| Hi Blogger, Last week I dipped into the idea of conversations with "green flag" clients. These are your ideal clients that you’ve built relationships with on mutual trust and respect. The kind of clients you love to be around and get you out of bed in the morning! These are also the people you can have courageous conversations with … the tough talks … … about changes to your services or pricing … potential in their horses or time for retirement … and sometimes the really tough talks, like when it's time to let go of dreams or beloved partners. The point is, these are the people you can sit down with and have these deep conversations that have a meaningful close. You’re probably saying, “Sounds nice! I wish I could talk to all my clients like that!” You can. Well, sort of. Chances are, at some point you’re going to get some PUSHBACK. How you handle that client's pushback and frustration is key to building a better relationship for the future. Below are a few tips for your next courageous conversation. 1. Why the changes were necessary and how these changes will enable you to work at your highest level 2. How these new changes benefit the client 3. Or why the client isn’t meeting guidelines (be sure you have your written guidelines available to explain) 4. Allow the client to voice any and all concerns and questions (you may have been thinking about this for weeks, but it’s new to them) 5. Allow space. Pause and allow silence so they can complete their comments and feel heard. Don’t rush to reply 6. Tell them that you’d like to take some time to think about the points they made and can you agree to discuss this further at a later date 7. Be authentic 8. Don’t overpromise 9. Stand your ground, but be respectful and fair Practice these tips. Start with easier conversations and get a feel for allowing the conversation to flow. Keep in touch with me through social media and let me know what topics can help you in your horse business! To your success, Catherine and the team at Red Mare Enterprises | 
