Letting Go of “D” (Difficult) Clients

“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” - Mahatma Gandhi 

I wish I had a nickel for every time one of my clients told me that they had a client that was driving them crazy and they were afraid to let them go because they didn’t want to lose their business. Enough already! 

Listen up folks. Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for awhile, makes no difference when it comes to saying goodbye to a client who is not a good fit for you. As long as you allow the dollar allure of a client to dominate your business, you will never be free. You must always remember that you run your business, not your clients. You can’t run a successful business if you’re constantly living in fear. If you do, you give away your power and your integrity. And who wants to live like that? 

I’m certainly not suggesting that you give less than stellar service to those difficult clients. I’m just telling you that you don’t have to be a doormat and ‘put up’ with people who do not value your time, effort, or offerings. 

Here are 4 sure-fire ways that can help you determine when it is time to let those “D” clients go. 

1. When they start telling you how to run your business. This one is pretty self-explanatory. If that confused client starts telling you how you should be doing your job, then it’s obvious that they don’t believe in your worth. Offering free advice is one thing – telling you how to conduct your business is another. 

2. When you allow them to take away your integrity because of fear of loss of income. If you find yourself clenching your jaw while saying ‘yes’ to your client’s demands, then this is a sure sign you’re agreeing to work with them solely for the money. Yes, money is important, and yes, you need clients to generate income, but if you’re grinding your teeth and having trouble sleeping at night because Mr. or Ms. “X” asked you to do something that goes totally against your integrity, then it’s time to part company. 

3. When you start agreeing to things that aren’t in keeping with your core values. When a client tells you that you ‘have’ to do something that you know in your heart of hearts is wrong, let them go. Your core values are what allows you to hold your head up high and be proud of the work you do. There’s a distinct difference between butting heads over which way is the right way to do a task and doing something that may lurk around the fringes of being illegal or immoral. If what they’re asking you to do causes you to experience fear, then say adios. 

4. When they abuse your time and expertise. Everyone who is in business will eventually have one of these types of clients. You know, the “I’ll only take a minute of your time” people who then chew up the better part of an hour getting free expertise from you. Time is money and giving away a large chunk of your business hours to chit-chatters isn’t going to increase your bank account anytime soon. Asking for an occasional favor is fine – it’s when those favors turn into lost billable hours that it becomes a problem. If your clients don’t show respect for your time, then they most likely don’t respect your business either. 

I’m certainly not telling you to get rid of all clients who occasionally rub you the wrong way. I’m talking about the perennial abusers – those who nitpick, complain about your invoices or rates, call you every hour on the hour and whine about their latest beef with you etc. As my good friend says, these are the people you need to let go and ‘free up their future’ so they can move on and find someone who is better suited to their needs and personality. 

Life is short people. Take action to let your “D” (Difficult) clients go to make room for the “A” List clients who will come once you’ve let go of the old. Your brain, (and nervous system!), will thank you for it!