We want our clients to always be happy, right? 

Each year, we devote time and energy to upping the ante and improving our product and client experience so that it’s the best it can be.

It’s a cause worth pursuing, but only if you realize that, as hard as you work, it just isn’t possible to make everyone happy all the time. 

……………Wait what?

So we just give up, throw in the towel?

Or how about we double down on our people-pleasing ways which leads to…..burn out? 

No go.

Is there another way?

Returning to the show to help me tackle this topic is Kathryn Langsford of Photos by Kathryn in Vancouver, Canada. 

We talk about the game-changing realizations we made that not every client is the right fit for your business and how embracing that can actually free you to create your very best work in the very best way for your very best clients.

Listen in as Kathryn reflects on the temptation to take on clients who didn’t want to do business her way. Why was she tempted? Because bills gotta get paid, that’s why! 

She learned, the hard way, that this often leads to a lose-lose situation = unhappy clients AND an unhappy Kathryn with neither party getting what they really want.

During our conversation you’ll learn how to watch out for red flags that a client might not be right for your business, such as clients wanting services or products that you don’t offer; “rule-breakers” who don’t want to do business your way, and other signs that signal a dumpster fire in the making. 

Kathryn and I also talk about our experiences setting boundaries, creating processes that protect your creativity and the client experience. As always, we share our fails and our hard-earned wisdom to help you listen to your gut when it comes to taking on clients and sticking to your vision.

Believe it or not, being willing to not please everyone and make sure you’re crystal clear with prospective clients about what you DO and what you DON’T do make the entire process of portraits so much easier and more enjoyable. Those who don’t want what you do find someone else (deep breaths, it’s really ok!)  and the clients who move forward actually “get you” and love every minute of their time with you. 

Everyone wins.

In this episode, you will learn the value of:

• not everyone being your ideal client and how taking on clients that aren't the right fit often leads to frustration
• noticing and paying attention to red flags
• setting clear boundaries with clients and maintaining a schedule
• avoiding giving away your work and offering free services or products
• educating clients about your style and process

Timestamps:

[3:07] Not every client is the right fit, and forcing it can harm your reputation.

[5:12] Ignoring creative instincts and red flags for money can lead to frustration and subpar work.

[8:52] Clients seeking work outside of your style should be educated, but mismatches ultimately require parting ways.

[11:00] While some red flags can be addressed with education, ignoring intuition often leads to regret.

[13:22] Kathryn argues that taking on unsuitable clients out of fear of losing money usually results in frustration and failure.

[15:20] Offering extra services or items to please clients often backfires and reduces your profit.

[18:31] Kathryn reflects on how having given away free products, like albums, was time-consuming and not worth the effort.

[19:01] Kathryn realized offering physical proofs led clients to settle for small prints, not larger purchases.

[21:29] Kathryn believes that presenting only the best images increases value and protects creative boundaries.

[24:13] It's important to maintain boundaries, such as charging extra for weekend sessions.

[25:33] Hear how Kathryn avoids saying "no” and instead guides clients to align with her business practices.

[28:12] Kathryn accepts that some clients won’t fit her business model.

[31:34] Taking on clients that aren't good matches drains your energy and leads to dissatisfaction on both sides.

[34:48] Kathryn finds that prioritizing compatible clients makes her work feel rewarding and more enjoyable.

Click here to listen!

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You can also email me directly with your suggestions at: [email protected] - OR DM me directly on Instagram @atjphoto or @do.the.rework 

We’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and ideas! 

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Allison Tyler Jones

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Kathryn Langsford

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