Hi Reader!

I’ve been in a sewing frenzy the past two weeks. I made six shirts and three nightgowns. I also braved re-doing my RV’s dinette cushions.

Because I used the existing cushions as a pattern, I unpicked one of each type. This gave me lots of downtime to think.

One of the thoughts that popped into my head was that sometimes the fears we have in our heads don’t match reality. And three examples in my business came to mind.

The first was related to my mini-sabbaticals. Before I took my first one, I was so worried that my clients wouldn’t accept it. Now, almost 10 years later, not only have I never gotten a complaint, but I’ve also guided multiple clients to create something similar in their businesses, and I’ve gotten lots of feedback that others wish they could implement it.

The same was true when I hit the road five years ago in my RV. I worried clients would think I was crazy and no longer trust my advice. But once again, the most common response is jealousy of what I’m doing, and my clients usually want a peek at my current surroundings so they can live vicariously.

The final one was when I switched to requiring clients to pay the full amount of our project upfront. I probably have lost a few clients over this, but it was the right decision for me. I was resentful of “wasting” my time tracking down payments. I knew that for my mental health, I needed to either make this switch or hire someone to handle that aspect. And this was the cheaper option for my clients, which is how I always phrase it to them.

We started our businesses for freedom, flexibility, and creative control, but sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that we “have” to do things a certain way. Yes, doing things a certain way can make things easier, but it also can put us into boxes that we never wanted to be in in the first place. We didn’t design our businesses to create a job, but to create a place where we were in control.

I want to challenge you to test out that “thing” you’ve been dreaming of doing in your business, but that you are afraid your clients or customers won’t accept.

👉 Your action item: Try the thing that you know is right for you and your business, but you are afraid your clients won’t understand.

I'll be sitting at my computer until about 9:30 AM Pacific and I'd love to know if you run into any roadblocks in completing this week's task. (And if you are reading this after then, please reply! I'll get back to you ASAP.)

Chat soon,

P.S. If one of the places you could use a little support in regaining freedom, flexibility, and creative control is better client management, I’ve got something for you! I’m hosting a free week-long challenge starting June 2nd that will help you write five email scripts you can confidently use when clients push back, without overthinking or falling into a panic spiral. Learn more and join us here.​

How to deal with difficult clients in 5 steps

No one starts a creative business to work with annoying clients. But at some point, you’ll work with at least one of them.

And while you can’t avoid every difficult client, there are things you can do to start your relationship off right. And to make sure that your client doesn’t result in a spiral that makes you feel taken advantage of and resentful.

Head to this week’s blog post to learn 5 things I do in my business to manage difficult clients.

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❤️ Easy to understand legal resources should be available to every creative, regardless of their financial situation. If one of my resources has helped you and you would like to say “thank you”, you can make a contribution here. ❤️