How to say no to emotionally draining clients
Client relationships are intimate. And so getting stuck with a client that isn’t the right fit is, as Odette Barry puts it, horrific. Here, she explains why and how she’s learnt how to say ‘no’.
We can make anything look good. That’s how we roll, right? Here in the depths of PR and digital marketing agency land, we can polish products, sharpen services and master messaging so that mediocre services become high-end, and questionable thought leaders emerge as supreme experts in their field.
But should we?
We’re a small agency, built from the ground up, our foundations firmly formed on sleepless nights and fast-paced days. At least, that’s how it was when we felt the need to say ‘yes’ to every offer of work that came our way.
Some people aren’t afraid to ask for unreasonable things (either the request per se or the amount they are willing to pay for it). Such people are to be avoided at almost all costs.
If you don’t have the option to fire your customers… you do have my sympathy.
I am always blown away by what people are willing to ask/demand and do. I only wish that I had learned sooner to read the signs! It certainly is a privilege to pick and choose our clients – I’m with you on the sympathy for those that are not in the position to do so.
Well said, Odette! The gut is always right. Emotionally draining clients from an unrealistic demand, expectation or even attitude perspective are no good for anyone. It’s amazing to me how often things like unpaid bills, condescending conversations and toxic relationships go on between clients and consultants in this industry, it shouldn’t be the norm.
It is disappointing that this is so often the case, but I think that we are fortunate to be in a position to be okay to say no.
It’s the early years that are the hardest to do this, clawing for opportunities and income too often means some sacrifices on values and boundaries!
Hopefully these sorts of conversations will give courage to others in the early stages of business to chuck those rotten eggs in the bin and realise that the lost $ is better use of their time and future income.
Well done Odette – so great to have watched your journey from afar! Congratulations.
Oh thank you Joss – you were always a beautiful and kind leader in the workplace. I hope you’re well x