{"id":35722,"date":"2021-09-12T07:08:15","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T11:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/honeybook.site.strattic.io\/?p=35722"},"modified":"2022-07-20T12:40:48","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T19:40:48","slug":"client-conversations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbbadmin.dev.reliablepenguin.com\/blog\/client-conversations","title":{"rendered":"Conversations You Don\u2019t Want to Have With Your Clients But Should"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Wouldn\u2019t it be lovely if every client relationship was all unicorns and rainbows? In a perfect world, our clients would always show up to meetings they’ve set on the online meeting scheduler<\/a>, listen to our advice and respect the boundaries that we set within our companies. But we all know that business (and life) isn\u2019t quite that easy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Every independent professional has had to deal with troublesome clients. Sometimes, those clients are just the way they are and there\u2019s no changing them. Other times, however, you might just need to have a tough conversation to talk things through. It allows your clients to reflect on the client-vendor relationship and decide whether to adjust their behavior or go separate ways. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pro Tip:<\/b> Being upfront about expectations is the key to ensuring clients don\u2019t cross the boundaries and, if they do repeatedly, it provides you with an opportunity to dissolve the agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, it is difficult for many of us to be firm and stand up for ourselves and our businesses. But it\u2019s <\/span>so<\/span><\/i> vital to the integrity of your brand. People will treat you the way you let them treat you, which is why it\u2019s so critical to set clear boundaries early in the relationship. Here are a few tips to help navigate those difficult conversations with grace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Define Your Boundaries<\/h2>\n

This looks different for every business owner, so sit down and get clear on what is acceptable to you and what is not. If you have a team, bring them into this discussion as they may be able to lend insight about client interactions that you have not experienced firsthand. <\/span><\/p>\n

Be Crystal Clear in the Contract<\/h2>\n

Your contract may help you get through a tough conversation, but ultimately, it\u2019s more of a preventative measure. When you\u2019re clear about what is permissible and what is not, you are setting clear expectations upfront. I recommend putting these guidelines on one of the first pages of your contract. Clients may not read past the first few pages of your online contract<\/a>, so include this important information at the beginning to ensure it won\u2019t be missed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Be firm and state what will happen if the lines are crossed, including the forfeiture of their non-refundable deposit. Every client has the right to refuse services if they disagree with any part of your contract and it\u2019s better that happens upfront than to find out it\u2019s not a fit once you\u2019ve already started working together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Embrace Self-Awareness and Question Your Expectations<\/h2>\n

Sometimes, it can become a habit to instinctively say \u2018no\u2019 to something that falls outside of your expectations. We all get caught up in our ways, but flexibility is still an essential quality for business owners, particularly service providers. Don\u2019t jump straight to a \u2018no\u2019 and, instead, listen to what your clients are asking. Maybe it is something that you won\u2019t budge on, which is perfectly fine. But, in some cases, you might find that you need to be a bit more open-minded. It can help to get a third-party opinion if you can, as someone outside of the situation will have an objective view of both sides of the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Walk Away<\/h2>\n

Your self-worth and brand integrity are far more valuable than a single online invoice<\/a>, so don\u2019t hesitate to pull the plug if you feel that a client has consistently disrespected you and your team. If you know in your gut that a client is not a fit, you have to let them go. Ultimately, it will be better in the long run for both parties. You will spend your time working with someone who respects your boundaries and the client will find a new vendor who better aligns with their expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, you don\u2019t want to let a situation get to a point where you have to dissolve the agreement. Here are a few recommendations to prevent this: <\/span><\/p>\n