The real cost of a bad client
In this blog I will explain the real cost of serving the wrong kind of client.
We have all done it, me included when we get the opportunity to work with someone new we jump at the chance.
A) we need the money and B) We are just glad they picked us.
If they were the right client or not was never a consideration and that was the mistake.
Now do not get me wrong it is not that the client is the problem, it could equally be we are the wrong fit.
By not taking the time to ensure you are a good fit you run the risk of it all going wrong.
When it goes wrong it really goes wrong. And not just on that job but your reputation and and the feedback that they give anyone else about you.
This damage is far more reaching than just with you and that can be a real issue.
To avoid this clear communication is required and a clear setting of expectations. See my blog from yesterday here.
Another cost that comes as a result of having the wrong kind of client is neither you or the client get your best work.
When you don't enjoy the work or the client does not like the work you are doing, you stop putting the extra effort in. under promising and over delivering is no longer the objective and you end up reluctantly doing the bare minimum. This is no good for you nor the client. It is then a case of who is going to say something first.
One of the things are wish I had done when this has happened to me was to say something, everyone knows its not the best role and yet in my case I kept going when it clearly was not he right thing to do. Since then if a similar situation arises its a great opportunity to be honest and suggest you revisit the plan and the reasons to see if they make sense still. Explain that there is something not working and you are keen to get to the bottom of it. If then after further discussions it is clear that it is not going to work you can then exit the project in this best way possible.
One thing I have done since is to introduce someone else that maybe a better fit to solve their problem.
The last thing that happens when you work with the wrong client is your energy levels get sapped. You don't want to get out of bed in the morning and you don't enjoy your work at all. This is a really bad place to get into and can really drag you down. When you don't enjoy your work, nobody wins not you and certainly not the client.
Now I am sure there are times when the client could be the right one but they simply dont let you. Micro management and unrealistic expectations mean that what could have been a great client turns out not to be.
Even if the money is great and the client is a prestigious one, sometimes the best answer is no thank you.
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