NOT MY CLIENT!!! LEARNING TO JUST SAY 'NO' TO A HEADACHE CLIENT
I won't design a website for anyone who waves money in my face. No siree. Designing a website is very personal ... it involves working together to create a beautiful and positive online space. I will say 'no' and I say it often. Now, I'm not trying to be a bitch here ... I'm just trying to save myself and this other person from an annoying road that may end poorly.
HAS THIS HAPPENED TO YOU?
Planning a wedding, photographing a wedding ... really ANYTHING involving a wedding is incredibly personal. You are dealing with high emotions and sometimes impossible challenges along the way ... you need to be able to do your job while making your client feel 'stress free' and as if it's all about the romance and not the 'business' of a wedding.
WEDDINGS ARE A BUSINESS??? HUH?
^^ obviously I am being facetious ... of course weddings and events are a business!! But the client must never know!!
SHHHHHHHHHHH
Ok, what's my point. My point is this: SAY NO SOMETIMES!! You have to! If there is a client who right away gives you the 'run, run, run' feels then what do you think WORKING with them for months will feel like?? I don't care if that client has a bagillion dollar budget ... if you get the 'bad, bad, bad' feelings from just an initial consultation with them then you need to decide:
CAN YOU KEEP IT TOGETHER AND WORK WITH THEM?
^^ if the answer isn't automatically YES then you need to pass. Look, I know we all need money to live ... but something I like to remind myself of during these times of 'should I, could I?' with potential client is:
WHAT ABOUT ALL MY EXISTING CLIENTS OR FUTURE CLIENTS THAT I HAVE TO MAKE HAPPY?
If you have a headache client that takes all your energy just to deal with how will you keep your other amazing clients feeling happy and fulfilled? A client who brings you down will affect you in other areas ... you'll be more tired, you'll be edgy, you'll feel underwhelmed about your job ... trust me on this - it's happened to me.
And what happens if things go WAY SOUTH?? You'll be dealing with a 'red flag' client who's pissed off and wants their money back or worse!!
The second I get a feeling that a potential client is going to hound me nonstop during the entire process I say sayonara ... it stings a little because you are saying 'good-bye' to income as well ... but it feels so good to know I avoided 'the ugly' ...
XO~ Heather
