Got a difficult client on your hands? Here’s how to deal without losing your cool
When you are a freelancer, your job is a client-facing one. In many conventional, permanent roles, you can avoid them and let the higher-ups do the talking. But when you are your own boss, you are handling the client’s wants and needs on your own. And while some of them will be a breeze to work with (prompt feedback, listening to your ideas and trusting your judgement), others might test your patience and make you question your life — and career — choices.
It’s a tricky and unpleasant situation that all freelancers either have dealt or will at some point deal, with. But it doesn’t have to get out of control and cause you sleepless nights. Here are four ways to handle it.
1. Be clear on deliverables
Before you even do a stitch of work for a new client, you should really have a contract in place. Before you sign it, make sure that you and the client are on the same page when it comes to what is expected of you. This way you have it down in black and white, and can refer back to it if you feel as though it is being breached or that the client is overstepping the mark.
2. Flag issues early
Have questions or concerns about the work, your role, your responsibilities or your deadline? Speak up, and do so sooner rather than later. Have a calm chat with the client and let them know what you are worried about or flag any issues you foresee down the line. This way both parties are able to make a plan of how to tackle the project going forward.
3. Communicate regularly
Is the project you are working on a long-term one? Then it’s good form to keep the client in the loop and updated as to where you are in the process. This can be via a weekly email or a phone call. This can also serve as an opportunity to remind them of anything outstanding on their side, such as sign-offs or approval, that you might need in order to meet your deadline.
4. If necessary, walk away
Just like in our personal lives, business relationships can also be — or become — toxic. This is why it’s important to be able to see when it’s time to call it quits. This is a rare occurrence but, if it becomes impossible to work with or produce good work for them, it’s best that you resign from your contract (while, of course, offering to stay on top of things until they have found a suitable replacement). Good luck!
