Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
Some clients can easily drive you to drink more. Especially when one second-guesses everything you suggest. However, you don’t need to let these negative instances ruin your day.
Today, I’ll share some of the tips I use to keep my sanity when a client thinks I am incapable of handling my job.
Why Second-Guesses Hit Us So Hard
Nothing upsets me more than when people don’t listen to me when I know for a fact that I’m right. And for the most part, they learn well after the fact that they should have listened.
Unfortunately, this is far more of a common occurrence than I would like. It makes me wonder if everyone is predisposed to not believe that I know what I’m talking about.
In any case, being second-guessed by a client is often felt on a more personal level for many of us.
Easily Trigger Impostor Syndrome
For those of us who suffer from Impostor Syndrome, having someone second-guess our work can be triggering. Then, you may start feeling like you’re not good enough.
This often leads to self-doubt and not having confidence in your abilities.
Now, I’m not saying that everyone has this kind of mental issue. But, I can count myself among those who do. So, I know from where I speak.
And I can tell you that it’s difficult to pull yourself out of that funk once someone sticks you in it.
The Feeling of Not Being Taken Seriously
A lot of people already don’t view freelance writing as a “real” career path. And when a client doesn’t have faith in your abilities, it can lead to a feeling of not being taken seriously.
Any professional would start to feel frustrated after prolonged exposure to negative attitudes and a lack of confidence from their clients.
A lot of us expand what we offer in order to make ourselves more valuable. But if a paying customer doesn’t see those aspects, it can create an exasperating experience.
The Pride In Your Work
Many of us have a great deal of pride in our work. Speaking from experience, I put 100% of everything I’ve got into every project. This is because I want the client to succeed thanks to my abilities.
But when someone starts second-guessing and looks for outside guidance for a project I’m being paid to complete, it feels denigrating.
It can feel like the client is going out of his or her way to diminish the amount of effort you put in.
How I Handle Second Guesses
I learned a long time ago to figure out ways to handle clients who don’t have complete faith in my abilities. And for the most part, I handle these things fairly well.
But there are days when even I, who has been doing this since 2012, start to feel belittled.
Some of the ways I adapt to these situations include:
Realize It’s Their Dime
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that the client is paying you for specific tasks. If they want it a certain way, that is his or her call.
In fact, I’ve made this fact known to one of my clients who simply refuses to listen to my expertise-driven suggestions. I take a deep breath and say, “It’s your website. I’ll do it any way you want.”
I know it’s difficult to follow elements you know for a fact to be wrong. But in the end, it really is his or her project. You’re being paid to do it their way.
Focusing On My Own Projects
When a client wants me to set up a blog post using incorrect SEO techniques, I find solace in maintaining my own projects. It’s my way of saying, “Oh yeah, watch this!”
And the articles I’ve created to prove a point are ranking in the top 10 of Google. How about that for second-guesses?
If you know something to be correct from your perspective, take solace in that. Put effort into your own projects to reaffirm that you know what you’re talking about.
Offering a Diplomatic, “I Told You So”
One of the most common things I tell one of my clients is, “I told you so.” In fact, I once had a client that I said this to on a near-daily basis.
However, I’m far more diplomatic and use a professional tone. It’s a reminder that I did advise them against a certain action.
Now, sometimes this helps me appear better in the opinion of the client. And sometimes, they just keep insisting on doing things wrong. But as long as I keep the first two points above in mind, it’s all good.
Ways to Avoid Second-Guesses in the First Place
Over the years, I’ve found a few ways to avoid the issues of clients not having faith in my abilities. Although I still come across them today, it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be.
Some of the ways I avoid second-guessing from clients include:
Always Have Your Cards on the Table
Before you start any kind of project for a client, there needs to be a cut-and-dried layout of what’s to be expected. This should include your primary focus and any extras you can offer.
This goes both ways, though. The client has just as much of a responsibility to you as you do to them. Both parties need to have everything laid out before a project is started.
Let the Client Know What You Can Do
Clients need to know about your expertise and how you can help them.
You may be hired for freelance writing, but can you also offer SEO techniques and research? Do you offer graphic design? Do you have certificates to show the completion of certain skills or abilities?
The more you can demonstrate that you have specific skills, the better.
What’s In Your Contract?
When setting up a contract, make sure to list everything the client is paying you for. Anything beyond the scope of your job is none of your concern.
So, if search engine optimization isn’t part of your tasks, don’t let it be. Follow the letter of the contract. It’ll protect you from a myriad of problems that could happen later on.
Besides, it’s hard for a client to second-guess your work if you’re following the exact scope of the contract. And if you set up an LLC, contracts add a layer of security to protect you from vindictive clientele.
Communicate with the Client
Don’t let the fear of losing a client keep you from voicing your opinion about how he or she makes you feel. Open communication is often extremely beneficial in any situation where things are less than ideal.
In fact, I’ve resolved all kinds of issues and even wound up getting more money because of being open and honest.
Because good, experienced writers are a hot commodity right now, it wouldn’t take much effort to find another client. And most clients understand this aspect and may not want to lose you in any regard.
Don’t Agree to “Extras” Unless You Add it in Writing
There will be times when a client will want you to go above and beyond your contract. And this isn’t bad, as long as you get it in writing.
At which point, it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to renegotiate the contract to include the extra work and extra fees you’ll want to charge.
Some clients will go out of their way to get as much out of you as they can without paying extra. Realize your worth and don’t let them take advantage of you.
Don’t Get Discouraged If You’re Not Marketing Right
And lastly, you can’t really get frustrated with a client who second-guesses your work if you didn’t market your abilities correctly in the first place.
This is when having everything in writing and out in the open works to your advantage.
My point here is that you can’t necessarily get mad or frustrated if you didn’t mention or prove your abilities at the beginning of the contract.
Always Remain Professional
Regardless of how things go, it’s imperative that you remain professional. Even when a client often second-guesses your work to the point where you start doubting yourself, realize that you’re still an expert.
This means you have the option to be done and move on to a more appreciative client. Keep your cool and have faith in yourself, even when others do not.
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