An (almost) universal desire
Ah, the joys of being an entrepreneur… There are the moments of glory, when everything runs like a well-oiled racing car on the roads of Kilimanjaro, and then there are those days when some clients transform your dream into a bumpy ride in an overloaded bush taxi. Off-topic requests, late payments worthy of a Congolese soap opera, or behavior that makes you doubt your zen… The urge to tighten the screw becomes irresistible. But how do you do it without turning your clients into fugitives from the markets of Dakar?
1. Why do we want to tighten the screw?
Before going on the offensive, let’s explore this impulse. It often comes from a mixture of exhaustion and astonishment at certain customer behaviors.
The endless askers: They turn a simple project into a negotiation worthy of a Bamako market. Each email is a surprise (and rarely a good one).
The chronic latecomers: The payment promised “tomorrow” ends up resembling the rainy season—we know it’s coming, but we never know when.
The experts in fuzzy boundaries: Contract? What’s that? We’re like brothers here, right?
Faced with all this, the urge to get out the wrench to tighten the screws a little is completely legitimate.
2. The risks of a screw that is too tight
Attention, un excès d’enthousiasme peut tourner au drame. Imaginez que votre client décide que travailler avec vous, c’est comme porter des babouches trop petites… Pas très tentant, n’est-ce pas ?
Bye-bye relation client : Vous pourriez passer pour le chef de village un peu trop strict… sans la sagesse qui va avec.
Perte de bons clients : Oui, même les clients parfois agaçants peuvent avoir une vraie valeur, comme le piment dans un bon mafé.
Un effet domino sur votre réputation : Une réputation stricte, c’est bien. Une réputation tyrannique ? Moins glamour.
3. How to tighten without breaking?
Instead of playing the role of customer boundary guard, opt for fine-tuning. Here are some "elegant framing" strategies:
Define your growth zones: A clear contract is like a well-tuned drum—everyone knows what beat to follow.
Be the king/queen of assertiveness: Explain your expectations with a confident smile, like a griotte telling a captivating story.
Efficient processes, on your marks!: Automate reminders and formalize changes. You go from firefighter mode to balafon conductor mode.
A touch of active listening: Are you firm? Yes. Listening? Always. This eases tensions and opens up constructive discussions.
4. Turn frustration into opportunity
Every "complex" client is actually a VIP training session for your business.
Better target your "ideal clients": Fewer surprises, more complicity. Find those who dance to the same rhythm as you.
Progress in friction management: Managing tense situations with humor and professionalism is a rare skill, like preparing a perfect thiébou dieune.
Optimize your systems: Each lesson (sometimes painful) enriches your anti-stress arsenal.
Tightening the screw is not a bad idea. But it’s all about moderation. Like peanut sauce, too much spice can ruin everything. Be firm, but never lose sight of the essentials: human relationships, understanding and a good dose of diplomacy. And if you ever hesitate, don’t forget… at AdjaCoaching, we have the tools to transform your screw problems into precision masterpieces.