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When should you fire a client?

January 21, 2015 By Danielle Hatfield Leave a Comment

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Do you own your own business?  Then you probably have wondered at some point in your life when should you fire a client? Tough question isn’t it? It is for many who don’t see the red flags and warnings that are often present and end up in unhealthy relationships with ungrateful clients. . . or worse, like Andrea Polito. [backstory and inspiration for my post today here] (thanks again to you Simon for sharing this story!)

There is something that makes answering this question difficult for most. Why? Well, we have been taught to think and behave as if the client is always right, even when they’re not.

As a small business owner you have two very precious things that you need to fiercely protect both online and off – your time, and your health. If a client takes up more time than they are paying you for, is difficult to communicate with, or overtly hostile – you need to ask yourself some serious questions before your second resource is threatened. . . your health.

The biggest question to answer for yourself and your company is this; ‘What immovable obstacles push you to the point of saying goodbye to a client?’

As you begin to recognize what these answers are, and establish the boundaries for your business, I hope that the articles I’ve shared below help you have better working relationships. . . whether or not you decide to fire a client. 

Annie Infinite of Business2Community shares how you should be ‘Firing Clients Gracefully’

“The truth is some clients just suck you dry one way or another, the worst client of all is the control freak in my mind – you know that client for whom nothing you do it right, every thing has to be challenged and changed to suit them even though they hired you as the expert in your area?” [read more]

 

Maria Malidaki of Six Revisions shares ‘How to Fire Bad Clients’

“In your career, you’ll come across people who don’t quite understand what you do. A disrespectful client does not treat you like a professional and does not understand that you want to collaborate and offer your knowledge to the project. They will act bossy, insist that they know what’s best for their web presence, assign you tasks without consultation, and neglect to ask your opinion on key matters. Even worse, they might communicate with you disrespectfully.” [read more]

 

Joshua Johnson from Design Shack poses ‘5 Questions to Ask for Deciding When to Fire a Client’

“When someone hires you to do work for them they either see it as a partnership wherein two parties work together in a mutually beneficial relationship towards a common goal, or a monarchy in which they have ultimate rule over you, the lesser subject and grunt worker.” [read more]

 

Nellie Akalp a contributor to Forbes offers you ‘6 Reasons To Fire A Client’

“If you’ve been working long enough, you are bound to run across clients who don’t follow your advice, are resistant to change, or simply think they know better (even though they hired you for your expertise in the first place). Perhaps they edit and revise your work beyond all recognition. Or, they don’t listen to your advice in the first place and then expect you to fix everything when things go wrong.” [read more]

 

If you are struggling on what to say to a client that will be fired, Nick Reese offers‘3 Painless Scripts To Free Yourself Of Problem Clients’

“While rationalizing why you should keep these clients makes sense in the short term, not getting rid of them is cheating your business out of  clients you love.” [read more]

Clients from Hell shares ‘Fire and Brimstone: How to Fire a Client Without Burning Any Bridges‘

“There are clients who don’t deserve your time, and there are clients who deserve the fiery depths of Dante’s inferno. A cancellation clause in contracts can be a great way to avoid fallout after firing a client, but it’s a precaution isn’t always present. Whatever the case, here’s how to drop the dead weight before ascending to new heights” [read more]

Martin Gittins of Webdesigner Depot offers great insight and advice in ‘How to Fire a Client‘

“What if, despite your efforts to communicate your concerns to your client, you still find the working relationship failing? You feel the client does not respect you or your work. It’s time to call it a day. But before you do, you need to tell your client they are drinking in the last chance saloon.” [read more]

Coleen Francis, Special to The Globe and Mail, introduces you to ‘The four types of clients you should fire immediately‘

“Firing a client may mean a short-term hit to the organization’s profits, but it’s critical for the long-term emotional health of your team and the company. Firing a client now not only frees up time for you to spend on more profitable clients, it also provides a boost of morale internally. When you step up and fire a bad customer, you win everyone’s trust, loyalty, and respect. Especially your own.” [read more]

 

If you use Quora, you may appreciate (and offer an answer) for this question: What’s the most graceful, tactful way to fire a client?

“A particular client of mine is exhibiting an inability (or unwillingness) to accept my support, suggestions, or to learn to use the tools that I’m being paid to set-up for them.” [read more]

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Filed Under: Business, Motivational

About Danielle Hatfield

Owner/Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm - DIYs, recipes and sharing my 2 cents on social media

« How long is too long before a brand responds to your comment or question via social media?
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I love to share recipes, DIYs, and my two cents on social media.

I am also proud to be the Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm where I have worked with my partner and husband Brandon Pierce since 2009.

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I love #DIYs, #recipes, and sharing my 2 cents on social media.

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I’ve cut and counted 429 4” fabric squares fro I’ve cut and counted 429 4” fabric squares from  #scrapfabric we bought a few years ago.

Fabric for my #handsewn projects is among my favorite #thriftstorefinds. ❤️

These squares will eventually become a snuggly #quilt for our single occupancy media room that was once a walk-in closet. 

It’s helpful having a small room to relax in and read or watch TV. This colorful fabric will be a warm reminder of the fun treasures @thebrandonpierce and I find when we go #thrifting. 

If #CottageLife has taught me anything, it’s to look at every square foot of space in a new way and I love how we are embracing #smallspaceliving. 

This #handsewing project may take a while - my goal is to have it finished by the fall so I can settle in with my knitting, a good movie or documentary and hot cup of coffee. 

