If you have worked for yourself as a freelancer or run a business then you’ve probably encountered unhappy clients.

You know the ones I’m talking about. The ones who aren’t happy with your work, or try to get your service for cheaper, or find ways to complain.

Unfortunately this just comes with business, especially if you run a services based business.

 

HAVE YOU EVER…

Finished a phone call with a new client and felt that you have build a good relationship?

Felt really excited and confident about helping out this new client?

Then suddenly you get that diminishing email with them complaining about how unhappy they are with work you have done?

Your stomach drops. Your heart beats faster. Your mind racing wondering what you did wrong! You start to doubt yourself and your abilities.

 

GIRL, STOP RIGHT NOW!

 

Before you begin the vicious cycle of ‘I’m not good enough’ let’s just establish why clients can be unhappy.

1. Maybe they weren’t our ideal client in the first place
2. Somewhere along the way there was a miscommunication/misunderstanding
3. Expectations were not met

 

When you find yourself in this position, here are some steps on how to best deal with unhappy clients.

 

1. Don’t take it personally

I know that this is probably one of the hardest things to do right now. But I also know that your mind is probably racing with negative self talk and we can’t be having that!

So instead say to yourself:

• This does not make not good enough 
• This does not make me wrong
• This does not make me a bad person
• This does not reflect my craft/service
• This does not make me a failure 

Like I said before, this is inevitable with business. With every happy client you will have unhappy clients too.

 

 

2. PAUSE.

When you receive an email that makes you feel defeated and maybe even angry the worst thing you could possibly do is reply. Just don’t do it!

Just pause. Take a deep breath. Walk away from your computer and go somewhere quiet.

 

 

3. Think it through

Find somewhere where you can be alone and spent some time feeling all of the emotions and identify the thoughts coming up. Writing this down could be beneficial.

How do you feel? Why do you feel this way? What thoughts are coming up?

What went wrong with you and your client? How can it be fixed?

But most importantly, try seeing this from your client’s perspective.

How are they feeling and why? What would make them feel better about the situation?

Seek compassion. Remember that everyone is going through their own struggles and can easily reflect this onto you and your business.

Release your negative emotions and negative ‘truths’ that you keep replaying in your head.

 

 

4. Find a solution

Now you understand more, try and find a solution that helps both of you.

This is the time in entrepreneurship when you have to learn between:

• admitting you made a mistake and owning up to it
• swallowing your pride and bending to make your client happy
• stand up for yourself and fight your ground

It’s completely up to you, but you have to think about the consequences. At the end of the day, how are you going to fix the problem and make sure the solution benefits you both?

 

 

5. Acceptance & Release

Sometimes people can be bitter and either write a bad review or badmouth you or just don’t speak to you again. Sometimes there is bad blood. As long as you have taken the high ground and are staying professional, then that’s all you can do. You can’t control other people’s behaviour or perception of you.

Accept that you have done your best and release the fear, doubt or negativity that the other person holds.

 

 

6. Think of it as a learning curve

See this as a learning experience and find ways to improve your business. Did you make a mistake? Learn what to do better.

Don’t be hard on yourself. You are not a failure and over time you’ll learn to deal with unhappy clients better and even increase the amount coming your way.

 

Little note to the entrepreneurs:

Don’t let an unhappy client make you doubt yourself or your abilities. You are doing an amazing job and have so many people to help. Stay true to yourself, do what feels right. Keep going, striving, serving and making the world a better place. You got this and I support you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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