Forbes Expert Panel Feature: How To Stand Firm With Tough Clients Without Severing Your Relationship

You’ve heard the adage, “The customer is always right.” However, there are times when a client may make requests that go beyond the scope of your expertise, staff and resources. Some are even downright difficult. You don’t want to burn a bridge by saying “no,” so how do you stay true to your business without ruining the relationship? 

In the article How To Stand Firm With Tough Clients Without Severing Your Relationship, Valerie Hayman Sklar, Corporate Specialties’ president, joins 14 fellow Forbes Business Council members to discuss ways to be tactful when setting boundaries and limits with difficult clients in order to maintain a positive working arrangement. 

Her advice: Give an option of what you can do or offer another resource that can help them. Show that you’re on their team and “this” is what you can do to address their needs. They may not have considered another option, and it may work out better. Offering a solution, even if it’s referring them to someone more suited to the request, allows you to stay true to your core competencies and values. 

Check out all the tips here. And in case you missed Valerie’s previous feature-length editorials, view her contributions here.   

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If you’ve had a situation with a difficult client that needs smoothing over, send a thoughtful gift. Our concierge service can work with you to create corporate gifts that show appreciation, say thank you or even say you’re sorry. 

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