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ALARM BELLS! - What NOT to say when hiring someone!

by Daniel Evans
19 replies




I'm fortunate enough to be in a position where I can choose who I work with rather than snatching off a persons hand just because they happen to be offering money for a product or service. As such, recently I've found myself having to reject many potential clients because of one simple mistake they make when they place their enquiry.

When I say "reject", I mean I do this point blank rather than simply ignoring their emails. I'll tell them exactly why their enquiry sets alarm bells ringing as it really needs to be noted by those who are buying. Consider this a gift since without it exposed, I could continue to use it as a clear tool to know exactly who to avoid.

The clients I've sourced mostly derive from Google, so this is by no means WF focused, but people here should be able to take something valuable from it.

The problematic enquiries include variations of the following statements with the worst version being last:



Potential client says:

"I've had 4 other people work on this".

(ding-a-ling-a-ling!!...)

Translation:

"You are due to be the 5th. Chances of me being happy are slim".

-----------------

Potential client says:

"I've had 4 other people work on this and I've had to ask a refund from every one of them".

(ding-a-ling-a-ling!!...)

Translation:

"You are due to be the 5th. Chances of me being happy are slim and it's likely you're going to work for free".


-----------------

 Potential client says:

"I've had 4 other people work on this and I've had to ask a refund from all. I'm mad as hell and just want to get it done. I think you guys might be the ones who are professional enough to pull this off".

(ding-a-ling-a-ling!!...)

Translation:

"You are due to be the 5th. Chances of me being happy are slim and it's likely you're going to work for free. I'll throw you some flattery before I take all of my collected anger out on you for the previous peoples failings".

-----------------


Response:

Sorry. It appears you have had severe difficulties with other companies / indviduals in the past which raises alarm bells with us.

We hope you find a solution for your project and we wish you success in your business.




Daniel Evans
#alarm #bells #hiring
  • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
    lol, great post to service based businesses who want to avoid problematic clients.
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  • Profile picture of the author JOSourcing
    Banned
    LoL - love the image. (LoL)
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  • Profile picture of the author rooze
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
      While I wholeheartedly agree those are clients you want to take a pass on, if you tell them exactly why you're just training them to lie to the next service provider.

      I realize that's not your problem, but I like my alarm bells ringing loudly and insistently.

      I think every industry has a profile for problem clients. In my jewelry business, if a woman told me she needed these pieces for her wedding (or even mentioned a wedding) I would find a way to gently ease her out the door. Bridezillas cost more than they're worth.

      fLufF
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      • Profile picture of the author Adrian Int
        Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat View Post

        While I wholeheartedly agree those are clients you want to take a pass on, if you tell them exactly why you're just training them to lie to the next service provider.
        I think the idea of sharing it here is that many of the people who read this thread ARE the service providers... and this is something to look out for.

        From my own experience as a consultant, it's often much better to turn away a client that you even THINK might be a problem. Better safe than sorry. After all.. it's really quite difficult to run your business as a charity. :p


        Cheers,
        -Adrian
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    Too true, mate. And sometimes the clients you pay the least can be the most demanding and end up taking so much time with special requests that it's not worth it.

    I'm learning to send these clients away!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lori Kelly
    Good thread.

    When I hear, "I fired my last designer because..." I start to hear the ringing in my ears.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Thanks Daniel,

      I've yet to get those types of comments from potential clients, but now my alarm bell is set and waiting if I should.

      Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
    Coming from someone who leverages a lot of services ....

    I may have went through 4 writers already and not been happy with any of them. You would be surprised at the writers who will not even look at your site to get a feel for what you need.

    Nothing like having a site that preaches not spinning and the article you receive is a basic guide to spinning.

    I may have went to your blog and liked your style.

    While I see no merit in telling you about the other 4, I will state what I expect and the tone of the article. Someone who has not gotten past the point of being too emotionally attached could very well state they have already had 4 losers .. with most resources ... 4 would be a relatively small number of culls.

    There are plenty of alarm bells for me but the fact the potential client was not happy with 4 or 5 of my competition isn't one of them.
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    • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
      Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

      There are plenty of alarm bells for me but the fact the potential client was not happy with 4 or 5 of my competition isn't one of them.
      Same here. I've gotten a number of clients who tried other writers first, were dissatisfied, and tried my service. Typically, though, they hired the $2 article crowd and now understand that "you get what you pay for" isn't just a cute cliche. I've also had clients tell me they specifically told their previous writer not to spin anything, but it was clear that the writer did just that. To me, examples like these signal issues with the other service provider, not necessarily with the client.

      Although, now Daniel's got me wondering if I've just been lucky in these cases, and maybe I should be hearing alarms!
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      • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
        Nicole,
        I am almost positive you have not gotten to where you are at by not realizing the value of an initial deposit that covers basic price points.

        Many are afraid to ask for money upfront .. the ones who refuse to deposit a percentage are one of the warning bells.





        Originally Posted by NicoleBeckett View Post

        Same here. I've gotten a number of clients who tried other writers first, were dissatisfied, and tried my service. Typically, though, they hired the $2 article crowd and now understand that "you get what you pay for" isn't just a cute cliche. I've also had clients tell me they specifically told their previous writer not to spin anything, but it was clear that the writer did just that. To me, examples like these signal issues with the other service provider, not necessarily with the client.

