You Don’t Own Me – Part 2: When To Let Go Of A Client

Although I consider myself first and foremost a tarot reader, I am also a professional and I tend to be very business like in my dealings.  Most people who have worked with me know that I run my ship tightly – not only do I have regular hours like any job but my days can consist of all manner of tedious tasks from bookkeeping to returning calls and emails.  (It’s not all glamorous tarot work that I do here in my hub!)

As a business professional, I have to be realistic that not every person that calls or walks in the door is meant to be a lifetime client.  As I wrote in my previous post, some people may never come back for whatever reason.  But there are also times when I have had to show someone the door.  As much as I hate doing this (believe it or not, my bark is worse than my bite!), it is often not only beneficial for me but sometimes in the best interest of the client. Knowing when to let go of a client will save you a lot of stress in the long run.

When is it right to “fire” a client?

Any tarot reader will have their own reasons why. For me, it all comes down to two things – respect and compatibility.  Here are some of the reasons I have needed to cut a client off:

1.  No shows. This is my number one pet peeve.  A client who doesn’t even have the courtesy to give me a simple phone call to cancel never gets another chance.  There are some who think I am sitting here with nothing else to do.  Believe me, I can either fill that spot if you didn’t show – or there are many other projects I can busy myself with (like writing this blog!).  To me, this is the rudest gesture as I make this time available and find it incredibly disrespectful.

2.  Dickering over prices. I hate haggling.  I don’t even do it when I travel.  I know in some cultures, this is a common thing, but for me, it feels uncomfortable.  If you can’t afford me, then don’t come.  Simple as that.  A woman who had booked a few parties with me in the past tried to tell me that “no one will pay that” when my prices changed – and then she tried to negotiate a price break.  I refused to do business with her ever again.  If you provide a service, you should be paid well for your time.  I learned this from my son’s drum instructor.  Years ago, he had also changed policies and this required a steep price hike. When I  visibly gulped, he said to me: “The lessons are free.  It is my time you are paying for and I value my time very much.”  I used that as a business mantra ever since.

3.  Using the tarot reading in an unethical way. I am not a moralist but I do not want my readings used in any way but for someone’s higher good.  Once they leave the office, I have no control over what a client may do with the information I provide.  On rare occasion, I do hear through the grapevine that someone may have twisted my words to suit a purpose.  For example, a married man got a reading from me and wanted to know if he could “have an affair”.  The reading said he “could” if he was so inclined.  So what does he do?  Proceeds a few weeks later to hit on a woman and tell her that  “Theresa the tarot reader said I should have an affair so I’m looking for a woman”.  Unfortunately for him, she was a friend of mine and reported back to me.  Banned for life.

4.  Personality conflicts.  Sometimes for no fault of the client or mine, our personalities don’t mesh.  If I am uncomfortable with a person’s vibe, I won’t read for them.  The reading won’t work well if I am tense.  This is never easy but I must face the facts that I cannot possibly read for every person.  For example, aggressive or super neurotic types don’t wash for me (I also don’t read well for “Debbie Downers”).  I will generally refer them to a more suitable tarot reader.  In my opinion,  is better to bring them to a person who will be more sympathetic to their energy rather than struggle through the reading myself.

5.  They are beyond your ability to help. This is a case where someone may need more help that you can give them – for example someone who needs psychiatric care.  I used to see a woman who was in an abusive relationship.  She would only come to me when they broke up – and her questions revolved around whether or not her abuser would come back to her.  (He always did, unfortunately.) She never wanted to get any help to change her situation – she was only concerned about preserving this sick dynamic at all costs.  No amount of tarot readings were going to break the cycle she had created for herself. This was too hard for me to deal with and beyond my ability to reach into her and crack open this vicious cycle she was actively pursuing.  This is a sign that someone needs professional  help.  I gave her the number of a good therapist and refused to see her again.  (All readers should not provide legal, medical or psychiatric services – have a list of appropriate resources handy for referrals if you encounter someone who needs to seek professional help.)

Ultimately, it all comes down to healthy boundaries and mutual respect.  While this is an intuitive and often times emotionally charged business, it IS still a business.  If you are working as a tarot reader, it is up to you to decide who you can serve and how best you can serve them with policies that create appropriate boundaries and a fair and clear presentation that allows clients to know what they can expect.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed

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