10 Client From Hell Traits
We’ve all had them… clients we’re sure are from hell! With the help of a wonderful group of business owners, executives, and marketing professionals, I’ve put together a list of 10 client from hell traits — red flags — to watch for as you’re meeting talk with prospects.
Clients from hell traits:
— don’t understand the agreements they make or sign
— spend more time training them on matters they said they understood
— exhibit or tell you stories about ways they’ve been unethical or their dishonest behaviors
— expect you to create proposal (paperwork, etc.) immediately, but getting them to follow up is a big chore
— don’t have the authority to make a decision (even though they said they did)
— don’t know what they need and waste your time “on a fishing expedition”
— don’t have a budget for your services
— have unrealistic expectations…champagne taste on a beer budget
— don’t pay you on time
— agree to your level of service for their situation but expect higher levels of service
Mindset Change Helps Define Your Ideal Client
If you find yourself surrounded by clients from hell, then it’s time to change your mindset. It starts with becoming aware of the traits of your client from hell — you know, the one whose voice you don’t want to hear on the other side of the phone.
Take out a piece of paper and put a line down the middle of the page so that you have two columns. Then follow the steps below.
Changing Your Client Radar
Step 1
Create your client from hell profile on the first 1/2 of a piece of paper. That’s a list of attributes YOUR clients from hell have exhibited.
Step 2
Turn each negative around.
Step 3
Tear the negative attributes up and burn the paper (it’s so healing).
Are you ready to become the obvious choice for your ideal clients? Defining a niche, delving deeply into who YOUR ideal clients really are, segmenting your client base, and creating a Go/No-Go List you (and your team, family and strategic partners) can use helps firms save money and market smarter. Discover more here
TELL US…
What attributes have your clients from hell had? Add to this list by commenting below.
(c) 2022 Maria Marsala REV 2011, 2016
About The Author
An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. For 25 years, Maria streamlined Fortune 500 companies, nurtured non-profits, and discovered her niche—mentoring women CEOs and executives. Armed with corporate secrets and life coach credentials, Maria founded Elevating Your Business to help female financial professionals live better using her proprietary brand of consultative-coaching. Contact Maria today and take the first step toward freedom, full-fillment, and a sparkling quality of life! Contact me now!
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