There are several ways in which a client can be “toxic.” Whether they’re making unreasonable demands, constantly questioning your expertise or being rude to your team members, clients who are routinely difficult or unpleasant to work with can weigh on the morale of your team members and even interfere with your ability to serve your other clients. When that happens, it may well be time to part ways.
So how do you know when “enough is enough” and it’s time to politely end the relationship? Below, 16 members of Business Journals Leadership Trust share unmistakable signs of a toxic client relationship that you and your business would be better off without.
9. Their behavior is troubling from the very beginning.
There are clear signs of a client relationship becoming toxic, including a lack of engagement, showing up late (or not at all), being combative, changing the energy of the room with their behavior, and so on. If some of these behaviors show up from the beginning, it’s OK to say, “I don’t think we are a good fit for each other” and end the relationship. It’s better than enduring it and ending on bad terms. – Aviva Ajmera, SoLVE KC