What would you do if you were being bullied by a client? I'm not just talking about when they consistently overstep the boundaries. I'm talking about consistently putting you down verbally and in emails, making you feel like a child again and generally making you question why you are doing this at all.

Just curious!

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Kylie Short
Tilda Virtual Services - Making virtual personal

Uhhh...drop 'em like a hot potato.

Seriously, though. The first time would have been a very serious note back to them saying that this is not the type of relationship you envisions. The second, would have gotten a harsher reply with a "this is your second warning, the third will result in immediate termination of our relationship" (and no refund of any prepaid monies, I might add).

Great question Kylie. First of all, in any business relationship employee-employer, client-contractor, talking down to someone, in my opinion is absolutely wrong. Unfortunately, it happens and is more common in the workplace. I have seen others berated by bosses and have always been appalled. We are adults, there is no reason one adult should talk down to another, ever.

If a client ever were to talk to me in the manner in which you described, I would address the situation as politely as possible, and if they did not understand or continued in the same manner...stealing Dana's term "I would drop them like a hot potato" absolutely. I have seriously been thinking about adding some sort of ethical clause in my contract that would cover something like this, as well as, a few other issues.

All business relationships are based on a great deal of trust and respect. Both of which are a two way street. Talking to me as if I were incompetent and making me question my decision to become a business owner certainly is not the way for a client to earn either my trust or my respect.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Get rid of 'em! I worked for somebody like that for 6 years before I finally left. Don't wait that long! In my case it wasn't that they thought I was incompetent at all, it was just a power trip thing for them. They liked the power of knowing they could say or do whatever they wanted and they were like that with everyone. I'm not someone who is afraid to speak my mind or would back down to anyone and just ignored it for the most part or gave him a piece of my mind (depending on my mood), but it had a bigger effect on me than I thought it did and it took me a long time to see it.

Don't put yourself through it, just get rid of 'em.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Tawya Sutherland did a presentation about PITA clients once and based it on some of her experiences. I'm sure she wouldn't mind telling you about it, or leading you to the recording (if it still exists) of the presentation.

I agree with everyone else. You should drop them. Obviously he/she doesn't understand how someone is supposed to work with a VA or maybe he/she doesn't care. Some people like that, who have worked with a VA, sometimes they still have that mindset of boss & employee. Some people like that, feel like you are some kind of servant or they are just a bossy person.

You could have a chat with he/she and politely refresh their memory as to how to work with a VA, what you will and won't accept. You could even send them a do and don't list. If they still won't come around to reality and change their ways then it's time to end the relationship.

Don't let it go on too long because it may get worse. There's no reason to put up with that kind of treatment.

Drop the client or triple the rates to them.

I wouldn't even raise my rates on them. The money was why I stayed with my boss so long, it's not worth it. Just drop 'em.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I wouldn't raise my rates either. That is saying you will put up with their negativity for a price. That kind of relationship is not worth it, no matter how much I charge.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Typically, raising your rates an outrageous amount will either have the customer terminate the services or open up the discussion as to what the problem is. There are some customers out there that have no idea they are coming across that way. If they are willing to talk to resolve issues, they might be someone you want to keep. I had one who had no idea they were coming across so horribly. I've been with that client for over a year now and there has been no repeat incident.