How to deal with difficult clients is something every business owner has to face. I talked with Marlaya Ross of Studio One Nine Design about her client challenges and what to do about it.
Watch the video below for more:
The framework:
- As I apply to my own life when confronted with an issue I want to solve, I go to: I.P.S.S. That is, Intention, Plan, Systems and Support.
- Marlaya and I talked for just 30 minutes and we came up with her next steps.
Intention
- Starting with intention, Marlaya talked through her best case scenario with this specific client challenge. It’s always important to start with the end in mind! Setting your intention is important, even when going through how to work with difficult clients.
Plan
- Although Marlaya has a contract, we identified she was missing a few things. One of them was pretty crucial; a clause that states what would happen if a client decided to downgrade their level of service. I encourage you to add clauses like these into your own contracts as it leaves no grey area if something is not going according to plan.
- Timely client feedback is crucial in Marlaya’s interior design business, so we talked through implementing a timeline of what will happen and when, if a client does not communicate in a timely manner.
- One of the key things in learning how to deal with difficult clients is communication. A phone call followed up with an email is best, especially if you find yourself going back and forth several times over an issue.
Systems
- Systems are the next steps and is very important. We identified a couple of systems for Marlaya to implement during this time, including her updated contract.
Support
- And because we’re not figuring out how to deal with difficult clients alone, we talked through what support looks like for Marlaya.
- I also suggested journaling for her, since it was so helpful for me when learning how to deal with difficult clients. Journaling helps me get out of “panic mode” in my head. I can write down all of the swirling thoughts in my head and “talk” to myself on paper in a more realistic and calmer way.
Now over to you:
- If you’d like to learn more about Marlaya, click here!
- Have an issue you would like to be mentored about, then sign up for one of my free mentoring sessions! All sessions will be aired live in the I am Beautiful…the Movement Facebook group. This is a private group full of supportive persons who will hold space for you as we work through your issue together. I have very limited sessions in October. Click here to grab your free mentoring session.
- My upcoming program, HabitShift365: Empowering Women For Lasting Change is almost here. Get what you desire with my proven method – Plan, Systems and Support. The launch date is almost here – October 6! Click here to learn more about this program that’s all about results!
- Get in touch and sign up for my FREE training: 3 Keys To Living a Life of MORE. Click here to do that (it’s FREE!)
As always, huggin’ you up…
Esha
About Esha: Esha Herbert-Davis is the Carnivalista in Chief of the Carnivalista Lifestyle. While traveling to see 5 out of 7 continents, she has unlocked her self love and teaches others to do the same. She’s passionate about loving yourself through amazing travel. To learn more, visit her website: click here.