Ignoring – A Talent to Master

For the past 10 years till to-date, my work is primarily interacting with people – my clients. Over the years, I have clients who respect my time and when they need me to ‘check’ on an issue, they fix an appointment. However and rather unfortunate, these are only a handful of people, the majority however do not.

I have tried to constantly ‘housekeep’ my messages for fixing an appointment, doing my very best to be very clear and to the point. Clearly defining the charges based on time spent, informing them to think about their questions and stating very clearly – once a session is done it is done. Does this work ? A HUGE RESOUNDING NO.

These are a few things, people (my clients) have taught me –

1. People do not read or they read what they want to read and then would like to interpret things to their favour.
2. People do not give a damn about your time (there are exceptions) but it’s THEIR time and money that matters. Learn very quickly about YOUR self-worth.
3. People will try their luck to see if they can get a discount when they clearly know that prices are fixed.
4. People think that this work I do, since its apparently a ‘gift’ (as assumed by my clients), I should not charge. Well, why not go and try it with a really ‘gifted’ medical doctor and see if she/he charges or not.
5. You cannot please everyone – so do not bother.
6. Customers (Clients), are NOT always right, they have never been and will never be.
   

For those of you having your own business – especially those who provide a service, as you may charge by the time spent, do not be afraid if you lose clients, stick to what your worth is and then learn to ignore. Over time, I have slowly but surely ignored by not responding to messages sent by clients for : follow-ups, just to check on something small etc. for free. I realised if here I am talking about self-worth etc. I damn well better practice the same.

Keep your work and personal life separate and remember sometimes ignoring is not bad, it provides you with balance and a whole lot of sanity. Always, always, respect your work and the time and effort you put into.

Take care everyone and be kind to yourself and to others.