Whether you’re a business owner, a freelancer or an employee, you will have definitely run into at least one client that you wish you’ve never met.
While some people can just weed out clients to avoid, others seem to just attract them like moths to a flame. If you find yourself in the latter, don’t worry, there’s hope.
We’ve been in a brainstorming session that ended with a discussion being open on the type of clients we’ve encountered, and from that discussion, we’ve managed to gather up some tips for you on how to identify clients to avoid, and how you can prevent them from becoming a drain on your resources, your time, and your business.
Here are different to avoid and we’ve missed some traits that will help you identify them
#1 Those who haggle for the sake of it
One of the first client to avoid is the type of person who’s just going to continually hassle through you to lower your prices. Most people will ask for a discount, there is nothing wrong with that.
But the person who persistently haggles doesn’t value you, and it’s impossible to believe that they ever will. While you will meet some exceptions, most who aren’t willing to pay for your service simply don’t want to do so because they don’t think it’s worthwhile. So dealing with the time and energy spent with this type of client, to make one sale, when repeat business is unlikely, just turns you into a charity case.
#2 The time wasters
In business, time is money and your business will regularly depend on your ability to maximize your time efficiency. One of the next clients to avoid is the one that never seems to never decide. Spotting this type of client will help you save so much wasted time. It can help you increase your productivity and make the most of the limited hours you have in every day. Don’t squander your time trying to convince someone that your product or service is worth their time.
#3 The Energy drainers
On top of the time-wasters another client to avoid on the energy drainers. Unfortunately, one of the most salable and valuable traits of any successful entrepreneur is their ability to communicate. They also have a level of patience to deal with uncooperative and uncommunicative clients. This type of client will use a range of different tactics from verbal abuse to persistent passive-aggressiveness. Their negativity and sometimes be outrageous and these can soak up your positive energy if you spend too much time on them.
#4 The Gamophobic clients(Fear of commitment)
The longer you spend in the business, the more clients you’ll meet who are just shopping around. Identifying these clients early on will help you avoid spending too much time and energy on Gamophobic clients. Shopping around is common, f you’re the first company on their list, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to convince them to make any significant commitment. Leave them in a good impression this will encourage them to return at a later date, but don’t waste your time, as they will never make a commitment.
#5 In love with the sound of their own voice
Last but not least, the last clients to avoid the persistent complainers and criticizers. Remember, there are some people in this world that you will never satisfy. Identifying them and not wasting your time trying to make them happy is important. Not that negative feedback should be ignored focus on whether it’s valid and make any improvements that are needed. However, don’t waste your time by trying to satisfy everybody I’m getting involved in and debates with people who are just habitual moaners.
