When you run a business, not every client experience is smooth sailing. On Episode 255 of The Rundown with Ramon, small business expert and ZoneofGenius.com publisher Ramon Ray dives deep into what to do when a client owes you money, makes a public scene, or you simply feel like giving up.
(Don't miss out. Subscribe for free to the ZoneofGenius.com email newsletter)
Joining Ramon were two powerhouse entrepreneurs: Lanika Johnson, founder of Trash Logic and Press Staffing, and Robert Kennedy III, communications expert and founder of Kinetic Communications. Together, they unpacked common challenges small business owners face—and how to navigate them with grace, grit, and clear communication.
Listen to the podcast and subscribe
🎯 Key Takeaways from the Show
- Difficult clients don’t define your business. Don’t let one unhappy customer overshadow 9,999 happy ones.
- Get serious about collections. Lanika recommends having a dedicated person responsible for following up on overdue invoices.
- Stay calm and professional in public reviews. A defensive or snarky response will always do more harm than good.
- Don’t be afraid to get a job—temporarily. Robert reminds us that taking a job doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It might just be a pit stop.
- Have a clear “why.” Knowing your purpose can help you push through the tough times in business.
Handling That One Difficult Client
Every business has one: the squeaky wheel. That one customer who complains loudly, leaves a bad review, or creates tension during an event. Lanika Johnson says the key is perspective.
“You service thousands, and one person complains,” she explains. “Don’t take it personally.”
Instead of responding with emotion, Lanika and Robert both recommend reaching out directly to the customer. If it’s a misunderstanding, clear it up. If they’re simply not a fit, graciously let them go. “Snarky replies never age well,” Robert added.
What to Do When a Client Owes You Money
Few situations rattle a business owner like unpaid invoices. Lanika didn’t hesitate with her response: “I’m getting my money.” Her strategy? A dedicated VA focused solely on collections, contracts with a “right to cure,” and a firm but fair tone.
Robert chimed in with a dose of humility, noting he’s been on both sides—owed money and owing it. “Life happens,” he said. “But communication is everything.”
If a client is dodging you, avoid chasing them blindly. Calculate the cost of pursuing the payment versus writing it off. If it’s substantial, legal action may be worth it. If not, learn the lesson and protect yourself better next time.
Burnout, Doubt, and the Temptation to Quit
There’s a point in every entrepreneur’s journey when quitting sounds easier than pushing through. Ramon opened the floor to discuss what to do when you just feel like giving up.
“Sometimes,” said Robert, “you need to delay—not quit. Maybe get a job to stabilize yourself, then come back swinging.”
Lanika echoed this but challenged entrepreneurs to look at their effort. “Are you doing the uncomfortable but necessary things to grow? Or just what’s easy?”
Maria, a guest listener, gave a moving testimony about enduring a divorce, a foreclosure, and massive life change—all while building her business. “Ask yourself: what is my calling? Is there more I’m meant to do?”
“Burn the Boats” — The Mindset of Commitment
Robert closed the episode with a powerful analogy: when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in the New World, he told his men to burn the boats. There was no going back. “That’s what commitment looks like,” Robert said.
Lanika shared her own story of starting a company after divorce with less than $20. “Three years later, I had a multi-million dollar company,” she said. “I sacrificed so I could build something lasting for my children.”
Episode Sponsor Shoutouts
- Cre8tiveCon: A creative entrepreneur conference happening February 2026 in Chicago – Cre8tiveCon.com
- IYMS Youth Leadership Conference: Inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in Myrtle Beach, SC – iyms.world
Related articles
Give Up or Quit. There Is a Difference Says Seth Godin(Opens in a new browser tab)
Do You Need To Scale Your Business To Be a Success?(Opens in a new browser tab)
How To Recover From Burnout (And How Long Does it Take)(Opens in a new browser tab)
