Picture Analysis
Before I begin with the post itself, let’s analyze the picture above. There are two businessmen, each holding a briefcase. Both of them are ready to fight — their eyes are filled with anger (if you can’t see it, sorry!) and the moment the referee goes out of the way they will surely start with the “match”!
The image above… It isn’t a nice scene at all. It shows how unprofessional people can get. Instead of controlling their emotions and all that, they resort to physical (or in this online world, verbal) fights. More often than not, these fights will result to broken connections and bad reputation. Who would ever want those?
I will be discussing the things that instigate fights, and then later on how to avoid having fights with your clients.
Things that Trigger Fights
I used to work with a friend in providing different kinds of services to internet marketers and bloggers. In my one year or so experience, I have had a few fights with some clients and half of the things listed here are based on my experience.
Miscommunication - Sometimes, one of the two parties just can’t understand what’s really happening. For example, the client says, “Install the latest stable version of this software please.” yet the provider understood it as “Install the latest version of this software please.” One word can make a big difference, and most of the time miscommunication (or rather misinterpretation) can lead to fights between you and your clients.
Rude behavior - This is probably one of the most common things that lead to fights. If one party exhibits rude or at least unpleasant behavior, then the other would most likely get offended and a harsh exchange of words/e-mails might occur.
Slow response from the client’s side - Let’s face it. Some clients think the providers can give all of their time just to that one client. A slow response from the client’s side can affect the providers’ other work and efficiency.
Slow response from the provider’s side - People today are getting more impatient. If they avail of a service and they don’t get an update within a week, they’d be REAL MAD — unless the provider sends an e-mail stating the cause of the delay.
Client or provider does not honor their word - Let’s say one client agrees to pay $100 for a project. The provider does everything he can in order to satisfy the client. Then suddenly our dear client refuses to pay $100. Instead, he offers $50 for the work done. Would the provider get upset? I do believe so!
How to Prevent Fights with Your Clients
Try to understand everything your client tells you. If you do this you would be able to eliminate any misunderstandings and misinterpretations. If something is not clear, ask at once. Don’t be shy, you’re asking them for their own sake anyway!
Treat others as you would want them to treat you. Would you want anyone to send you e-mails containing cuss words? I doubt it. So don’t do that to your clients! Don’t treat them badly. Respect them all the time, or else you’d end up having a bad reputation and less connections.
Don’t argue with their OPINIONS. It will do you no good. An example can do better in explaining this point. If they say, “That design is no good, please change it.” then don’t argue anymore. Don’t say “I did this for 48 hours and you have the face to say it’s no good?” It will just worsen the situation and instigate a fight. Just politely tell them that you’re going to make revisions but you won’t be able to make a completely new draft.
Remember, the online biz world is fast-paced. Don’t delay anything! Delays are a serious problem most clients face nowadays. A lot of providers fail to reply in a timely manner, and they keep their clients waiting. Sometimes, clients just get tired of waiting and this can result to an online fight! Don’t delay anything — if you can finish it NOW, then do so. If, for any reason, you have to temporarily stop working on a project, tell your client immediately.
Speak with honor. Keep your word no matter what. If you say you’re gonna finish the work within one week, then do so. If you sell something with full exclusive rights, then by all means don’t offer it to other people once it has been paid for! Learn to keep your word and you’ll be safe from dreaded fights (and possibly lawsuit).
Summary
To prevent fights with your clients, always try to understand what they want you to do FULLY. If anything seems cloudy, ask them at once. Respect them and don’t argue with their opinions since we all know that those are just OPINIONS. Also, try to finish everything on time and honor your words.
By doing all of the above, you’re sure to prevent fights with your clients.
Net Strife News
Erm… this is a bit “off topic” with respect to the post, but I figured that instead of publishing a new post today it would be better if I just insert the news here.
Net Strife contest - $800+ worth of prizes await!
Well yeah, it’s my first contest here on Net Strife. You should definitely participate. I mean, there’s nothing to lose so why not give it a shot? More details can be found here. 
“Wilderness” Free WordPress Theme Released
I didn’t design this nor bought exclusive rights to it. I just sponsored it because it’s a pretty decent theme. You should check it out — it’s a theme with an “outdoor” touch to it.
Readers have left 3 comments on "Preventing Fights with Your Clients".
Good post-your point about delays is absolutely true. I wish each and every internet firm informs us when they have to delay our projects. Sometimes, when I hire people to create e-book covers for me, I anticipate that they would be finished early then I get e-mails saying sorry for the delay, we’ve been handling too much client work these days.
I just get disappointed when that happens
You’re right. There are a lot of services and people out there who delay everything.
You’re not alone Carl. BTW your link is broken/not loading…
Care to share any experiences?
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