Someone asked: How would you get rid of a pesky client?

Kick them in the throat. Nah just kidding. :-/

I first try to speak with them in a very calm and honest manner. I let them know that I want the best for their project but I feel that we might be going off track and I want to see how we can get back in the game. My goal is to always find out what went wrong and steer the ship back to it’s original course. If that direction is no longer working, then we need to stop and see if the original plan needs adjusting. Usually if that is the case, I have no problem with letting them know that because we’re changing directions or because we’re doing more than what we agreed to do, there will be extra fees. I give them a few days to think it over and in most cases, they agree that it’s best to stay with the old plan.

Even though it’s challenging, it is an important part of our job is to manage a project so that it doesn’t get out of control. Believe it or not, I’ve even heard some of my clients apologize because they had no idea it was happening until I brought it up.

I have also had some clients that are a tad bit more difficult and unfortunately, no matter how I tried to help or bring things back to what we had originally agreed upon, they want to take control and change the course of the project, most of the time, without paying a cent. In that case, even if we’re in the middle of the project and they have already paid, it is up to me to make a decision. Do I want to continue working with someone that has no respect for my time and experience? Do I get that nasty feeling in my stomach at the sight of one of their emails come through my inbox? Is this causing me unneeded stress? Would I rather keep up with their nonsense just for the money? Asking myself these questions helps me determine whether it’s time to let go, not just of the client, but also letting go part of the money they have paid (depending on your agreed terms), etc.

In the end, we have to take control. We’re the “professionals”. Even though we’re web designers and project management might not be what we are best at, these are really good opportunities to grow in that area of our career.

A good way to avoid these predicaments, even though they are bound to happen from time to time, is to be 100% clear with your client from the very beginning. Lay it all on the table. Be honest, no bull crap. They will appreciate it. It is also a good chance for you to see any red flags early on and determine what you want to do at that point without wasting yours or their time.

Ask me anything.