Being the Feminine leader of your business means you have to come face to face with not only your own relationship with money…but that of your clients as well.
How do you handle it when a client’s payment bounces?
Do you take it personally? Does it cause you to feel guilty and ask yourself what you potentially did wrong? Is your client now avoiding contact, leaving you unclear as to what to do next?
If this happens to you, the first thing to realize is it’s NOT PERSONAL.
Don’t even start down the road of “I didn’t do enough” or “I’m not good enough” because that is so not true!
When handled correctly, most client payment situations can be quickly resolved and — this may sound weird, but it’s true — can even help you deepen your relationship with your client.
Situations like these can help you clearly define your feminine style of leadership and hold yourself — and your client — as powerful no matter what.
Let me give you my 3 best practices tips for resolving client payment situations and eliminating ANY feelings of guilt, discomfort or self-blame in the process.
How do you handle it when a client’s payment bounces?
Do you take it personally? Does it cause you to feel guilty and ask yourself what you potentially did wrong? Is your client now avoiding contact, leaving you unclear as to what to do next?
If this happens to you, the first thing to realize is it’s NOT PERSONAL.
Don’t even start down the road of “I didn’t do enough” or “I’m not good enough” because that is so not true!
When handled correctly, most client payment situations can be quickly resolved and — this may sound weird, but it’s true — can even help you deepen your relationship with your client.
Situations like these can help you clearly define your feminine style of leadership and hold yourself — and your client — as powerful no matter what.
Let me give you my 3 best practices tips for resolving client payment situations and eliminating ANY feelings of guilt, discomfort or self-blame in the process.
Tip #1 Don’t Let Your Emotions Keep You From Standing In Your Power
Seeing that “sorry – payment declined” message appear in your inbox can trigger feelings from anger and righteousness to guilt or self-blame.
Before you let these feelings hijack you from standing in your power, take a deep breath… and another. This is not something that was done “to” you. It’s just something that happens when you’re in business.
What I do is think about the client for a moment. They’re likely feeling embarrassed, guilty or even shame, which means they’ll typically avoid wanting to talk.
Instead of letting them shut you out, you can take the leadership path which is to call them.
Here is a great script you can use — keeping a confident and compassionate tone of voice, say:
Seeing that “sorry – payment declined” message appear in your inbox can trigger feelings from anger and righteousness to guilt or self-blame.
Before you let these feelings hijack you from standing in your power, take a deep breath… and another. This is not something that was done “to” you. It’s just something that happens when you’re in business.
What I do is think about the client for a moment. They’re likely feeling embarrassed, guilty or even shame, which means they’ll typically avoid wanting to talk.
Instead of letting them shut you out, you can take the leadership path which is to call them.
Here is a great script you can use — keeping a confident and compassionate tone of voice, say:
“I see that your payment didn’t go through and I’d like to talk with you about how we can get this taken care of.”
If you sound relaxed and confident they’ll feel reassured and you’re much more likely to create a positive outcome of YOU getting paid!
Tip #2 Know In Advance What Your Limits Are
When you discuss the situation with your client you’ll want to know in advance how far you’re willing to flex and for how long you’re willing to wait.
At the beginning of your conversation, clearly indicate that you HAVE limits.
For example, start your conversation by asking them what happened and what their plan is for correcting the situation.
Then, suggest that they make a payment today with you on the phone, even if it’s for a fraction of what they owe. At this point, intention and consistency is more important than the actual dollar amount.
If your client is feeling like a victim of circumstances and isn’t able to make a commitment, then it’s time to stand firm and ask them to creatively brainstorm ways they can create some ready cash.
Trust me, if their life depended on it, they would find the money!
Tip #3 Stand Strong — Your Client Is Looking To YOU As The Leader In This Situation
Always assume that this situation is temporary and that your client has every intention of paying.
Tip #2 Know In Advance What Your Limits Are
When you discuss the situation with your client you’ll want to know in advance how far you’re willing to flex and for how long you’re willing to wait.
At the beginning of your conversation, clearly indicate that you HAVE limits.
For example, start your conversation by asking them what happened and what their plan is for correcting the situation.
Then, suggest that they make a payment today with you on the phone, even if it’s for a fraction of what they owe. At this point, intention and consistency is more important than the actual dollar amount.
If your client is feeling like a victim of circumstances and isn’t able to make a commitment, then it’s time to stand firm and ask them to creatively brainstorm ways they can create some ready cash.
Trust me, if their life depended on it, they would find the money!
Tip #3 Stand Strong — Your Client Is Looking To YOU As The Leader In This Situation
Always assume that this situation is temporary and that your client has every intention of paying.
Usually this is the truth, and they just need a little support, a few extra days or some creative ways to get back on track.
If you are there as their advocate, collaborating together, their shame will turn into relief and they’ll thank and appreciate you for your help and support.
Just remember, their payment dilemma is not yours to take on!
By you standing in your power as a leader, you help your client stand in their power too, even when they initially didn’t feel they could.
I believe that while client payment issues aren’t personal, they are an opportunity to grow your feminine leadership skills and confidence.
If you are there as their advocate, collaborating together, their shame will turn into relief and they’ll thank and appreciate you for your help and support.
Just remember, their payment dilemma is not yours to take on!
By you standing in your power as a leader, you help your client stand in their power too, even when they initially didn’t feel they could.
I believe that while client payment issues aren’t personal, they are an opportunity to grow your feminine leadership skills and confidence.
