How to Deal with Difficult Clients

Difficult clients are a reality that you just cannot wish away. You will get irritated when they call, and you would probably rather be sitting with your mother-in-law than meeting with them, but in most cases, you will have to put up with them unless you can afford to just discard them. So, it is better to learn to deal with such clients and move on with your business.

You should give a patient hearing to what your client has to say. Gently, without showing any signs of irritation, ask him questions to find out what exactly is bothering the client. When the client bursts out, do not lose your calm and interrupt him/her. As long as he is not abusive, listen patiently to what the client’s complaints are all about.

In order to deal with such difficult clients, maintain records of your dealings with them and measures you have taken to deal with their problems. Try to look at things from the perspective of the client, however unreasonable and irrational they might seem. Who knows that the irritating, pestering calls you get from them may well be the manifestation of some stress on their part and have nothing to do with your action at all.

While trying to deal with such problem clients, try to avoid getting into arguments as much as possible. Your objective is to reach an understanding, not to win a battle over you’re your client. So, it will be much more sensible to acknowledge his/her viewpoints as well.

Always try to encourage such a client while dealing with him/her. People often tend to turn hostile when they feel frustrated or confused. A very important factor you must keep in mind is staying calm. If you feel you are not in control of your temper when you are trying to deal with a difficult client, you may wish to terminate the call or meeting until you let the heat out of your system.

It is highly unlikely that you will successfully turn the difficult client into a darling, but you can surely improve matters by identifying one or two of his most atrocious behaviors and making sincere attempts to change them.

There will be times when, in spite of all your troubles, you will feel reluctant to end your dealings with such clients. The reluctance may be due to the amounts of money you’re earning, or the client’s prestige. On such occasions, you will just have to tough it out.

All said and done, some clients are simply not worth the trouble. If things take such a turn that you have to choose between your mental health and your difficult client, it shouldn’t even be a question. You will certainly gain some peace and happiness, never mind losing some money in the process.

Also stay away from any client who tries to involve you in illegal or unethical schemes. It is always easier to not start a relationship at all than to terminate an ongoing relationship. Watch out for warning signs such as potential conflicts of interest or involvement as a precautionary measure.