Comments on: Curses!

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Kathy, you’re very right. Never have you resorted to profanity even in conversation with me. I think the minute the writer goes there, his or her integrity is suspect. It’s just wrong.

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Well, we all know that I have no qualms about letting deadbeats have it, but even I’ve never resorted to profanity. I honestly don’t think it’s ever justified, and that includes instances where you are called vile names first.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:59:00 +0000

A professional is ALWAYS better off taking the high road. Full stop. Otherwise you just add more problems to the mix and give others the opportunity to turn the focus on your recent bad behavior instead of leaving the focus where it belongs, on the original problem.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:47:00 +0000

Glad you liked it, Rebecca!

Amanda, I agree. Phone conversations are mighty tough sometimes. But my response to an unacceptable offer is to delay the decision and move it all to email. "Let me do some research into what it may take. How about I send you an email tomorrow once I've had a chance to review the work?"

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:22:00 +0000

Ummm -no. I don’t think it’s ever justified. When I worked in advertising sales we were always advised to “take control” when dealing with unpleasant clients. Don’t allow them to control you. I agree with amanda nichole. I just won’t stoop that low.

By: Amanda Nicole

Amanda Nicole — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:37:00 +0000

I, too, agree that maintaining your professionalism is the one thing that keeps you from stooping to the offending person's level.

I used to have a client who liked to communicate over the phone, which made it a real struggle for me to remain professional when he tossed out ridiculous numbers during negotiations or wanted to pick at a non-existent error with the work. Once you lose your temper with them, it's even worse because they can be all smug and say things like "I won't speak with you until you calm down," and other equally infuriating comments.

Always take the high road, and make them feel like they owe you something, that's my business motto.

By: Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:25:00 +0000

By the way, just want to thank you for your book recommendation a few weeks ago. I finished “Eat, Pray, Love” this week and I really enjoyed it. Thanks!

By: Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:48:00 +0000

I’m with you, Lori. Cursing to—or about—a client is unacceptable in my book. The lesson here is this: Have a well-written contract and always have a client sign it (and have an attorney ready to protect you!).