Avoid These Challenging Client Experiences

Working remotely can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of an office environment. With the burgeoning number of freelancers, shared working spaces are replacing traditional office spaces.

Co/working spaces are expected to double worldwide by the end of 2024.

Working with difficult clients happens in all industries. But dealing with difficult clients while co/working comes with its own unique challenges. 

Demanding clients can cause a lot of frustration and can even lead to a decrease in your productivity. In this article, we will explore how to handle challenging client experiences that might happen as a remote worker.

Unreasonable expectations 

Your client may have unreasonable expectations about how much work you can do and at what price. If the client is expecting something you’ve already told them you can’t do, let them know and offer a different solution. 

If you don’t understand the client’s expectations, ask them for clarification. 

Another client issue can arise if the remote worker takes on too much work. While it’s important to get your name out there, it’s also important to avoid overloading yourself. To avoid this, set a weekly maximum on the amount of time you spend on assignments. 

This way, you’ll have time to finish each project properly and even have time for your personal life.

Not getting paid on time 

Getting paid on time is an essential part of any client relationship, yet many freelancers struggle with it. Some of the most common reasons for not getting paid on time include the client not having the funds or the project running longer than expected. 

A good rule of thumb is to get paid one-third of the total amount upfront, one-third halfway through the project, and the final third when the project is complete. 

If you’re the one who owes the money, be honest with yourself and the client about when you’ll be able to pay.

Meeting with clients in a shared work environment

You’ll likely be meeting clients in person less often when you work remotely. But video conferencing with clients isn’t always ideal. 

A shared working space can present a problem if you want an in-person meeting with your client. Depending on your set-up, the shared space may not have much privacy. 

However, many co/working spaces, such as Miinds Co/Work, have meeting rooms available to rent.

Lack of communication

Lack of communication can lead to unfinished work, missed deadlines, and unhappy clients. 

Communicating with your client is essential for maintaining a positive relationship with them. 

Some of the most common communication mistakes include not responding to emails in a timely manner and not having a communication protocol with your clients. 

To avoid these mistakes, you might decide to respond to emails within 24 hours. You should also set expectations for how often you communicate with your client, such as weekly check-in calls or bi-weekly emails.

Ending your partnership with a client

Sometimes, you may need to end your relationship with a client. This could happen if the client is difficult to work with, if the project is ending, or if the client is not paying you. 

Ending a relationship with a client can be nerve-wracking, but staying polite and firm can help you remain on good terms with the client for possible work in the future.

Working remotely can be rewarding, but difficult clients can ruin the experience if you aren’t prepared.