Chad’s Blog
Pragmatic Technologies for Life and Business Success®
I just got off the phone with a wonderful client, discussing their projects and future business needs. It’s refreshing to work with clients who not only appreciate the value I bring but also foster a synergistic relationship that elevates both of our businesses. There’s a distinct satisfaction in knowing that our partnership contributes to their success as much as it does to mine.
Thinking back to one of my earlier clients, I remember how long it took to acquire them. After months of persistence, I finally brought them on board, but the experience that followed was often combative and draining. With the benefit of hindsight, I know now that accepting them as a client was a mistake I wouldn’t make today.
The lesson: Don’t fall into the trap of believing that only your prospective client is evaluating you.
It’s equally important for you to evaluate them. This mutual assessment isn’t just a “nice-to-have” in business; it’s a necessity. You are not simply selling a service—you’re building relationships that should be beneficial to both parties.
Recognize the early warning signs.
Most of us have experienced great client relationships—those where mutual respect and trust drive both sides toward shared success. But we’ve also had those other relationships. The ones where every interaction feels like an uphill battle, draining your time, energy, and other resources. These difficult clients not only sap your motivation but can also jeopardize your ability to deliver your best work.
This is why your goal should never be to just acquire clients, but to nurture rewarding, long-term relationships built on trust and shared goals.
The trap lies in focusing solely on numbers—getting more clients, winning bigger deals—without considering the toll a bad client can take on you and your business. It’s not about how many clients you can sign on the dotted line; it’s about how many of those clients will actually enrich your professional journey. A high-quality client relationship will fuel your growth, provide mutual benefits, and—most importantly—add value to your life, not just your bottom line.
Before jumping into a partnership, pause and ask yourself:
- Behavioral Cues: Is their behavior or attitude already raising red flags during early interactions? If they’re demanding, dismissive, or unreasonable now, imagine what the working relationship will be like later. Are you prepared to manage that?
- Shared Values: Do you both value the same things in the working relationship—whether that’s communication, collaboration, or respect? If not, this could lead to friction down the road.
- Long-term Impact: Consider the long-term. Are they aligned with your vision and values? Do they present an opportunity for growth or are they likely to stunt your progress? Bad clients may seem like quick wins, but they often become long-term liabilities.
Thankfully, after years of experience and refining my client selection process, I’m fortunate to say that I now work exclusively with great clients. These are the relationships that energize me, where both sides contribute and grow together. It’s a reminder that when you focus on building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships, the rewards are far greater than just financial gain. The right clients don’t just enhance your business—they enrich your life.
This article is a refined version of Not All Clients Are Created Equal that I originally wrote 11 years ago. As I reflect on my journey since then, the core message remains just as relevant today. With years of experience and growth, my perspective has deepened, and I’m fortunate now to work with clients who truly enrich both my business and my life.
Remember, it’s not just about saying “yes” to every opportunity. It’s about choosing the right ones that will elevate both your business and your peace of mind.
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