Have you ever heard that phrase that: If you just got a client, you just got married? Whether you like it or not that’s the case plain and simple. Regardless of what industry your services fall into or what your business is, the situation is always about the same. The client needs something of you and even though their approach to getting it might differ, they are persistent and won’t stop till they get it. That’s what they pay you for afterall.

There are 3 different types of clients in my book and I will briefly list them for you later. Different clients require different things and so you must treat them differently. I am not saying be nice to one and be terribly obnoxious to the other, no, you will lose more clients than the Miami heat lost games in the 07/08 season. All I am saying is that the way you approach a lazy client is not the same as you will handle one who doesn’t mind staying up 48 straight hours just to see his business succeed.

Now, there are some obvious general rules that apply to every client regardless of their background or expertise. Make sure these rules are never compromised because it will do your business more harm than it will favor.

1. Not every client is right for you and this is the most important thing to remember before you start working with anyone. You know yourself and how you operate, so you know what/who works well with you, don’t be afraid to say no, i’m sorry but I can work with you. It’s better not to start something you can’t finish than start it and have it bring you gloom and sorrow.
2. Treat every client with respect: Every client is a potential business stream whether directly or indirectly. And everyone likes someone who shows them respect, so be nice.
3. Do not start a project you do not fully understand or build and offer a product/software that people don’t want. It will only bite you in the rear end.
4. It pays more than anything in the world to listen. Just as much as your significant other expects you to listen, this client – the one you are now ‘married’ to – expects your full attention. Give it to them!
5. Be honest and fair in your dealings. If you are not, they will find out sooner or later and when they do, in the words of Donald Trump…you are fired!
6. If it does not do you or your business any good in the long run to take a clients word all the time, then stick to your guns and do what you feel works best for both parties. You are the one with the product/service.

There are obviously a lot more but these are the ones I consider vital at this point. Whatever the case is, try to abide by these rules. I know that some of these do not apply to every startup, for example a social networking start-up doesn’t need to interview everyone that signs up to use their website, that’s just terrible for business but generally these rules have their way of factoring into any business regardless of the industry/sector.

The three broad categories of clients I want to talk about now are:

• Those who never listen: I have had my fair share of these and I am sure many others have. They are the most difficult to work with and from experience I have learned to put a finger on that trait they all share so that in the first 5 minutes of talking to them, I can tell that I am not keen of doing anything with them. I can’t put into words what that trait is and say oh here you go, here are people you shouldn’t work with, but the more you work with them, you will surely notice a pattern. Personally, I have so many other things to worry about than whether this person will do what I asked them to do or not, so I just tell them right off the bat that I can’t do much to help them. I am working on my new start-up and that takes several hours of my day, so I just spare myself the pain of dealing with these guys.
• Those who listen and do what they should do: These are obviously everyone’s favorite except you like unnecessary challenge. I am not perfect and I never impose on people what they are supposed to do. But if you have a problem and I feel I can help and offer you my consulting services, I expect that you atleast try my methods out and not crucify them. I like to listen to what people feel are great methods and then I share mine, before I arrive at a plan for you.  These people should be treated with great respect and I personally go the extra mile to show my appreciation for them.
• Those who simply want to argue and have it their way: I am not the biggest fan of these people but I love to learn, so I will listen to all you have to say. Remember to deal with these clients peacefully and respectfully. They are the ones who feel they know quite a bit about the subject and won’t settle. You must let them have their say, maybe they do have a point, maybe not. Either way, it pays to be the one that keeps quiet and listens.