Nov 19, 2021 2 min read Entrepreneurship

Eight Red Flags to Recognize a Bad Client

We all have horror stories about clients who made us want to curse the heavens and rain down fire on them for the sleepless nights, stress, and the loss of hair they induced. But how do you spot them before it gets out of hand?

Determining whether a prospect will be a bad client can be tough.

We all have horror stories about clients who made us want to curse the heavens and rain down fire on them for the sleepless nights, stress, and the loss of hair they induced.

If only there were a way to know a prospect would make a bad client BEFORE they become a client! Actually, there is — and it involves putting aside your focus on the amount of revenue they might bring in and looking for some signs in the discovery process.

The red flags are there. We often don't want to see them because we're focused on the dollar signs. Trying to determine if a prospect will be a bad client?

Look for these Red Flags —> 🚩

1. Personalities Don't Match

If you don't get along personality wise during the discovery phase, you won't get along when they are a client. Personality matches matter.

2. Shows Up Late

Are they showing up late to discovery and proposal review calls? Don't expect that change if they become a client. It shows that they:

Have time management issues
Don't respect your time
Likely won't deliver information you need on time

3. Rushes the Sale Process

Do they want to sign the contract without really reviewing what they are getting? I know how exciting that can feel, but hold on! You're setting yourself up for a frustrating experience. Here's why:

They don't know what they are getting
They have expectations that you aren't meeting
Something is going on behind the scenes
A VC firm is requiring, but they don't really want to do it

4. Demands a Specific Timeline

Are they demanding a faster than normal timeline from you? That CAN be a bad sign. If you still want to move forward, make sure you include verbiage in the contract that timelines are dependent upon:

Client providing all information in a timely fashion
Client reviewing proofs quickly
No changes in scope

5. Too Busy to Review

If they don't have time to review your proposal or samples or case studies, they won't have time to review your proofs or get you information. Combine that with a specific timeline and you're setting yourself up for a very frustrating experience.

6. Thinks They are the Expert

Look for signs that they think they know better than you. Trust me, it will come through when you present options, proofs, and suggestions when they are a client. Be on the lookout for:

Corrects you when reviewing the proposal
Says that you should "only" need a certain amount of time to do something
Says "we know our industry and what works"
Wants you to tweak your offer to "fit" them

7. Constantly Changes Their Mind

You'll see this in the discovery and proposal steps. If they constantly change their minds on what they want, don't expect them to be decisive when they become a client. It will lead to:

Changes in scope
Changes in how they want you to communicate
Changes in when they want proofs or the final product

8. Your Gut Says "NO"

Seriously, listen to your gut. If you feel something is off, then something IS off! You're likely recognizing the red flags subconsciously and are too focused on the revenue to see it.

And then as you have identified bad clients that suck the soul out of you and your team, know that you are permitted to let them go (with grace and integrity please).