6. Avoid or manage the borderline personality client with caution.
You’ve probably met a prospective or actual client with an ego and demands that match his or her bank account.
Consider carefully whether you sign on with or continue with clients who make unreasonable demands, frequently question your analysis or advice, refuse to communicate properly, or have fired or speak negatively about your peers.
Remember that a client prone to irrational or furious behavior will eventually aim his or her rage toward you, no matter how careful you have been to deliver the best service possible.
If you continue working with such a customer, it is more critical than ever to follow things six through ten on this list.
Communicating effectively, recording your advice, and deferring difficult decisions to the client can all help to reduce client complaints, whether or not they are justified.
7. Run, don’t walk, away from unsavory clients.
Even more terrible than the furious or illogical client is the client who requests, or you worry will ask, that you participate in professional misconduct.
Regardless of a client’s requirements, design professionals must adhere to specific criteria.
Furthermore, nasty clients may subject you to more than just a professional negligence case or grievance proceedings; any fraudulent or criminal activity the client engages in with your knowledge may be held against you.
When the prospective financial rewards are high, it is tempting to ignore the “warning bells” in your thoughts.
When this happens, remind yourself that, whatever the potential rewards, the hazards are likely to be considerably greater, and can involve:
- Grievance defense.
- A protracted and expensive malpractice prosecution.
- Even the loss of your license.
If a customer continues on an unethical, dishonest, or unsuitable course of conduct despite your advice, end the partnership immediately.
Do not prioritize your interests over those of your clients or one client’s interests over those of another.
