STRONG AND DEPENDABLE

3.The Crocodile-Type Customer

In Parts 1 and 2, we covered loyal customers (horses) and dominant customers (lions). Now, let’s talk about a different kind of presence in sales and life—the crocodile.

Crocodiles wait for the right moment to latch on and drain your energy. These individuals are not just difficult customers; they can be colleagues, acquaintances, or even old friends. The key to handling them is not just about dealing with their demands but avoiding unnecessary engagement altogether.

In this part, you will learn about:

• The Crocodile-Type Customer and their characteristic traits

• How they drain your energy

• Most importantly, how to distance yourself from them without unnecessary conflict

A crocodile lurks beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to strike. It doesn’t chase prey for long distances but rather pulls it into deep water, drowning it slowly.

Lacosta-type individuals operate in the same way. They don’t openly attack but gradually wear you down with endless complaints, unreasonable demands, and negativity. They take from you—your time, energy, and mental peace—without giving anything valuable in return.

Crocodile-type customers exhibit common traits:

• Never Satisfied – They ask for favors, demand more than they pay for, and rarely show appreciation.

• Emotionally Draining – Conversations with them leave you feeling exhausted, mentally drained, stressed, or frustrated.

• Persistent Negativity – They criticize more than they contribute.

• Constant Complaining – They always have something negative to say. No solution is good enough, and no effort satisfies them.

• Never-Ending Conversations – They drag out discussions without ever reaching a decision, wasting hours of your time.

You might not even realize how much they drain you until you step back and assess their impact. These individuals can be your customers, colleagues, or even old friends who constantly pull you into their problems without considering your well-being.

Some "Lacostas" won’t respect boundaries, no matter how diplomatically you handle them. If you notice:

• They become aggressive when you limit interaction.

• They guilt-trip you into staying connected.

• They ignore your need for space.

Then it’s time to walk away completely. Block, unfollow, or stop engaging. Your energy is too valuable to waste.

You don’t need a confrontation to step away from a "Lacosta". Instead, use subtle yet effective techniques to limit their influence:

• Set Clear Boundaries – Be firm about your availability. If they call at odd hours, don’t pick up. If they demand extra work, politely decline.

• Limit Your Responses – Keep your answers brief and neutral. Avoid getting pulled into long discussions or justifying yourself.

• Redirect the Conversation – Shift the focus back onto them. Ask, “What solutions have you tried?” This forces them to think instead of relying on you for everything.

• Delay Your Replies – Don’t respond immediately. If they sense urgency, they will keep pressing. By slowing your responses, they may lose interest.

• Suggest Alternatives – Instead of solving their problems, guide them to other resources. Say, “That’s outside my scope, but I know someone who can help.”

• Gradual Disengagement – Reduce interactions over time. Shorten conversations, decline invitations, and step away without making it obvious.

Negative commenters on your posts across social channels can also be seen as reptiles. They may drain your energy if you engage with them. Instead of arguing, consider:

• Ignoring Non-Constructive Criticism – Not every comment deserves a response.

A beneficial side: enhancing your social media metrics by increasing the number of comments, as supporters debate or express disagreement with their negative remarks. Hence, consider:

• Letting Others Respond – Sometimes, supporters will step in naturally.

• Using Their Comments to Your Advantage – More comments mean higher reach.

You can’t always avoid them entirely, but you can minimize their influence. Here’s how:

• Set Clear Boundaries – Politely decline requests that drain your time and energy.

• Keep Conversations Short – The less engagement, the better.

• Stay Professional – If they are your company customers, remain courteous but firm.

• Redirect the Interaction – Shift the focus to something constructive.

• Know When to Walk Away – If a relationship offers no value and only takes, it’s time to step back.

Reptiles don’t change. But you can control your exposure to them. By setting boundaries, limiting engagement, and recognizing when to step away, you save your time and energy.

This type of customer is everywhere, but they don’t have to take a place in your life. Recognizing them early and handling them wisely keeps your energy intact for those customers who truly matter.

This was Part 3. In the next part, we’ll uncover another customer types—and how to handle them effectively. Follow me to make sure you don’t miss it!

To be continued…