        Although, now Daniel's got me wondering if I've just been lucky in these cases, and maybe I should be hearing alarms!
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
        Originally Posted by NicoleBeckett View Post

        Same here. I've gotten a number of clients who tried other writers first, were dissatisfied, and tried my service. Typically, though, they hired the $2 article crowd and now understand that "you get what you pay for" isn't just a cute cliche. I've also had clients tell me they specifically told their previous writer not to spin anything, but it was clear that the writer did just that. To me, examples like these signal issues with the other service provider, not necessarily with the client.

        Although, now Daniel's got me wondering if I've just been lucky in these cases, and maybe I should be hearing alarms!
        You hit on a very important aspect Nicole.

        In Daniel's example, no specific reasons were given as why they were displeased or unsatisfied with the prior encounters.

        However, your client gave an explanation as to why they were upset in the past and those details make all the difference!

        I always tell my clients that open communication is key to success and also ask them what they don't want along with what they do. I specifically ask them what tone they would like their work set at as well.

        This always seems to work wonders.

        Terra
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        • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
          Daniel is cutting them out point blank .. no due diligence.

          The reason given is the fact he is to the point of not needing to take all comers. Nothing wrong with that but in my opinion short sighted.

          When you get to that point it is time to ramp up the team. Never a need to limit profit flow due to business size.

          Leverage and thrive.

          By the way .. you still churning out that Killer Kern Kontent?



          Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

          You hit on a very important aspect Nicole.

          In Daniel's example, no specific reasons were given as why they were displeased or unsatisfied with the prior encounters.

          However, your client gave an explanation as to why they were upset in the past and those details make all the difference!

          I always tell my clients that open communication is key to success and also ask them what they don't want along with what they do. I specifically ask them what tone they would like their work set at as well.

          This always seems to work wonders.

          Terra
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          • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
            Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

            Daniel is cutting them out point blank .. no due diligence.

            The reason given is the fact he is to the point of not needing to take all comers. Nothing wrong with that but in my opinion short sighted.

            When you get to that point it is time to ramp up the team. Never a need to limit profit flow due to business size.

            Leverage and thrive.

            By the way .. you still churning out that Killer Kern Kontent?
            Thanks Troy!

            And why yes I am and am proud to announce I've never had a complaint!

            But what has really got me excited presently, is that I've been approached and hired by a company on the East Coast that has an online voice library. They not only want me to be their company's "voice" but said they were equally impressed with my writing style and philosophies.

            We are currently in discussions about writing and re-writing some of their content and scripts as well. Needless to say, I am completely elated!

            Terra
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            • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
              That is great .. couldn't happen to a sweeter lady.


              Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

              Thanks Troy!

              And why yes I am and am proud to announce I've never had a complaint!

              But what has really got me excited presently, is that I've been approached and hired by a company on the East Coast that has an online voice library. They not only want me to be their company's "voice" but said they were equally impressed with my writing style and philosophies.

              We are currently in discussions about writing and re-writing some of their content and scripts as well. Needless to say, I am completely elated!

              Terra
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              • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
                Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

                That is great .. couldn't happen to a sweeter lady.
                Aww, Thanks Troy!

                You saying that means a lot to me.

                Terra
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          • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
            Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

            Daniel is cutting them out point blank .. no due diligence.

            The reason given is the fact he is to the point of not needing to take all comers. Nothing wrong with that but in my opinion short sighted.

            When you get to that point it is time to ramp up the team. Never a need to limit profit flow due to business size.

            Leverage and thrive.
            You have a point but on the flipside, when leads are rife, I'd sooner have people in the extension of my business dealing with more prosperous leads.

            I'm not convinced on expanding a business to hire people for the sole function of separating the wheat from the chaff when they could be harvesting the wheat...


            Daniel
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            • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
              Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

              You have a point but on the flipside, when leads are rife, I'd sooner have people in the extension of my business dealing with more prosperous leads.

              I'm not convinced on expanding a business to hire people for the sole function of separating the wheat from the chaff when they could be harvesting the wheat...


              Daniel
              It is nothing to me to critique your culling process .. just giving an opinion. I just think you are culling too quick in some instances. I have had several customers over the years that had recently fired my competition but they turned out to be major contributor to the feed Troy's Kids fund.
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            • Profile picture of the author Karen Blundell
              I agree with Daniel's OP.

              I go with my instincts, and usually my instincts are right. People are so afraid to turn down work, even if that work you should have turned down causes you to work twice as long dealing with a difficult client.

              My advice is always know your worth and you don't have to take any abuse to make money.

              You deserve to have a great clients and you deserve to be treated right. If you turn down one client because that client is a wrong fit for you, don't think you are losing out, instead think you are gaining: peace of mind, and lots of extra time to service the clients or seek out the new ones that do treat you respectfully.
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  • Profile picture of the author Solid State
    Excellent advice, Daniel. In my business, knowing when to say "No thanks" respectfully and professionally is paramount to not destroying your brand in a lose-lose situation.

    Great advice, friend. Point/advice taken.
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