client requested that she mark down every time she made a comment, liked a post or loved an image on their behalf. Something she doesn’t do for other clients and isn’t included in her contract.
This is blatant micromanagement. This particular client isn’t respecting my friend’s expertise and trust is low. Major red flag that my friend is dealing with a bad client.
While it may seem like the best approach is to accommodate the request (and this is exactly what my friend’s initial reaction was), a better approach is to remind the client that this particular task is not included in their contract.
I know this can make you feel uncomfortable and you’re probably wondering “What if the client leaves?”
Truth is, this client IS going to leave. If not today then very soon. These actions demonstrate that the business owner isn’t ready to have someone manage their social media for them. They are having trouble letting go and still want a close grip on things. Sooner or later (probably sooner) the client will end the relationship.
Save yourself and the headache and frustration and hold your boundaries.
2. Just one more thing.
Did anyone else think of Columbo just now, or am I that old (um, reruns)? Anyway.
A client who always needs “just one more thing” is likely taking advantage of you and committing what is called scope creep. This can be particularly troublesome when it comes to project work but can rear its ugly head during long term coaching relationships as well.
Scope creep are those tasks that live just outside the project you are working on and to your client seem justifiable.
Examples include:
- SEO for a website when design and coding was all that was quoted.
- Writing copy for your thank you page when all that was quoted was a sales page.
- Reworking the blog graphics you created to work on social media.
This can also start to look like EXCESSIVE revisions to a design or a website that started out as 5 pages and is now 8.
Regardless of the request, if it always seems like your client needs just one more thing, it’s time to refer back to your contract and hold your boundaries. It might also mean it’s time to revisit your contract. Before you take on your next client, make sure you’re very clear about what is and what isn’t included.
3. Money woes.
This one can be particularly difficult to deal with especially if the client in question is likeable and in all other ways a good client. BUT any client who consistently neglects to pay on time or squabbles over charges is not a good client.
You’ve got a business to run and in order to run that business you have expenses, which likely include other people relying on you to pay them. If your client always needs a reminder to pay you, never seems to get that invoice or always has a question about a charge – be on the lookout.
A good client will respect you and your time and be more than willing (and happy) to pay you what you are worth and in a timely fashion.