As business owners, we all face the difficult decision of letting go of a client. Early in my career, I welcomed almost anyone who wanted to hire me. However, I soon realized that not every client is a good fit. In fact, a significant portion of potential clients aren’t the right match. Like Donald Trump on “The Apprentice,” sometimes you have to say, “You’re fired!”
What happens when you keep clients who are a pain to work with? They drain your time and energy, kill your enthusiasm for your business, and leave you with no desire to market yourself or seek new clients. You become resentful and question why you started your business in the first place.
Disengaging from a poor client choice can be painful, but it’s a healthy decision. Benjamin Shield wrote, “Letting go is one of the most difficult challenges human beings ever face… As we take an open-handed attitude toward life, we can be free of the self-made obstructions that litter our path.” Freeing yourself from a bad client allows you to reconnect with your business vision and rediscover your passion. Life is too short to work with problematic clients. Consider these seven signs to determine if it’s time to shake up your client roster.
1. You dread their phone calls: If you avoid their calls because they are painful or exhausting, it’s time to act. Imagine how much more you’d enjoy client interactions if you looked forward to their calls.
2. They nitpick every expense: If a client questions your billing and claims your work shouldn’t take as long, it indicates a lack of trust. Don’t let them make you doubt yourself. There are better clients out there.
3. They only make emergency requests: Constant urgency creates stress and stifles creativity. A good client plans adequately, making emergencies rare.
4. Lack of follow-through hinders progress: It’s frustrating when a client remains stuck in the planning stage, preventing you from moving forward. If they’re unwilling to address the roadblocks, it’s time to move on.
5. They love to micromanage: Clients who insist on approving every step and detail prevent you from solving their problem effectively. A great client trusts you to use your experience and expertise.
6. Delegation is foreign to them: Successful business owners delegate tasks they don’t have time for. If your client refuses to let go and insists on doing everything themselves, they don’t understand opportunity costs. A great client focuses on their strengths and delegates the rest.
7. Money issues plague them: If they constantly obsess over your fee and are slow to pay, it’s draining. A better client understands your payment requirements and pays promptly.
It takes time to refine your ability to choose ideal clients. Raise your standards and prioritize working with clients you enjoy. Let go of those who cause you pain, and better-suited clients will appear.