?? HOT TAKE: The Client Isn’t Always Right!

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Brothers, sisters, everybody sing ?? (I was listening to Backstreet Boys as I was writing this)

First off, I’ve got to give a huge thank you to all the new subscribers—we’re now at 33 strong as of this writing! Seriously, thank you for being here. I’m incredibly grateful that you’ve decided to join this little corner of the internet where we can dive into some real, unfiltered talk. I want to keep things positive and upbeat, but... I’ve also got some strong opinions, and this newsletter is where I’ll be sharing those takes that might ruffle a few feathers ????

Thank you for subscribing, thank you for supporting, and thank you for being part of this community. This isn’t just a one-way street! I want to hear from you. If there’s a topic you’re burning to hear about or if you’re down to jump on a Zoom interview and dive into some rule-breaking with me, send me a DM and let’s make it happen! I want to involve you in these conversations, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Alright, let’s jump into the second edition of "Outlaws Wanted"! ??

So, let’s get into something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. You know that saying, “The customer is always right”? Hate to break it to ya, but... that’s not always the case—especially when it comes to clients. Now, before you get ready for a duel, sit back, breathe, and hear me out.

Here’s the deal: your client hired?you?because?you?are the expert. They didn’t sign the contract to just nod along and agree with everything they say. They’re looking to you for guidance. And sometimes, that means you’ve got to be the one to?speak up?when you know something’s not in their best interest. Trust me, it’s not always easy, but it’s 100% necessary.

Why It’s Important to Push Back

Let me ask you this—how many times have you found yourself just going along with a client’s demands, even when deep down, you knew it wasn’t the right move? Maybe it felt easier to just say yes and keep the peace, right? But here’s the thing: when you just go along to get along, you’re not really doing anyone any favors.

I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve folded under the pressure of client demands that went way outside the scope of our agreement, thinking it would show them how committed I was. I thought if I just kept showing up, they’d see that I was invested and recommend me to others because I was going “above and beyond.” But instead, I found myself buried under work that I wasn’t even getting paid for, and it didn’t take long before I was completely drained.

The Right Way to Go Above and Beyond

There?is?a right way to go above and beyond, but it doesn’t involve breaking your back to be at your client’s beck and call. It’s about setting clear boundaries and knowing your limits. You’ve got to protect your time, your energy, and yes, your creativity. Because if you burn out, you’re not going to be any good to your clients—or to yourself.

I know setting boundaries can feel like you’re being difficult, but it’s not about that at all. It’s about keeping the project on track and ensuring that you’re delivering the best possible results. And here’s a little secret: if you don’t know the answer to something right away, that’s okay. Take the time to find the right solution and offer it within the boundaries of your agreement. Your clients will respect you more for it, and you’ll stay sane in the process.

A Lesson from the Bossy Podcast

I recently listened to an episode of the?BOSSY Podcast with Tara Reed and Katie Gatti Tassin ?that really hit home for me. They talked about how to push back with a client confidently, and OMG, it was like they were speaking directly to me. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve overextended myself, only to end up burnt out and with a strained client relationship before I finally learned my lesson. This episode really drove home the importance of standing your ground and staying within your scope.

The Contract Is Your Shield

Think of your contract as your shield—it’s not just a piece of paper, it’s your protection against scope creep and unreasonable demands. It’s what sets the expectations right from the start, and it’s what keeps you from getting overwhelmed. But more than that, it’s about knowing what your job is—and what it isn’t—and having the confidence to push back when necessary. Saying no isn’t about being difficult. Read that again. Saying NO isn't about being difficult. it’s about finding a solution that works for both you and your client—within the agreed-upon terms.

I highly recommend checking out that podcast episode if you haven’t already. It’s full of insights that I think will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to do more than what they signed up for.

Your Turn—Let’s Talk

I want to hear from you! Have you ever had a client push you beyond your limits? How did you handle it? What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling with setting boundaries? Drop your stories, feedback, and any tips you have in the comments below. I’m genuinely excited to hear what you all have to say.

That’s all I have for you today. Remember, being an outlaw in this industry means knowing when to take the reins and guide your clients toward the best outcomes—even if it means saying no sometimes.

Stay bold,

Kyle Harris

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