Forbes Column: Get Rid of Jackass Clients

Shaun Rein, Managing Director of the China Market Research Group, just posted a column at Forbes called Get Rid of Jackass Clients.   Shaun does a great job of making the business case against jackass clients, but I especially like his final argument.

Finally, life is short. While we all have to put up with difficult situations and people sometimes, you can't let chronically difficult clients affect the health and well-being of your family. If your kids or significant other tell you you're especially grumpy, then think about whether a client is causing your stress, and whether that stress is worth it. Most of the time it isn't.

High-paying jobs and the resulting benefits like vacation homes, jewelry and gadgets are great, but at the end of the day, always remember why you work so hard.

The No Asshole Rule talks about the damage done by asshole clients and customers, and talks about organizations that apply the rule. But since the publication of the book, this is one of the main themes that people bring-up again and again, from the professional services firm in Europe that has "evidence-based pricing for asshole clients" to the wine buyer from Berkeley who wrote me that, in his business, a customer could either be be an arse or a no pay, but not both.  These and many other stories led me to develop the ACHE, the Asshole Client from Hell Exam, which you can complete here to determine if your client is a certified asshole.

Comments

[Kim L.]

I am glad that you posted this, as I followed the link to the entire article by Shaun. It made me remember the times I worked as a teller and how many times customers would just be flat out rude to me. I would often tell them that I was there to give them service and earn a living to pay my bills, not to be their punching bag for anger they had before coming into the bank. Most of the time, I got a nice apology out of them (lucky me).

Either way, I think this can also be said about jackass employers. many times I hear about people staying in their positions because they feel like they have no other option, all while continuing to be belittled or yelled at. It is important for people to remember that there are choices, both for who your clients are and who you work for.

Thanks again for linking me to the article and reinforcing the thoughts I share on this topic.

[Lynne Lipkind]

Yes, I enjoyed Shaun's Frobes column--and your book. I recommended your book on LinkedIn a while back. And, as Shaun writes, it's not just for W2 types. As a primarily self-employed person, I found your book a must-read.