How to Nip "The Client From Hell" in the Bud!

Article Date: July 31, 2006

We have all had them.  Clients who hire us, then undermine the relationship by being unavailable, procrastinating, or by not supplying enough information for us to do our job.  Here's a way to nip these problems in the bud.

In your written proposal, include a short section titled "Client Responsibilities."  There, provide a short list that includes such items as "timely supply of necessary data" and/or "availability for bi-weekly conference call."  And, of course, "timely payment of invoices."

Then, when you meet to go through your proposal, be sure to cover this section, including why you have included these elements.  Clients will respect your self-respect and will usually be more sensitive and responsive to these dynamics throughout the course of the relationship.

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