Introduction
Freelancing comes with its own quirks; while being your own boss is sweet, navigating difficult clients can be overwhelming. No two clients are the same. You may have been coming across sweet-natured clients all the while, only to meet one that is quite difficult. Putting you in such a tight environment may cause you to react, rather than respond, but knowing how to manage this would help you in your journey. Dear freelancers, let’s jump right into it!
Definitions of a Difficult Client
The word ‘Difficult client’ is simple to understand, but not all difficult clients behave the same way. Here are different definitions of who a difficult client may be:
- The Micromanager: This client breathes down your neck and demands constant updates and revisions. Solution: Set clear communication boundaries, define deliverables specifically, and stick to them.
- The Perfectionist: This difficult client never sees excellence in anything. No draft is ever good enough, and feedback feels like nitpicking. Solution: Focus on providing exceptional work, but don’t be afraid to push back on unreasonable requests.
- The Ghost: These ones could disappear for days, then reappear with urgent demands. Solution: Establish communication expectations upfront and politely follow up whenever they disappear.
- The price slasher: These clients are not ashamed to bargain for literally anything, and they try to squeeze every penny. Solution: Know your worth, be firm on your rates, and highlight the value you bring to the table.
How to deal with difficult clients
Now that we know the various definitions of who difficult clients are, knowing how to deal with them would keep you from being frustrated for a long time, unmotivated, and tired of what you do. Here are proven ways to deal with such clients:
- Clear communication is paramount: Clearly define project scope, deadlines, pay, and communication protocols in writing.
- Listen attentively and be proactive: Make sure to actively listen to your clients. Empathize with their concerns, then address them openly, and make sure to regularly update clients on progress. Also, anticipate their needs. Don’t wait to always be told what to do.
- Document and record everything: keep record of basically anything, from agreements, to conversations, and any change to avoid misunderstanding.
- Set strict boundaries: Establish working hours and stick to them. Learn to say no to things that are not within your job description, so you don’t overload yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away: If a client consistently violates your boundaries or is toxic towards you, don’t be afraid to end the relationship professionally. But before you quit, make sure to have another job at hand, so you don’t just start searching all over again with nothing to sustain you.
- Maintain your professionalism: Don’t engage in emotional responses or act in an unprofessional manner out of frustration. Remember that you are a business.
- Seek support: Talk to fellow freelancers or a mentor and join communities that would give you guidance on other ways to go about specific challenges.
- Learn from each experience: Learn to analyze what went wrong, how to better react, and then adjust your approach for future clients.
Bonus Tip: Invest in client screening. During initial consultations, identify red flags and politely decline projects that seem like a mismatch.
Conclusion
Dealing with difficult clients could be very emotional. It’s important that you protect your mental health during that period. As difficult as they can be, they are roadmaps to your success. Dear Freelancer(s), don’t give up so soon!
Dr. Temitope Olukenle-Okeeseyin,
Founder, University of Freelancing.
https://universityoffreelancing.org/how-to-stay-motivated-and-inspired-as-a-freelancer/
https://copyposse.com/blog/the-ugly-truth-about-freelancing-how-to-deal-with-difficult-clients/
