How to Avoid Client Regret: 9 Signs That You Should Pass on Work
When I started doing graphic + web design work full-time as a freelancer, it never occurred to me that there was such a thing as "client regret."
Avoid bad clients? Nah. There's no such thing, right?!
Money, after all, is money.
(Oh yes, go on. Laugh at my naïveté. I won't be offended.)
Perhaps I can redeem myself by admitting that it didn't take me long to wake me up from my rose-colored world where business owner and client skipped merrily along down the path to glorious pastures of perfectly completed projects, timely payments, and goodwill toward all.
About my third or fourth client in, it was then that I realized: being selective when it comes to clientele is not only perfectly acceptable, it's an act of profound kindness. For yourself and your business, of course, but even for the other person (who deserves to work with somebody fitted toward their unique wants + personality).
We are all pretty good people. I firmly believe that. But not everyone is meant to work together, and not everyone is a fabulous client.
"Sounds reasonable," you say. "But how do I spot a bad client before they BECOME a bad client and I have to see the job through to the bitter, smothering end?"
That's a hard thing to recognize at first, which is why I've compiled the following 9 early warning signs (gleaned from my own experiences in the wild wild west that is solo business ownership). I've also included a couple of word-for-word scripts you can use to say "no" to potential work that exhibits these -- or any other -- red flags.
Before you take on a new client, run through this list first. It helps!
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