5 Ways to Deal With Difficult Clients

Managing relationships with your clients can be one most difficult aspects of transitioning to the independent workforce. Even if you are a seasoned independent professional, you may find yourself in a frustrating situation where your client relationship becomes strained, leaving you unsure of the next steps.

When working closely with a client on a project that is of high importance to them, an extended deadline, mismatched expectations, or a disagreement on strategy can cause tension. Here are five ways to handle common consultant-client relationship roadblocks.

1. Refer to Your Contract

As the first step of your partnership, you and your client must have a detailed contract in place. The contract should outline the specific work you will be producing, the timeline for the work, and the exact amount of compensation.

When a client asks you to add 20 minutes of work here, or an extra round of edits there, beware of scope creep. These little favors can quickly add up to a lot of additional work. If you’re asked to perform above and beyond the terms of your original negotiated contract, simply refer the client back to it and discuss appropriate extra charges for additional tasks. This will allow you to finish the project as originally discussed and help you avoid being undercharged for the value you provide.

2. Maintain Weekly Updates

When working with a difficult client, communication is of the utmost importance. For example, if a client is constantly checking in to ask about the status of a project, set communication boundaries by establishing a set schedule. Let the client know you will update them via phone or email on a specific day of the week and then follow through. They will gradually learn to trust you more and worry a little less.

3. Track Your Interactions

Occasionally, a client may try to veer off course from what you’ve verbally agreed on. Whenever possible, get agreements in writing and then save email or chat exchanges. If you speak with a client on the phone, send a follow-up email to confirm what you discussed. These documents will serve as proof of what you’ve agreed to and will help keep your project on course.

4. Maintain Mutual Respect

Finding the perfect consultant-client match where you have a mutual agreement about everything is rare. Remember, both you and your client bring different ideas and perspectives to the relationship.

For example, if you have a client who is technologically adverse, it can be easy to get frustrated—especially if you’re used to communicating by email. Rather than patronizing a client who has trouble using technology, take time to walk them through necessary procedures and be sure to ask for input on their area of expertise. It’s quite likely that you can both learn a lot from each other.

5. Know When to Walk Away

Although it’s usually best to try and negotiate with clients and work out your problems, sometimes you have to cut your losses and walk away. If attempts at a compromise have been unsuccessful, or if a project or client is truly not the right fit for you, it is okay to move on if you do so respectfully. Prioritizing your business and your reputation will be better for your career in the long run.