How I Handled a “Difficult” Client (and Fixed My Own Mistake)

This is a story about a difficult client.But more importantly, this is a story about my own mistake — and how I corrected it before it turned into a disaster.

The First Mistake

I took a website company profile project from a client.At the beginning, everything looked normal.

Then came the first red flag.

The client asked for a separate personal benefit outside the official project scope.No need to sugarcoat it. I agreed.

I knew it was wrong. I knew it blurred professional boundaries. But I accepted it anyway, because I wanted the project to move forward.

That was my first mistake.

The Second Mistake: Starting Without a Signed Agreement

We agreed on the numbers.I received the initial payment.

But the Project Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was still unsigned.

To be clear:

• I already prepared the agreement from the start.
• I already sent it.
• I already followed up.

But I allowed the project to start anyway.

That was mistake number two.

When Problem Started to Surface

Once the project was running, the real issues appeared:

• The client’s PIC was slow to give feedback
• Messages in the group chat were ignored
• Deadlines became vague
• Communication felt one-sided