The Difficult Client

 


As you start your business and have very few clients, you might be tempted to be overly generous with your time and attention.

Anxious to keep your clients happy, you might indulge them too much. But that is a big mistake. Do not tell anyone you are a 

brand new VA. All the clent needs t know is that you can deliver, they don't need to know how long you have been delivering.

Take your business seriously. Set the rules of operation and keep them.

Stick to them and do not allow yourself to be bullied or in any other way pushed, to break them.

It is good to be available, but tactfully let your clients know that you are not available 24/7.

(Remember that you are not a machine, and that you have a life.)

Let your clients know your normal work schedule, and your normal turnaround time. Be very specific and clear.

Tell them jsut how long it will take yo to X, Y and Z for them.

Do not allow clients to call with rush jobs and run your over with the unexpected, ruining your timetable for your other

clients and for your personal life. Learn to say "No" to the ones that irresponsibly want to throw off your schedule, force

you to miss deadlines with other clients and make you look bad. Even if they offer to pay extra, remember that your reputation

with the other clients is at stake and firmly say "No." Do it politely, but be firm about it.

Offer to work with them on a timely basis but let them know that you have other clients waiting for your to deliver your work

and you cannot fail them while you rush this person's work through.

Never allow a client to treat you like dirt.

Always act with calm and professionalism, be confident and polite, but set boundaries.

Never allow disrespectful or unsafe behavior or abusive language.

If a client in any way makes you feel intimidated, end the professional relationship immediately.

If a client questions your professional ability, belittles your performance, denigrates your commitment and denies that the good 

outcomes are due to your hard work and skill, terminate the relationship with that person.

Protect yourself from being bullied in your own business. Stay alert and be careful at all times.

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