Are they out there? Do they actually exist? Oh YES they Do! If you have been in business for any length of time, no doubt you’ve already had your share of experiences. If you are just starting out in business, you may be quite naïve about the fact these people really do exist.
As you grow your business and work with more people, the odds are such that you will have this experience quite frequently. One thing that I know for sure is that none of us, as entrepreneurs, have had any specific training on how to deal with these situations.
“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” ~ Dale Carnegie
While we all seek out training and education on matters of marketing, money and mindset – how to attract clients, how to network and so on – ‘dealing with difficult people’ should be at the top of the entrepreneurial professional development list as well. In working with my business coach (and every entrepreneur should have one!), I have learned so very much from her experiences which has saved me a lot of time, money, grief – and reputation.
In this article, I want to give you just a few simple things to consider as you grow your business and encounter these situations.
- ALL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS SHOULD BE CONTRACTUAL.
In the professional services arena, for certain, every business transaction should be by written agreement. This is where/how/when many relationships go sour. Everything should be in writing. It’s kind of like a pre-nup agreement, if you will. When in business, think and act like a business owner. Create contracts for everything, ensure they are clearly written and have them reviewed by a lawyer. People are so litigious these days – ensure you have your business protected (even when dealing with family and friends!!!!!). When you have an agreement signed by a client, review that document in detail with them – answer questions and ensure (for both your sakes) that the parties know and understand what they are getting in to.
- RECOGNIZE THAT MANY PEOPLE THESE DAYS ARE NON-COMMITAL.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people, with whom you do business, make an agreement – sign an agreement – and then nonchalantly feel and believe they can just step away from it. The reasons vary, of course. In the words of my brilliant business coach, ‘the way you do anything is the way you do everything’. Many clients come to believe that this is a ‘friendship-type’ of relationship. It’s not. It’s about business, folks. When you commit to something – follow through. Is it always easy? No. Is it always what you thought it would be? Probably not. But your word is your word – and you should keep it at all costs. Oh, and that brings to the next point.
- PAY YOUR BILLS!
When you enter into a service agreement, and you have made a commitment to pay a certain fee for service – pay your bills. What makes you think you can make your financial problems MY financial problems – pay your bills. What makes you think that your lack of planning and action should become someone else’s responsibility?
- RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
All successful entrepreneurs are dealing with difficult people. Some have more skills and training than many others. These people exist – you will encounter them. It’s HOW you deal with them and the situation that matters. Do not take this personally – because it’s not. Do not ‘own it’ because it’s not yours to own. It will affect you, of course. And we all deal with difficult situations differently. Here are some words of wisdom from Phyllis Diller:
My recipe for dealing with anger and frustration: set the kitchen timer for twenty minutes, cry, rant, and rave, and at the sound of the bell, simmer down and go about business as usual. ~ Phyllis Diller
- HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM.
Experiences with difficult people can leave you feeling emotional, drained and like a failure sometimes. Again, do not take this personally – it is about business. Surround yourself with a strong network of similar-minded entrepreneurs. I have a phenomenal business coach (and you should, too) and amazing mastermind colleagues. I can count on them for support, in the good times and in the bad times. That is what many entrepreneurs are missing as they attempt to ‘go it alone’. You won’t succeed that way – and it’s not necessary.
GET SUPPORT.
DEAL WITH THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY AND CONCISELY.
MOVE ON.
As you grow your business, you will deal with difficult people on a more frequent basis. Get prepared. Learn some skills. Get support. Keep your eye on your vision and dream for your business – and also stay focused on all the good things, and the good people, that you work with. In my world, everything is 80/20. Do NOT let the 20% of the ‘tough stuff’ take your focus off the 80% that is so very good!
What kind of situations have you had to handle?
I really want to hear from you – the more ideas we/you share, the more others will be inspired. Let’s get going…….
Please share your thoughts!
