In business, sometimes we tend to just "put up with" the destructive behaviors of our clients. After all, it has been ingrained in us that "the customer is always right." At times, it is tempting to rationalize bad client behavior, figuring that it's better to have "bad" customers than no customers at all. In reality, though, the opposite is true.

 

As a small business, we are generally lucky that most of our clients are people and companies that we truly enjoy working with. From large international corporations to the mom-and-pop business around the corner, we have been fortunate to have some truly great clients. But we have had our fair share of clients who rightfully deserve to be "fired."

Not really. Sometimes a client can be such a drain on resources, and even employee morale, that firing them is the best decision you can make. When you are forced to do more for less money, or to accept late payments or unrealistic deadlines, you are essentially devaluing your work and yourself. Let's face it: in a service-based business, all you have to sell is your time. And when you are a skilled professional, you need to make sure that your time is valued by those seeking your services. If it is not, then it's time to find those clients who will value your work.

 

Sure, there will always be those clients who try to get a little more for the same amount of money. They figure, "while you're designing that page, can you also show me an option with A, B and C?" This is a main source of frustration for those of us in the "service" sector. Most people would never think to ask the crew remodeling their kitchen to "spruce up the bathroom, too while you're at it. But I don't want to spend any more money."  But with services like design and marketing, it seems there is an education that needs to take place for all existing or potential clients - so that they understand and value the service they receive.

 

I recently read an article about the Top 10 Ways to Fire the Client from Hell. Not only was it informative, but I was able to say I've dealt with at least one client from every category - some clients even fit multiple "offenses."

 

The bottom line is that, even in a tough economy, firing a toxic client can be the healthiest decision for your business.