Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Good clients come and go, but the psychotic ones are forever. In the previous blog I introduced you to “Debbie”—the saleswoman who tried to sell me on the idea of working for free. I heard from her again after a three month gap. Turns out she needed an article written and wondered if I was up for the job.
She started the email by repeating a conversation we never had. She said, “As I told you, I had to put the other project on hold because I have other things going.” Now, the last email I got from her said “I’ll award the project to you tomorrow. Can you look at this sales letter and tell me what you think?” She even hinted that I was obligated to work with her because we had an agreement.
I was back in Debbie Land.
I had to find a way to turn down the assignment without coming out and saying ‘I don’t work for manipulative psychos.’ I figured out how much money I would have to make to make working for her worthwhile. I gave her a quote and told her that it was my policy to get 100% up front on short assignments.
The next day I received two emails. The first said something along the lines of ‘Great! I’ll get my project together. I’m happy you are still available.’ The second said ‘That is way too much money. I’m NOT paying that, and nobody pays for a project up front. I’m willing to take a chance on you, but you will have to lower your price.’ These emails were sent within a few minutes of each other.
You can bet I was pretty happy that I never worked for this woman. Anyone who can Jekyll and Hyde that fast will be a nightmare to work for. I sent back an email wishing her the best finding a writer more suited to her needs (i.e. one who falls for that kind of baloney) and ignored anything else she sent.
I believe that you can learn from everything that happens to you. I never would have attracted this woman’s attention if I hadn’t bid too low in a moment of (financial) weakness. The manipulative, crazy, or just plain bad prospects can smell your desperation like a shark smells blood in the water. Higher prices will scare some people away from your services, but you’re better off without them.
Anyway, that’s what I think. I’d love to hear your opinion. If you have a “crazy client” story I’d love to hear it. If I like it, I may feature it in my blog.