.
#handsewing #handsew #cottagestyle #quiltingismytherapy #sewersgonnasew #sewingismytherapy #sewingproject #handsewnwithlove #thriftedhome #thriftstorefinds
A thoughtful gift from a former neighbor in Greenb A thoughtful gift from a former neighbor in Greenboro! 

She knows I love DIYs and shared a box full of @bertie_county_peanuts bags. 

I look forward to using these in a future DIY that will remind me of our sweet friendship. 🥜❤️

So far my top DIY contenders are: 

- stitch bags together and use them to reupholster a bench and other #burlapdecor 

- use bags as #upcycled shelf liner in our open kitchen cabinets 

- stitch #burlapbags together and make a couple of bolster pillows

🤔 What else could I make with a #burlapbag? Any suggestions are appreciated!
Inspired to paint today thanks to a photo by the i Inspired to paint today thanks to a photo by the incredibly talented Chef @wishartchris of @OldNorthStateWinery in #DowntownMountAiry. 

My #WatercolorPractice of this #DeliciousDessert is from his #ChefsTable and is ~ Grand Marnier-Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with  Strawberry Soup and Vanilla Tuile. 

This #WatercolorPainting is still a #WorkInProgress and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. (Thank you for sharing your amazing creations Chris!) 

If you plan to #VisitNC be sure to put #OldNorthStateWinery on the top of your ‘must eat’ list. You won’t be disappointed.
The #hyacinth I transplanted last fall are bloomin The #hyacinth I transplanted last fall are blooming! 😍

It’s been slow going but our little #cottagegarden is coming together and I couldn’t be happier. ❤️

Today I’m looking around the old bee yard for more white #hyacinths to transplant before the rain sets in and our new bees arrive.

Each time I see these flowers I chuckle at the thought of #HyacinthBucket of #KeepingUpAppearances answering the phone... 😂 

“Helloooo the Bouquet residence, Lady of the house speaking.”
Excited to finish this piece thanks to my new @gel Excited to finish this piece thanks to my new @gellyrollph pens @thebrandonpierce ordered for me! 🙌🏻 

What began as a #watercolorpractice is now  officially #mixedmediaart.

This is a study inspired by an illustration by American illustrator #JamesMontgomeryFlagg (June 18, 1877 – May 27, 1960) better known for his ‘I Want You’ Uncle Sam recruitment illustration. 

This is still a #workinprogress and I’m glad I waited for my #gellyrollpens to arrive! They allow me to bring detail to my #watercolorpainting and I’m already making my wishlist of colors I don’t yet have. 

Every time I see this hanging in our kitchen it makes me want to throw on one of my vintage aprons and bake an apple pie. 🥧

I am constantly inspired by artists who came before me. Studying their work helps me to better learn techniques like shading, consistent color mixing and most importantly knowing when to stop. ❤️

#watercolorpainting #dailyart #artstagram #inthekitchen #vintagekitchen 
#ilovegellyrollph #diyart #inspiredby #americanillustrator #mixedmediaart #gelpenart  #watercolorart #watercolorartist #practicemakesprogress #vintageillustration #vintageillustrations
My pockets aren’t deep enough for my disappointm My pockets aren’t deep enough for my disappointment in my new @Dickies. 

When you buy a pair of bibs you *expect* to have pockets that can fit your whole hand. 

My most recent #handsewing project was adding REAL pockets to my Dickies. 

Thankfully my #fabricstash offered up enough to turn my 4” deep pockets to nearly 9” pockets that are actually functional. 🙌🏻

It’s no secret that #womenspockets are a joke.  Is it too much to ask for #pocketequality? 

#alterations #ithaspockets #pocketsewing #handsewn #womenspocketsareuseless #handsew #sewingismytherapy #dickies #womenspocketssuck #pocketsize
A #watercolor in progress inspired by a photo by @ A #watercolor in progress inspired by a photo by @bfullerfoto. 

I researched and found a mint 1959 #Dodge Custom Royal Lancer  hard top for color reference. 

It’s been fun working on this #watercolorpractice - I’m learning more and more about shadows and layering color.  The metal and reflective surfaces are challenging but worth the work. 

I love #classiccars and this is a #watercolorpainting I’m excited to finish. 

Thanks @bfullerfoto for the inspiration! Love your photos.
The #PatchWork #OvenMitts are finished! 🤓 I’ The #PatchWork #OvenMitts are finished! 🤓

I’m so happy that I was able to repurpose @thebrandonpierce Grandmother’s mitts with some of my #FabricStash. ❤️

#handsewnwithlove #handsewn #handsewing #patchworklovers #patchworkdesign #cottagelife #cottagekitchen #sewmuchlove #sewingismytherapy
🧵 My next #handsewn #sewingproject will be reju 🧵 My next #handsewn #sewingproject will be rejuvenating @thebrandonpierce grandmother’s #ovenmitts with a #patchworkquilt look using my #fabricstash. 

I love that they were passed down to us and can’t wait to have them hanging in our #cottagekitchen! 

I’ve never tried #handsewing patchwork on oven mitts before but I have a feeling this #sewingchallenge will be worth it. 🤓

Each time I use them I’ll remember all of the home cooked meals that they helped feed generations of Brandon’s family. ❤️

Sure we could buy new mitts - but I’d rather have these and enjoy the quiet hours spent sewing them remembering a remarkable woman. 

 #sewingismytherapy  #sewinglove #sewmuchlove #handsewnwithlove #handsew #amsewing #sewersgonnasew #sewingfun
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