Real Strategies for Managing Challenging Clients With Confidence

“When you're dealing with a challenging person, it's not necessarily that they have something against you, there might be something going on in their business, in their life, or maybe they just don't understand, especially when it comes to community.” Ever found yourself saying "Sure, I can do that!" only to realize later it was a major time-suck and distraction from your true zone of genius? On this episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read dive into the tough but necessary lessons of setting boundaries, vetting clients, and knowing when to say no. From overpromising early in business to recognizing red flags before they become full-blown problems, Carlyn and Ingrid share their personal stories of difficult client relationships, including the moment they had to "break up" with a client to protect their team and sanity. Tune in for real talk on turning challenging client situations into growth opportunities because your time, energy, and expertise deserve to be valued. What We Talked About: Avoid Overextending and Overpromising [3:30] Carlyn Shares a Client Story [9:20] Letting a Client Go [17:30] How to Say No to a Potential Client [24:25] Communication is Key [29:10] Connect with carlynbushmanconsulting.com @carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn workingmomkind.com @itsingridsworld on Instagram Ingrid Zapata Read on LinkedIn Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey! Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE! Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts|Spotify|iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website. Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank member, FDIC.