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Last updated on Feb 6, 2025
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  3. Business Relationship Management

Dealing with a client who always pushes project deadlines. Can you effectively manage their expectations?

Clients who frequently delay projects can disrupt your workflow and stress your team. To manage their expectations effectively, consider these strategies:

  • Set clear deadlines: Establish firm deadlines at the project's outset and communicate their importance.

  • Regular updates: Provide frequent progress reports to keep the client informed and engaged.

  • Address delays proactively: Discuss potential impacts of delays and offer solutions to keep the project on track.

How have you handled clients who push deadlines? Share your experiences.

Business Relationship Management Business Relationship Management

Business Relationship Management

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Last updated on Feb 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. Sales
  3. Business Relationship Management

Dealing with a client who always pushes project deadlines. Can you effectively manage their expectations?

Clients who frequently delay projects can disrupt your workflow and stress your team. To manage their expectations effectively, consider these strategies:

  • Set clear deadlines: Establish firm deadlines at the project's outset and communicate their importance.

  • Regular updates: Provide frequent progress reports to keep the client informed and engaged.

  • Address delays proactively: Discuss potential impacts of delays and offer solutions to keep the project on track.

How have you handled clients who push deadlines? Share your experiences.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
11 answers
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    Nancy DaCorsi

    Software Sales Pioneer @ IronOrbit | Specialized Cloud Services Leader "Helping Law Firms Enhance Security and Efficiency with IronOrbit"

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    Use the “Iron Triangle” of Project Management Quality, Time, and Cost. Be clear with your client that these three factors are interconnected. If the deadline is pushed, the quality or cost might be affected. This can help them understand the consequences of constantly shifting deadlines.

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    Herry Midian Davidson Simandjuntak

    Country Head-Indonesia

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    Managing deadlines in Indonesia is not just about strict enforcement but about navigating cultural nuances with diplomacy, patience, and strategic communication. By blending relationship-building with structured project management, you can minimize delays while maintaining long-term business success.

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    2
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    Jenna Bisschop

    Saulteau First Nations | CMO & Business Development | 🔜 PMP | Business Mentor

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    During the scope determination phase, it's essential to establish that Time, Cost, and Quality are all interdependent—if one shifts, the others will inevitably be impacted. Implementing a formal change order request process is crucial to managing any adjustments. Additionally, ensure that key stakeholders sign off on the agreed-upon Scope of Work (SOW) before the project commences, clearly outlining what is included and what is not.

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    Ken Pholsena, PhD

    Investment Management|Asset Allocation|Portfolio Management|Risk Management|Sustainable Investing|Multi-Asset Classes|Financial Services|Wealth Management|Investment Strategy|Investment Transition & Merger

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    Meeting deadlines is crucial in project work. To ensure success, it is essential to understand client expectations and create a tailored plan. Regular communication with clients helps identify potential obstacles and prevents delays. By setting clear goals and working collaboratively with clients, we can mitigate risks and manage expectations, ultimately ensuring timely project completion.

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    1
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    Anil Kaushal

    Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing, Automat Industries Private Ltd

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    Meeting Project Deadlines is important of irrespective of type of clients. a) Important aspects is the clarity of scope of work between client and vendor which sometimes results into conflict leading to delay of project deadlines. b) Execution Team should be aligned according to project deadlines and should sense the projects requirements timely. c) Vendors Supply Chain and Logistics Management Team has to be aligned according to project deadlines. d) Payments terms are important to keep in check in Pushy Clients. Timely release of payments helps to maintain the execution of project deadlines. e) Most important all discussions must be documented rather on verbal assurances.

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    1
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    Thomas Mey

    Manager bei MediaMarktSaturn

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    Yes, communication is the key. As always. Do what you say and say what you do. Anticipate doubts, risks and make pendencies transparent.

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    Pinal Prajapati

    SEO Specialist | Experienced Freelancer | SEO Consultant | AISEO | Digital Marketing Expert | Technical SEO Expert | Web Development | E-Commerce Development

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    Yes, it is important to find a solution. First, be clear about expectations and comprehend the difficulties facing the seller. Establish performance tracking and negotiate updated deadlines. To guarantee commitment, take into account rewards or punishments. If problems continue, look into other suppliers while remaining professional to preserve the business partnership. Collaboration that works results in long-term success.

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    Ihor Hrabovych

    Fintech Strategy Architect | Chairman

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    Start by creating a project timeline with set milestones and explaining how client feedback influences each deadline. Provide regular progress updates to keep the client engaged and aware of their role in maintaining the schedule. If delays persist, be direct about the consequences, whether it’s increased costs or quality trade-offs, and propose realistic alternatives, like adjusting scope or splitting deliverables. By linking each delay to tangible outcomes, you’ll encourage the client to stay on schedule.

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    Liam Cole

    Creating Meaningful Relationships & Exceptional Client Experiences | Director at Poppins | Advisor | Connector and a lifelong student of longevity

    • Report contribution

    No is a complete sentence. Don't be afraid of being clear and firm with the client. Often, the most you say, the more it looks, feels and sounds like you are trying to convince them.

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