We all have at least one. Listen up business women. Whether it is a male or a female client you hate taking the call from, and you have to take a deep breath before you leave the car and as you enter his building. Okay, again in the elevator and before entering his office. What’s refreshing is that his receptionist is sweet and knows her job. He doesn’t deserve her and she knows it but she has worked for his kind of “business person” before. Welcome to the client you dread: The Jerk.

I totally believe you can get a more positive response from these kinds of people (especially in business) using honey rather then vinegar. I never argue with a business client but I can be direct and get the message across without yanking his balls off and handing them to him. That urge has often come to mind though.

These are the men you take just so much from. The ones who should not be allowed to reproduce but but unfortunately at some point do.

Photo by Edgardo Balduccio

My fiance is so intuitive. He can always tell either the day before or the day of the business meeting I must be preparing myself for The JERK. I get slightly on edge and preoccupied. I am really very surprised he knows my characteristics so well. He just rocks my world.

So not like The Jerk who balances between harassing and annoying. The Jerk definitely knows how far he can go. So he clearly exposes an attitude he is handling you either in his mind or in the conversation.

This Pisses Me Off So Much.

I am hired to do a job by a company and he is only the go-between, so I do know if push comes to shove I could go over his head, but I also know I need to learn how to handle him. Besides, avoiding him is going to hurt my job performance to the company. I am more important than this Jerk.

So I do have to get into a whole new mindset approaching this client before a business meeting with him. Prepare myself for anything so I don’t choke up if he is on his worst behavior, or lower my work ethics by losing my temper.

Basically keeping a step or two ahead of him at all times, expecting his attempt to distract away from the conversation, but guiding it back on track. Yes it’s up to us business women.

You Know Your Business Client Is A Jerk

…so take control of him and the conversation tactfully. Don’t lose sleep over it. Being deprived of sleep makes your mind not as sharp as it could be, and you could be more apt to flip out and say something rude.

Always maintain a polite demeanor. Using proper etiquette is required in every situation, especially pertaining to business at all times, even when the client is being a Jerk.

The further you allow him to get under your skin, the farther he will go, so don’t allow him to break you. Stay in control and proceed with the matter at hand. I never smile much during these business meetings. Even a simple smile or a nervous giggle can be mistaken for encouragement for him to continue, so I wear a happy face in and as I leave.

These business clients are more challenging but in a crucial way, if not properly dealt with, you could create more stress and this could be a reflection on your work and creditability.

As a woman in business, first rule is always be a lady and control the jerks you come across. Outsmart them. Your business clients will always have their reputation for being who they are and you will keep yours as a professional business woman.