A Provider’s Guide To Dealing With Time Wasters Pt. 2
Sometimes you meet a client and you instantly click. Other times it’s pretty obvious that things wont work out.
But what do you do when you’re unsure? Identifying red flags is a key component to dealing with potential time wasters. In this blog post we'll explore key flags and how to deal with them.
Free Labor: This individual may engage in prolonged back-and-forth communication via texts or emails. It's important to note that they may genuinely desire the connection but have reservations about paying for your services or feel too anxious to commit. Consider the effort and risk it takes to find a safe provider, and hold space for that process. But set boundaries so you can limit the amount of unpaid communication time. Here are a few approaches to tackle this issue:
"I'd love to answer those questions over a call/session."
"Here's a resource that can help you answer that question."
"Unfortunately, I don't have time to continue this conversation, feel free to reach out when you're ready to book!"
"I'm sensing that you're a bit nervous about booking with me. Am I correct? How about you check out these resources and if you feel more comfortable, feel free to reach out when you're ready."
Enthusiast or Slobbyist: Clients who have seen various providers can fall into two categories: enthusiastic seekers or boundary-pushing individuals. While some are genuinely passionate about exploring different services and experiences, others may be seeking someone who will push past boundaries previously stated with other providers.
To determine which category a frequent buyer falls into, it's important to gather more information. Here are a step you can take:
Ask open-ended questions: "Sounds like you're pretty experienced! Tell me about your previous experience, what did you enjoy about it?"
Remember, not all enthusiasts are slobbyists. Some individuals simply enjoy exploring various providers to broaden their knowledge and experiences. However, it's essential to remain vigilant.
Brief Responses: Several things could be going on if a client doesn't fill out your booking request or contact form or if they give really short answers. They might be really nervous, not great with English or writing, were just in a hurry, etc. You might say:
Nervousness: It's common for clients to feel nervous when filling out booking requests or contact forms, especially if it's their first time working with you or any service provider. They may be unsure about what information to provide, worried about making a mistake, or concerned about privacy and security. Reassure them by explaining the purpose of the form and how their information will be handled securely.
Language barriers: Some clients may not be fluent in English or may struggle with writing skills. This can make it challenging for them to fill out forms or provide detailed answers.
Time constraints: In some cases, clients may be in a hurry and don't have enough time to complete the form or provide lengthy answers. They might be trying to book your services quickly due to a last-minute decision or an urgent need.
Other reasons: There could be various other reasons why clients don't fill out forms or provide short answers. They might have had a negative experience with a service provider in the past and are hesitant to share too much information.
Here’s something you can try:
"I'd love to get you scheduled but I need more information. You can fill out the form on my website or submit your information via email if that's more comfortable."
Didn't Read Your Profile: Sometimes clients may ask questions that are already answered in your profile or on your website. This could be due to oversight or simply not taking the time to read the information provided. It can be frustrating as a service provider to have to repeat readily available information. Provide a gentle reminder and guide clients towards the available information. This approach not only saves time for both parties but also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to supporting their booking process.
Try this:
"Luckily I've covered all the bases on my ad/website. Try reading through it here [link to your ad/website] and I can answer anything not covered.
Urgent Requests: Prioritizing Safety and Comfort
An urgent request can arise in various situations, such as when someone is in town for just a day or when a client tries to push past your safety protocols due to time constraints. While it can be tempting to accommodate such requests immediately, it's crucial not to compromise your safety.
Here's an option for responding:
"I understand that you're in a hurry to spend time with me, but I cannot compromise my booking process. Definitely reach back out in the future when you have time to complete the process."
Confidentiality: Privacy and confidentiality is a crucial aspect of any client-provider relationship. When a client emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, it's important to delve deeper into their motivations and concerns. Perhaps they have a partner/spouse that's unaware of the services they're receiving. Maybe they have a high-profile job. They could even fear judgment from peers and loved ones. By understanding the underlying reasons, you can address their specific needs and ensure their comfort throughout the process.
Consider using the following response:
"I understand how important privacy is in this process. All my sessions are confidential but I'm interested in why this is important to you. Mind sharing?"