Navigating Not-For-You Client Relationships

In episode 2 of the Business of Being Online podcast I spill a bit more tea than planned. My goal was to peel back the layers on something pretty close to my heart: client relationships. Not just any client relationships, though. I’m talking about the ones that test you, push you, and ultimately teach you a thing or two about what you really value in your work.

Navigating the world of unaligned clients isn’t just about dodging bullets. It’s about understanding what makes you tick, what you stand for, and how far you’re willing to go to stay true to that. It’s been a journey of recognizing that not every client that knocks on your door is the right fit for the magical concoction of services you’ve got brewing. And that’s okay.

Here’s the lowdown on what we unpacked:

The Unaligned Client Conundrum

Ever had that gut feeling that a client just isn’t the right fit? Maybe our values were on different pages, or our visions for the project were like apples and oranges. I shared how tackling these unaligned partnerships head-on taught me the importance of trusting my gut and the value of saying “no” – because every “no” to something off-track is a “yes” to yourself and your peace.

Attracting Your People

This part was all about flipping the script. Instead of getting lost in a sea of clients that don’t spark joy, we talked about magnetizing those dreamy clients – the ones that get you, your process, and the vision you have. I discuss the art of crafting your online presence like a beacon, signaling your unique vibe to the kind of clients who’ll not just respect your work but will be jazzed to be part of it.

Setting Boundaries Like a Boss

Boundaries. Oh, how I love thee. We dove into how setting solid boundaries isn’t just about safeguarding your time and energy – it’s about respecting yourself and your work. And guess what? The right clients will respect them too. It’s a two-way street paved with mutual respect and understanding.

Before we wrapped up the episode, we hit on a crucial toolkit every online entrepreneur needs in their arsenal: the ability to spot those red flags before you even start working with someone. You know, those little (or big) signals that scream, “This might not be the smooth sailing you’re hoping for.” Here are a few of my top red flags that have me doing a polite but firm moonwalk out of there:

Red Flag Roundup:

1. Nickle and Diming: Ah, the age-old dance of trying to squeeze every ounce of work out of you without wanting to pay for it. If someone starts counting pennies before we’ve even begun, it’s a sign they don’t truly value the work or understand the investment in quality.

2. Ghosting Discovery Calls: You set a time, you prep your notes, you’re ready to dive deep… and they’re a no-show. If showing up on time is a struggle from the get-go, what does that say about respect and reliability down the line?

3. The “Particular” Client: Now, don’t get me wrong, having standards is great. But when someone leads with how “particular” they are, it often means they’re hard to please and might not trust the creative process. It’s a subtle hint they might micromanage every pixel or comma.

These little clues help me gauge whether a client is likely to be a collaborator who respects and values my work or if they’re potentially a path to project purgatory. Remember, it’s not just about the work you do; it’s about enjoying the process and respecting each other along the way.

The Sweet Spot of Authenticity

Being unapologetically yourself is your superpower. When you show up as the real you, you attract the kind of work and people that align. It’s not about changing to fit a mold; it’s about being so authentically you that your ideal clients can’t help but be drawn in.

Thanks for tuning in, for sharing this journey with me.