Early-stage founders should tolerate difficult clients because their testimonials and revenue are survival fuel. Once you're established, stop. Selectivity becomes possible only after you've built enough cushion to say no.
How do you deal with clients who are jerks? Well, it depends on what stage your business is at. Although you should always delight your customers, when starting out, you're just too vulnerable to afford clients badmouthing you. The references and testimonials that they can provide, especially at this early stage, can make or break your business. If your success hinges on you staying up late, putting up with some attitude, or doing things you normally would not do, that's okay. Do it. This is what it takes to get your business off the ground. When you're more established, you can and should be more picky.
