REASONS TO SAY GOODBYE TO A TOXIC CLIENT
Being your own boss has a lot of perks: you pick your days off, you get to determine your own path, and you can nap midday if you want (15-minute power nap, anyone?!). However, if you’ve been in business for a bit, you may have run into one of the pitfalls of owning your own business: clients that you don’t vibe with. Whether this is literally a toxic client or someone who simply isn’t a good fit, you might have to make tough decisions about letting people go.
Here are some signs that it might be time to let go of that client:
#1 COMMUNICATION IS AN ISSUE
Communication is numero uno when it comes to effectively working with someone. You need to have a clear understanding of the project, be able to ask questions, and be transparent when you might not agree on the direction things are going.
However, having a challenging or toxic client can make this hard. The client might be difficult to contact, or your conversations never stay on topic, no matter how many times you’ve tried to enforce communication protocol. You might also feel like you can’t be transparent with them. Those are red flags, babe.
#2 THEY DON’T RESPECT BOUNDARIES
When you work with people for a long time, the lines between client and friend might get a little blurry. However, a respectful client will always remember that your relationship is professional at the end of the day.
A challenging or toxic client, on the other hand, might not get that. Whether it’s your time or your personal life, they seem to consistently cross the line. This could look like blowing up your email while you’re on vacation, texting you (especially outside your working hours) or DMing you nonstop with questions.
#3 DO YOU TRUST ME?
For many people, their business is their baby, so it makes sense that they hesitate to hand things over. However, if they are wanting to hire, they have to be willing to let go of the reins, right cowgirl? (no pun intended ;))
If you have a client that consistently second guesses your work, tells you that you’re wrong, or hovers over your daily tasks, that sounds like a toxic client. 🚩 You are the expert. If they don’t understand that, it’s not going to work.
#4 THEY AREN’T OPEN TO TRYING NEW THINGS
Because you are the expert, you might challenge some of their preconceived ideas on things. Hey! That’s a good thing, right? It means your business can grow with this new knowledge.
But…not everyone sees it that way. A challenging or toxic client might be resistant to any change, challenge your expertise, or get flat-out upset when you suggest trying something new. In this situation, a VA might be a better option for them.
#5 DEADLINES ARE A SUGGESTION
As a freelancer, you probably have a tight calendar as it is with lots of deadlines to balance. It’s crucial that clients know what their deadlines are and that they deliver on time. There is no greater time suck than constantly hounding someone for materials or moving around projects for a delayed client.
If you have a client that consistently creates issues with your schedule because they see deadlines as a suggestion, then it’s time to cut ties.
I know letting someone go can be awkward and even a little stomach-curling. But if it means keeping your business healthy and preventing burnout, it’s worth it, babe. Leave a comment below of any other red flags that you’ve seen so we can help more biz owners!
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