How to Respond When Your Client Acts Like a Toxic Girlfriend ???????

When your girlfriend says "I don't want to talk to you. I am not interested in you. I don't need you. Just block me and go away"

Then, most people reply with these responses:

1. Why don't you want to talk to me?

2. Why are you not interested in me?

3. What makes you not need me?

4. Why did you ask me to block you?

5. Did I say something wrong?

6. Have I done something that repels you?

7. Am I toxic for you?

8. Tell me baby what makes you so angry?

9. {This one's the best} o le le le lee what happened babu?

But, when your clients say the same. Then, you reply like this:

1. Okay, thanks for informing us.

2. Thanks a lot for your time.

3. Nice! thanks for telling me. I really appreciate your response.

4. Okay

Why so double standards?

Well, "I don't want to talk to you" means the client is not interested in listening to your proposal. But, what makes her/him uninterested in your proposal?

Here are some of the reasons why a client might be uninterested to listen to your proposal further:

1. Bad Presentation
2. Boring Communication Skill
3. Wrong Attitude
4. Negative Behaviour
5. A Normal Pitch Deck

So, start working on these 5 aspects before going for a proposal.

Here is my interaction with such a client:

Client: Shivam, I am not interested in your proposal. Sorry, thanks for your time.

Shivam: Ohh, it's okay sir. I totally respect your response. But, I just want to take your 3 minutes. I assure you that it won't take more than 3 minutes. I know you must be busy, but these 3 minutes could be a massive learning for me sir. {{I have mentioned 3 minutes in every line so that the client would feel guilty before saying NO.}}

Client: Okay, tell me

Shivam: Sir, I just want to know what makes you uninterested in my proposal. {{Don't give him options like was it my pitch or communication skill or costing. Let him answer this question. No need to put words into his mouth}}

Client: Well, there is not any specific thing. But, I didn't find the proposal to be as valuable as I was expecting.

Shivam: Sir, what were you expecting {{Again, no need to put words into his mouth by saying were you expecting less cost or faster turnaround time}}

Client: I was expecting to make this video under 7000 USD but within 3 weeks. And, you proposed to me 12000 USD in 5 to 7 weeks. Both cost and time are not as per my needs. I like your service and portfolio, but timing and cost are not suiting me.

Shivam: Thank you so much sir for telling me this. My 3 minutes are done. I am not going to waste your time. I just want to ask you one last bonus question "Would you like to reconsider my proposal if I could work on it and make it as per your need, but before you answer this question, I would like to know what matters the most to you for this video requirement? {{Now, it's time to give him options as you want to lead your way.}} Is it Costing, Timeline, or Quality?

Client: ammmmmm! see the quality is obviously the foremost thing. But, cost and timeline are what I am getting for other agencies better than your proposal.

Shivam: Got it, sir! Just one last note and then, we can wrap it up "If I will come up with a new proposal with less timeline and lesser quote, but not as per your need and definitely, not reducing the quality, will you be willing to reconsider my proposal or have you finally made up your mind?"

Client: Okay, I can definitely rethink your proposal. Let's see your proposal.

Shivam: great! I will be sharing it with you within the next 2 hours.

Key Take Aways from this Conversation:

1. The more you carry the client's time, the client will become less rigid
2. Don't give options to the client unless you want to lead the client's response (like I lead him on Quality)
3. Try to understand the genuine requirement of the client
4. Don't be defensive if the client says that you guys are not giving much value as compared to your pricing
5. Try to be in the client's shoes.
6. Always ask yourself before starting a negotiation "Will you pay this much amount to a company like yours?"

Thanks for reading. Your feedback will help me stay motivated.