Working with nervous customers

ConfusedChicca

ConfusedChicca

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Laura
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I'm doing a shoot tomorrow with a man that suffers from anxiety problems. He's OK leaving the house, and the place we're meeting was his idea so I'm hoping all will be fine.
I just wondered if anyone had worked with a nervous/anxious customer before, and if there's anything extra I can to put him at ease?
 
Hmmm, was going to suggest taking a CD player along, get some music on. Get chatting before the shoot, build that all important rapport :) Keep chatting throughout, have a laugh and have fun! Thats like teaching you to suck eggs isnt it? :lol:

Simple, but it should work :)
 
I have lots of tunes on my phone, and he is a producer. Didn't think of that haha. We'll be in the centre of Bradford though, hope the police don't think we're busking or anything.
 
Turn up in the buff, that should divert his worries for a bit :D

:coat:
 
^^^ Go with this, ignore my sound advice :D
 
Lots and lots of coffee! :)


ok maybe not, tbh I'd ask him.
 
Dangleman: If it was sunny I would haha. He doesn't need to exposed to my naked body in the rain, he'll never leave the house again.
Yeah I'm not sure about the coffee, I'm thinking the caffeine would raise his heart rate which might feel like a panic attack?
 
Give him a couple of extra-strong espressos. Then mention that some people at the bus stop were slagging him off behind his back. Then go into a spiel about how mortgage rates are rising and loads of people are having their houses reposessed and being made homeless.

When he's nice and chilled out, do the shoot :)

(Sorry :D)
 
Espresso makes people wired, not relaxed. Get some single malt down his belly ;)
 
As someone who has suffered from totally irrational anxiety, caffeine is not the way to go and in my mind was most likely the cause, if they have suggested the location, just get out there and do it, be happy and confident, it rubs off, if your subject is not confident - scrap it and think about another day !
 
Booze?

No, that's probably not helpful ;)
 
Hi CC,

As a psychiatric nurse, I work daily with people who experience anxiety.

Anxiety symptoms occur predominantly as a result of too much Adreniline in the system. This is usually combined with overbreathing (hyperventilation) which causes a build up of oxygen in the bloodstream. These two factors cause the majority of uncomfortable symptoms.

Has your client spoken to you about his anxiety or are you basing your judgement on observation? Also what symptoms does the chap experience?

If you are able to supply a little more detail I may be able to suggest some specific strategies that may help :)

HTH,

Alan
 
The b****r only went and cancelled, via a Facebook msg at 4am!!!
He knew the full fee would be payable if he cancelled, so he'll be getting a call this afternoon to see when the money will be in.
Really sick of people cancelling at the last minute.
 
Hey, if you get paid anyway that's the best kind of job!
 
ConfusedChicca said:
The b****r only went and cancelled, via a Facebook msg at 4am!!!
He knew the full fee would be payable if he cancelled, so he'll be getting a call this afternoon to see when the money will be in.
Really sick of people cancelling at the last minute.
Click to expand...

I had a feeling this would be the outcome tbh, but have only just read the thread. I can understand you wanting to still charge him, its business lost after all. But the last part of what you said is a little unfair on this occasion. You knew he suffered with anxiety problems, so you must have known him cancelling would be a very high possibility. I can tell you he messaged you to cancel at that time, most likely after spending all night in a panic and not able to sleep, due to the impending doom. Been there, done that, still wearing the t-shirt :(

That aside I completely understand your frustrations on people canceling. My Model shoot for tomorrow is off because the model emailed me to say she had a cold. She wants to reschedule, but gave no specifics, which makes me think maybe she doesn't :( Oh well.
 
Hooky said:
Hi CC,
Anxiety symptoms occur predominantly as a result of too much Adreniline in the system. This is usually combined with overbreathing (hyperventilation) which causes a build up of oxygen in the bloodstream. These two factors cause the majority of uncomfortable symptoms.
Click to expand...

I never knew that! Adreniline the "fight or flight" hormone causing it.
 
ConfusedChicca said:
The b****r only went and cancelled, via a Facebook msg at 4am!!!
He knew the full fee would be payable if he cancelled, so he'll be getting a call this afternoon to see when the money will be in.
Really sick of people cancelling at the last minute.
Click to expand...

I've suffered most of my life with anxiety problems too. Like Jo said he probably cancelled while in a terrible state at that time of night.
Its probably best not to be in an annoyed or pushy state when you phone him.
He's probably feeling down on himself for canceling now.
 
Well ignoring my (very calm I might add) text isn't going to help, he was OK to message me on facebook. I know I should cut him some slack, and I have done in arranging this shoot after he cancelled last time.
I offered to go to his home to make things easier for him, and he's launching a new club night soon which he will be at.
 
It doesn't work as simply as your implying hon. It probably took him a lot to message you on facebook. Confrontation with you (no matter how calm iyo) is not something he will want or need. He is probably thinking if he replies to your text you will know he has the phone in his hand and you may try to call him, making him feel very uneasy, and likely to trigger a panic attack. People with anxiety suffer whenever things move out from their comfort zones. Honestly... it may be beneficial to you to do a web search for facts. Maybe you will understand a little better then, and should the situation arise again, you could understand better and maybe not be so mad yourself.

I know if I cause anyone inconvieniece, no matter how small. I feel too ashamed to even talk to the person involved. Not to mention I can't handle any possible questions/confrontation that may arise ... Panic attacks follow any such situation usually.

I hope you're taking this in the spirit with which it is meant :)
 
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