Many times relationships start out OK, but then sour. Sometimes it’s easiest to just keep trudging along. If a profitable client is hard to work with it can be tough to say good bye to their revenues. But let me share why I think it’s good riddance:
- They drain you emotionally. People who are mean, disrespectful, full of negative energy, etc. just eat away at our own personal happiness. Even if you like the work, or like the money, don’t overlook the drain of positive energy from your own heart and soul.
- They are NOT generating as much revenue as you think. You may assume it’s clear, you worked 10 hours and got paid for 10 hours. But because of the emotional drain, you generally spend a lot of un-billable time doing things like: complaining about them, questioning your own skills, protecting yourself with excessive paper trails and backups, defending invoices, etc. All of this is taking you away from revenue earning projects.
- They can ruin your confidence. A toxic client can question your actions and tear down your self-esteem. You can start to question the quality of your work, your pricing, your behaviors. An entrepreneur, freelancer or business owner cannot spend time at this pity party.
- You’ll be more productive without them. This is real reason to let them go. Spend the time finding better clients to work with. Clients and customers who respect you.
A bit about our guest blogger: Emily Brackett is president of Visible Logic, Inc. Established in 2001, Visible Logic is a graphic design firm that works across all media—including web sites, logos, print materials, annual reports and book design. Based in Portland, Maine, Visible Logic builds complete
branding systems and designs individual projects for clients across the U.S. You may reach Emily or learn more at: www.visiblelogic.com
2 comments:
Laurelle, I love this blog post! Toxic clients are time draining, energy sucking, emotional vampires. It's essential to set yourself free from them, and understand that in doing so, you make room for healthier and happier clients to arrive. Love that!
Laurelle, Thank you for giving the givers of services & products, proper bounderies and acknowledgement of professional self-respect! Dont run across many "toxins" with Arbonne, product or otherwise, but I must say, if a client or potential client is "toxic", I just let them wrinkle! Have a beautiful day!
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