Solo Professionals Ideas

How do you handle a difficult client and when do you know if it's time to let them go? Here are several instances where you may need to consider if the business relationship should continue.

When they stop paying you timely or not at all. If your client has always paid you on time, and their checks start coming in later than usual or not at all, it's time to find out if the problem is their cash flow or you. Either way, think about how much of your time you're willing to give them for free. If they can't afford to pay you, and you continue to work on their project, you are giving away your time. After all, you wouldn't continue to work for a company that stopped giving you paychecks.

If you know for sure they are profitable and have a good cash flow, you may need to realize it's something you're doing that they are not happy with. Then it's time to have a heart to heart talk with them to clear the air and find out how you can solve the problem.

Sometimes it's just a matter of perception- they thought you were doing things one way and they wanted it done another. See if you can improve the relationship by talking things through, and you may salvage the client and get your invoices paid.

When they nickel and dime you to death about your invoices. If your client complains about charges on your bill that previously were agreed on, then again, it could be a misunderstanding or they could be trying to put off paying your bill. If they truly have an issue with your charges, try to find a compromise. However, realize that disputing an invoice is a common way of delaying payment and make sure you don't get caught up in this game.

When their vision and yours are 180 degrees apart. When working on a project for a client, it is possible that both parties have differing opinions on the end goal or how to get there. If they hired you for your expertise, but are now ignoring your suggestions, once again you need to find out why. Did you both have the same plan at the start, but now circumstances have changed that make you have differing goals? Your first step would be to talk it out to see if you both can compromise and come to an agreement as to how the project should be handled.

When they ask you to do something illegal or unethical. If you want to continue to be self-employed, you have to maintain your integrity. If a client insists you to do something you feel is wrong, you are under no obligation to do so. Do not put yourself in the position of being the fall guy, and know that sooner or later an illegal or unethical act will be uncovered. It's not worth the cost of legal fees or the loss of future business to cut corners, falsify records or cheat the system.

As the owner of your own business, make it a point to maintain your integrity for both your clients and yourself. If you are always loyal to your own best interests, you will be successful as an entrepreneur.

?2007 Kathy Swann