How to Deal with Difficult Clients

[Kristijntje]

Most independent web workers have had the experience of trying to work with a difficult client. Perhaps they insist on nitpicking graphics and wording on web pages that they’ve been clearly told are not final. Perhaps they try to dictate which tools you use, or (worse), that you partner with their kid brother “who really needs the experience.” Perhaps they pay their bills late, or call with their latest brainstorm at 3AM. Perhaps they keep adding new requirements to your carefully-scheduled work.

If you haven’t been faced with any of these situations, consider yourself lucky. But if you’re currently in this boat, or worried that you might find yourself there in the future, you have to deal with it. While in extreme cases you might find yourself firing clients, that’s a dangerous thing to do in today’s economy. Here are some strategies that can help you make the best of a difficult client.

1. Always work with a contract...

full article: http://webworkerdaily.com/2008/07/25/dea...#more-3008