Don't Get Burned: 5 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Potential Clients
In business, as it is in our personal lives….we won't mesh well with everyone. It's even more critical as business owners or entrepreneurs that we analyze the clients we bring on and have an honest conversation with ourselves on whether they are a good fit or not! Now, this doesn't mean that you'll always be in a position to say NO to taking them on, but at least you'll have an idea of what you're getting yourself into…so that you can set working expectations and processes up in a way that suits you both best! Here's a few warning signs to watch out for:
They demand you respect their time, but lack respect for yours
Having clients no doubt means you'll have meetings and deadlines, on both sides. If you have a client that refuses to stick to deadlines on a frequent basis it's a red flag. If you have a client that ignores the boundaries you've set regarding how you communicate with one another to complete tasks, it's a red flag. This can lead to resentment in the working relationship and some passive aggressiveness on your part.
To reduce the risk of this occurring, set expectations with your clients early on as it relates to communication methods and timelines to reschedule meetings to ensure both parties have proper consideration if adjustments need to be made. Be flexible with infrequent mishaps, but if you notice a pattern occurring, you may want to revisit the “expectations” conversation with them.
Everything is urgent or due yesterday
I'm an advocate for the all hands on deck method of working when we have something dropped on our lap last minute….on occasion. That said, it's important that our clients are able to distinguish what's a reasonable timeline based on project requirements and what's an impossible timeline based on project requirements. For anyone dealing with clients who frequently have unrealistic timelines for you to complete projects….it might be time to have a hard conversation or part ways.
They belittle the skill it takes to do the work you do, to avoid paying your rates
You ever have those conversations when you're pitching a new prospective client to hire you and they give you the good 'ol “yeah it's not that hard to do this, I just don't have time”, yeah….I'm sure you've been there. These clients often are the same ones that will try and haggle you so low on your rates, while still wanting premium paying clients work effort from you. This is a major red flag and I'd encourage you to be extremely cautious with this type of client. It can lead to micro managing working relationships which could yield resentment and lack of motivation to do your best work for them. Don't tarnish your own working reputation for the few dollars they'll pay you….walking away from this type of client might be the best financial decision you could make.
They don't have a clear idea of what they want
This type of client can be coached into figuring out a pathway to identify what it is they are looking for, but tread cautiously. If you take on this type of client it can be mentally taxing trying to help them figure out what might work best for them. On the other hand, if they give you free reign to handle things as you see fit, it could be one of the more freeing working partnerships you have….which you will cherish! It's important to clarify expectations with the client to reduce any friction points that could arise.
They speak poorly about past work partners
In pitch meetings with prospective clients, it's important that we identify what they feel their past working partnerships were like with the person(s) they've previously hired. It's extremely important that you LISTEN WELL to what they say and how they say it. They will usually tell you exactly how they are likely to speak about you when your working partnership is over. So if the feedback from the prospect is that multiple others were difficult to work with and they make no caveats to mention they might have had fault in some part(communication efforts, expectation issues, etc.) it's a HUGE red flag.
And remember, you can always do your own research of their past working relationships, they are not just deciding whether to work with you…you are deciding whether you want to work with them as well. Trust your gut and always prioritize your well being and what's best for your business!
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