How to turn down non-ideal clients

Today’s system is how you can identify a non-ideal client when she walks in your virtual doors.

It happens to all of us — as you continue to market your business and expand your influence, you’ll get interest from a wide variety of people who want to work with you. Sometimes this is super exciting and you’ll be thrilled to take on a new project or work with the people and companies they represent.

Other times, how can I say, it will feel like torture! So if you only want to work with awesome clients who you’re excited to talk to and support, then there are some simple ways to identify the bad clients.

First, take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side write the positive character traits of your ideal client and on the other, the negative traits. This might look a little bit like:

• Shows up for calls on time and ready to work vs. forgets about appointments and frequently asks to reschedule.
• Responds to emails within 24 hours vs. ignores emails or replies in fragments instead of complete thoughts.

Take some time to think through your experiences with your favorite, and not so favorite clients, to make your own list. And if you haven’t worked with many clients yet, expand your thoughts to the type of people you enjoy being around.

Second, identify some warning signs for non-ideal clients or, as I call them, “problem child clients.”

Again you can think about the past clients or friends and try to remember the first sign that something wasn’t working for you.

For example, if you want clients who show up for their appointments on time, then invite leads to a discovery call. If they don’t arrive on time or come prepared, then it could be a sign for you to heed.

Maybe personal responsibility is one of your core values; it would be wise to ask leads why things haven’t worked out in the past and listen closely to their response for any blame shifting or excuses.

Third, go with your gut. Now, I know this isn’t easily quantifiable and it can be really difficult if you’re in your head a lot. But when you have a new lead for your business, especially if you’re a service-based business, then consider how excited you are and what makes you excited.

Sometimes you’ll get really excited because… it’s a boost in income or a big name client. Other times it’s because the work is interesting or the people you get to work with are great. Hopefully you’ll be thrilled to take on a client because the work is interesting and it’s good income and the client is awesome and has a great reputation.

If just one of these elements is present, consider that they might not be a great client, even if it’s great money.

Turning down work is always challenging but with some practice and faith that ideal clients are out there and you just need to reach them, you will have a practice full of amazing people and projects that give you joy and energy instead of headaches.

Share in the comments the type of client YOU want to work with in your own business.