This Deal is Done.

Have you ever worked with a client that was sucking the life out of you? 

IMD is all for going the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction – even the cranky ones. Kill them with kindness, sure. But not to the point that it is killing you.

A quick story: I was in the thick of it, designing a website. This difficult client presented ever-changing visions, 20-item daily re-do needs and absolutely unrealistic expectations regarding timeframe. I was working like crazy (far over my proposed hours), losing money and completely unhappy. This business relationship needed to end. I sent them a letter, tactfully referred them elsewhere and offered them a full refund. 

You know this one, right? You can’t please everyone, but you’ve got to please yourself.

It’s never an easy decision, but it may be time to cut ties if: 

You and your client are continuously butting heads

You are unable to come to agreements, large and small

There is little or no compromise 

Your client is not taking your professional advice

You are miserable, and see no way to ensure satisfaction

If you’ve done everything you can, yet no one is satisfied – refer the client with professionalism to others that provide your service, end the relationship and save your sanity. 

Bottom Line: Sometimes the only way to deal with a difficult client is to declare: This Deal is Done. 

*By the way, the above-mentioned difficult client… contacted IMD six months later. After trying two other companies – with no success – they had to reexamine their expectations and tactfulness. IMD took the project back on, and blew them away with their amazing website!