Who are we talking about? Sometimes peace of mind is more valuable than money. The same is true when working with clients. Sometimes you come across such “personnel” that it is easier to refuse than to come to an agreement with them. We will tell you by what signs you can recognize such clients.
What to do? Whether to work with such clients or not is a personal matter. But if you decide to do so, take our useful advice into account.
What kind of clients can harm a business?
First, let's figure out how "harmful" clients can be dangerous for a business and a company and why it is better not to work with them.
Instead of profit, such architect data package clients bring only headaches. In the end, it is more profitable not to cooperate with them at all.
They disrupt work deadlines and put the company's business processes at risk.
Distract your staff from really important tasks with their requests, concessions or comments on the results.
So, blacklist these clients and don't work with them.
Types of toxic clients
"They themselves don't know what they want"
Very meticulous at first glance, clients, but, in fact, they themselves simply do not fully understand what they need. Consequently, it will be simply impossible to agree on anything with him.
Signs of an “ignorant” client:
calls regularly and writes endlessly in order to convey to you the essence of the issue;
constantly asks to make some meaningless edits;
he can’t decide on a single service for a long time, weighs all the pros and cons, tries to persuade you to “mix” something individually to suit his needs.
How to work with such clients?
There is no need to be afraid of losing a client.
Clearly define your terms, tell about the products. Work exclusively within these limits.
Limit all communication to calls 1-2 times a week at a certain time of day. Do not respond to voice messages.
Develop scripts for your managers to work with different types of clients.
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Eternal critics
For such clients, everything is wrong. The site is not right, the deadlines are not met, the report is presented in the wrong form, the figures are not shown. Every step is criticized, while the level of one's own expertise may be far from ideal.
Signs of a "critic":
perpetual dissatisfaction with the results of work;
criticizes all previous contractors;
an off-the-scale level of exactingness, he constantly finds fault with every little thing;
focusing exclusively on negative aspects;
likes to give advice on what and how to do;
with his suggestions for amendments he can drive managers to nervous tics.
Critical clients
How to work with such clients?
Stick to your own work regulations.
Demonstrate your expertise and results through digital metrics and indicators.
Conduct all coordination in a “question-answer” mode, otherwise there is a risk of listening to the client’s monologue.
Specify controversial points in the contract, such as “all corrections are at the customer’s expense.”